Rowlett, TX Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Section 50-1, adopted by Ordinance No. 019-24 on August 20, 2024, provides in subsection (b): "Polycarts and recycling bins provided by the franchise solid waste hauler are hereby declared to be the only approved containers for disposal of solid waste and recycling," and in subsection (d): "Unless otherwise exempt by the terms of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to dispose of garbage, trash, recyclables, and other solid waste except through commercial container service or in the approved containers. " Section 50-2(a) tells residents how to set the recycling cart out: the recycling polycart should be placed approximately three feet from and adjacent to the trash polycart so both can be mechanically emptied.

Section 50-8(a) defines what actually counts as recyclable material eligible for that cart: plastic PET and HDPE, aluminum beverage cans, steel (tin) cans, clear, brown, and green glass, and cardboard, paper, and newsprint, and the same section makes it a separate offense for anyone other than the resident or an authorized carrier to remove recyclables left at curbside, with each unauthorized removal a separate violation. Section 50-6(i) bars unacceptable waste, including untreated medical waste, vehicle batteries, tires, refrigerants, and hazardous chemicals, from being placed in either the trash or recycling container. 00, and the article is expressly a strict liability offense with no intent required to prove.