Does Monroe County, NY have its own recycling requirements ordinance?

No. Monroe County, NY does not appear to have a local recycling requirements ordinance, New York state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from NY GML §120-aa.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Monroe County

Monroe County, NY Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section: County Code § 347-33
Applies to: All solid waste generators countywide
Local ordinance also required: Every city/town/village, § 347-33.E
Enforcement: Civil action + Penal Law § 55.10

Summary

Monroe County requires recyclable materials to be separated from trash before collection countywide, and bars mixing them back together during transport or storage.

City-specific rules exist: Rochester has its own recycling requirements rules that differ from Monroe County's county-level regulations. If you live in Rochester, check the city-specific page instead.

Prior to initial collection or transport, such solid waste shall be source-separated into recyclable materials and remaining solid waste as provided in the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder. Source-separated recyclable materials shall not be commingled with other solid waste during collection, transportation, processing or storage following collection.

Source: NY GML §120-aaView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4802746; v60 updated 2026-02-10; through 02-10-2026).

Full Breakdown

County Code § 347-33 requires that solid waste left for collection be source-separated into recyclable materials and remaining solid waste per the county's recycling rules and regulations before initial collection or transport. Separated recyclables cannot be commingled with other solid waste during collection, transportation, processing or storage. Every city, town and village must also adopt its own mandatory recycling ordinance under § 347-33.E.

Violations & Fines

Failure to comply is a violation under § 347-37; the county may pursue civil injunctive action plus criminal penalties under Penal Law § 55.10, in addition to any other legal remedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix recyclables back with trash after separating?

No. § 347-33.A(2) bars commingling source-separated recyclables with other solid waste at any point after separation.

Does the county itself write my town's recycling rules?

The county sets the source-separation mandate, but § 347-33.E requires each municipality to also pass its own mandatory recycling ordinance.

Sources & Official References

[1]Monroe County Code § 347-33

Other rules in Monroe County

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Illegal DumpingSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingFew Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Coyote ManagementSignificant Restrictions

All Monroe County rules

New York rules heatmap·Compare Monroe County to another location·View the New York trash & recycling overview

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Recycling Requirements in Cities Across Monroe County

Rochester, NY