St. Louis, MO Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Accepted materials
- Paper, cardboard, cans, glass, No. 1–2 plastics
- Collection agency
- City Refuse Division (solid waste services)
- Scavenging
- Prohibited from any refuse/recycling container
- Penalty
- $500–$1,000 fine or up to 90 days jail
- Governing sections
- §§ 11.02.077, 11.02.185, 11.02.370
Summary
St. Louis defines recyclables by ordinance, newspapers, cardboard, mixed paper, aluminum and steel cans, glass bottles, and No. 1–2 plastic bottles and jugs, and bars scavenging from any container marked for recycling, backed by the code's standard refuse penalties.
"Recyclables" means those materials recovered from the solid waste stream and shall include newspapers, telephone books, corrugated cardboard, paperboard, mixed office paper, magazines and catalogues, aluminum cans, steel food cans, steel aerosol cans, glass bottles (clear, green, and brown) and No. 1 and No. 2 plastic bottles and jugs.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
The Revised Code of the City of St. Louis defines "recyclables" to include newspapers, telephone books, corrugated cardboard, paperboard, mixed office paper, magazines and catalogues, aluminum cans, steel food and aerosol cans, glass bottles, and No. 1 and No. 2 plastic bottles and jugs (§ 11.02.077). Recycling collection is offered by the Refuse Division as part of the City's solid waste services under § 11.02.127.B, rather than mandated item-by-item on residents. Taking materials out of any refuse or recycling container, scavenging, is prohibited under § 11.02.185. Chapter 11.02 violations, including scavenging, carry a fine of $500 to $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail, with each day a separate offense (§ 11.02.370).
Violations & Fines
Scavenging from a recycling or refuse container, or otherwise failing to comply with Chapter 11.02's recycling and refuse rules, is punishable by a $500–$1,000 fine or up to 90 days in jail; each day continues as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials does St. Louis accept for recycling?
Is recycling mandatory for St. Louis residents?
Can I take items out of a recycling bin on the curb?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
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