Little Rock, AR Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Enrollment
- Automatic with city trash service
- Citation
- Sec. 28-17(7); Sec. 28-18(g)
- Contamination ban
- No yard, bulk, or household waste
- Container owner
- City-owned recycling cart
- Penalty basis
- General penalty, Sec. 1-9
Summary
Little Rock automatically provides curbside recycling to every dwelling unit that gets city solid waste collection, and residents must use only approved recycling containers, prepared per the instructions printed on the cart.
Curbside recycling service will be provided to all dwelling units that are provided solid waste collection service by the city or its designee. ... All recyclables shall be placed in approved recycling containers only. Materials shall be prepared in accordance with instructions outlined on the recycling container.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 83).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 28-17(7) of the city code, curbside recycling is bundled automatically with trash service: every dwelling unit that gets city solid waste pickup also gets recycling collection, with no separate sign-up required. Sec. 28-18(g) requires that all recyclables be placed only in the approved recycling container and prepared according to the instructions printed on it. Sec. 28-16(k) separately bars yard waste, bulk waste, medical waste, household waste or garbage from being placed in recycling containers, keeping the recycling stream free of contamination. The public works department issues and maintains the containers as city property.
Violations & Fines
Misusing a city-issued recycling container, or contaminating it with yard waste, bulk waste, medical waste or garbage under Sec. 28-16(k), is punishable under the chapter's general penalty clause, Sec. 28-31, via Sec. 1-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Little Rock residents have to sign up for recycling?
What can go in a Little Rock recycling cart?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Rock
Compare Little Rock to another location·View the Arkansas trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.