Louisville, KY Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Metro Code § 51.405
- Container rule
- Cart only, no loose bags
- Set-out window
- 4 p.m. prior day to 6 a.m.
- First-offense fine
- $50 per day
- Repeat-offense fine
- $100 per day
Summary
Louisville Metro households must set out recycling only in Department-provided or approved carts, using only materials that meet the Department's published recycling guidelines: no loose bags allowed.
Only those materials meeting Department-published guidelines for acceptable recycling materials may be set out for recycling collection. Guidelines are published by the Department on Louisville Metro's website. ... No bags containing garbage or recycling can be set outside of the containers.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Louisville Metro Code § 51.405(A)(5), only materials meeting Department-published guidelines for acceptable recycling materials may be set out for collection; guidelines are posted on Louisville Metro's website. Section 51.405(B)(1) requires all household recycling be placed in the Department-provided cart or an approved container meeting § 51.507 standards: no bags of recycling may be set outside the containers. Needles and sharps containers may never be recycled. Recycling must be out by 6:00 a.m. on collection day, no earlier than 4:00 p.m. the day before.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 51.405 is a civil offense enforced by the Code Enforcement Board (§ 51.999(B)): a first offense in a two-year period draws a $50/day fine; repeat offenses within two years draw $100/day, up to $2,500 per day or occurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put recycling out in a garbage bag instead of the cart?
What materials count as acceptable recycling in Louisville Metro?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
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