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

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

Key Facts

Governing law
PA Act 101 (53 P.S. §4000.101)
Mandated municipalities
18 in York County
Mandate trigger
Population / density of community
Access to recycling
~99% of county population
Materials list
Set by each municipality

Summary

Under Pennsylvania's Act 101, recycling is mandatory in 18 York County municipalities, determined by population and density. About 99% of the county's population has access to curbside or drop-off recycling. Your specific municipality sets the accepted materials and collection schedule.

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

Act 101 makes recycling a requirement in 18 York County municipalities. Mandatory recycling is based on the population/density of a community. Approximately 99% of York County's population has access to curbside or drop-off recycling programs.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Pennsylvania's Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act (Act 101 of 1988, 53 P.S. §4000.101) requires recycling in larger, denser communities. Per the York County Solid Waste Authority, “Act 101 makes recycling a requirement in 18 York County municipalities,” and mandatory recycling is based on the population/density of a community. Approximately 99% of York County's population has access to curbside or drop-off recycling programs. In mandated municipalities, residents must separate designated recyclables (commonly newspaper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and certain plastics) from trash; the exact materials list and collection method are set by each municipality and its hauler. Residents may also drop recyclables at YCSWA facilities.

Violations & Fines

In mandated municipalities, non-separation of required recyclables is enforced by the municipality under its Act 101 recycling ordinance, typically warnings then fines. Enforcement specifics are set locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycling required in York County, PA?
It is mandatory in 18 York County municipalities under Pennsylvania's Act 101, based on population and density. Roughly 99% of the county's population has access to curbside or drop-off recycling. Check whether your municipality is one of the 18.
Who decides what I can recycle?
Your borough or township sets the accepted-materials list and collection method under its Act 101 program. You can also drop recyclables at York County Solid Waste Authority facilities.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in York County

Bulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All York County rules

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

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