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Sangamon County, IL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governs
Unincorporated Sangamon County only
Participation
Voluntary program
Accepted items
Cans, glass, HDPE/PETE, newspaper
Scavenging
Illegal without county license
Penalty
$250-$500 fine per day

Summary

Sangamon County runs a voluntary curbside recycling program for unincorporated residential dwellings, accepting cans, glass, and certain plastics, and it's illegal for anyone without a county license to take recyclables set out for collection.

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

A recycling program is created in the county of Sangamon. This program is voluntary for all owners, agents, tenants or occupants of any residential dwelling unit in the unincorporated areas in the county of Sangamon.

Full Breakdown

Sangamon County created a voluntary curbside recycling program for owners, agents, tenants, and occupants of residential dwellings in the unincorporated county (§8.04.310), collecting aluminum, steel, tin-coated and bi-metal cans, glass bottles and jars, HDPE and PETE containers, and newspapers (§8.04.320). Materials must be cleaned and washed before drop-off at a licensed recycling facility (§8.04.330), and it is unlawful for anyone without a county license to scavenge recyclables from a container set out for collection (§8.04.340).

Violations & Fines

Taking recyclables from a curbside container without a county license is a chapter violation carrying a $250-$500 fine per day (§§8.04.340, 8.04.430).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycling mandatory in unincorporated Sangamon County?
No. The program created by §8.04.310 is voluntary for residential dwelling owners, agents, tenants, and occupants.
Can someone else take my recyclables from the curb?
Not legally. Section 8.04.340 makes it unlawful for anyone without a Sangamon County license to remove recyclables set out for collection.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sangamon County

All Sangamon County rules

Compare Sangamon County to another location·View the Illinois trash & recycling overview

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Recycling Requirements in Cities Across Sangamon County