Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Lancaster County

Lancaster County, PA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

State law
Act 101, 53 P.S. §4000.1501
Large-municipality trigger
10,000+ residents
Small-municipality trigger
5,000–10,000 + 300/sq mi density
Minimum separated
Three recyclables + leaf waste
Drop-off option
LCSWMA facilities

Summary

Under PA Act 101, larger Lancaster County municipalities must run recycling programs. Municipalities with 10,000+ residents (or 5,000–10,000 with density over 300/sq mi) must require residents to separate at least three recyclables plus leaf waste.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lancaster County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The three materials shall be chosen from the following: clear glass, colored glass, aluminum, steel and bimetallic cans, high-grade office paper, newsprint, corrugated paper and plastics.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Pennsylvania's Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act (Act 101 of 1988, 53 P.S. §4000.1501) makes recycling mandatory for larger municipalities, not the county itself. A municipality with 10,000+ people, or more than 5,000 but under 10,000 with density above 300 people per square mile, must adopt a source-separation and collection program. Residents in those towns must separate at least three of: clear glass, colored glass, aluminum, steel/bimetallic cans, high-grade office paper, newsprint, corrugated paper, and plastics – plus leaf waste. Smaller, rural Lancaster County townships may be exempt. LCSWMA also offers recycling drop-off at its facilities.

Violations & Fines

Municipalities must adopt an enforcing ordinance; residents in mandated towns who fail to separate required recyclables face fines set by that local ordinance. State grants reward compliant programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycling mandatory in Lancaster County?
In larger municipalities, yes, under PA Act 101. Small rural townships may be exempt. The mandate is on municipalities, not the county.
What must I separate for recycling?
In a mandated municipality, at least three of glass, cans, paper, cardboard, or plastics, plus leaf waste, as chosen by your town's ordinance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lancaster County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Lancaster County rules

Compare Lancaster County to another location·View the Pennsylvania trash & recycling overview

Get notified when Recycling Requirements in Lancaster County, PA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.