Richardson, TX Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Recycling container color
- Blue only
- Collection frequency
- At least once weekly
- Contaminated bin
- Garbage in blue bin not collected
- Weight limit
- Containers over 50 lbs not collected
- Sole provider
- City is exclusive residential recycling collector
Summary
Richardson residents must set out recyclables only in blue disposable containers, which the city collects at least once a week. Garbage, trash or waste placed in a blue container will not be picked up, and any other container color, such as black or white, is reserved for regular trash and garbage.
All occupants of residences or dwelling houses in the city shall use disposable containers. Any disposable container may be used; however, disposable containers which are blue in color are designated for recyclable materials only. Garbage, trash, or waste of any kind placed in blue disposable containers will not be collected. Other disposable container colors, such as black or white, may be used for residential trash and garbage. No person shall use a disposable container of lesser strength or quality than that specified by the city. All disposable containers shall be securely fastened and the city shall not collect disposable containers which weigh more than 50 pounds. [Sec. 19-28(c)] All recyclable materials shall be collected and removed from every residence in the city at least once per week unless otherwise ordered by the director of public services and in full adherence to all EPA and/or TCEQ rules and regulations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 19-27 designates blue disposable containers for recyclable materials only; any garbage, trash or waste placed in a blue container will not be collected, while black, white or other colored containers may be used for regular residential trash. Containers must be securely fastened, cannot be of lesser strength or quality than the city specifies, and the city will not collect a container that weighs more than 50 pounds; the city may update container specifications at any time. Section 19-28(c) sets the pickup frequency: recyclable materials must be collected and removed from every residence at least once per week, in full adherence to EPA and TCEQ rules, unless the director of public services orders otherwise. Section 19-4(d) makes the city the exclusive provider of residential recycling collection service, meaning a customer cannot substitute a private hauler for curbside recycling; customers pay whatever charges the city council establishes in the Master Fee Schedule.
Violations & Fines
The code enforces recycling contamination through non-collection rather than a direct fine: material placed in a blue container that is not recyclable simply is not picked up, and any container over 50 pounds is left at the curb. Piling recyclable material or trash directly on a sidewalk or street instead of using a proper container violates section 19-26(b), which section 1-8(c) punishes with a fine of up to $2,000 as a public-health-and-sanitation offense, with each continuing day treated as a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Richardson to another location·View the Texas trash & recycling overview
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle recycling requirements.