Dutchess County, NY Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Program
- Mandatory source separation
- First offense
- Warning only
- Second offense
- $50 fine + $50 penalty
- Later offenses
- $500-$1,000 civil penalty
- Enforced by
- Commissioner of Solid Waste Management
Summary
Dutchess County requires everyone to separate recyclable materials, paper, cardboard, glass, cans, plastics and aluminum, from solid waste before collection or drop-off, under a countywide program run by the Commissioner of Solid Waste Management.
A program is hereby established for the mandatory source separation of recyclable materials within the County. All persons shall separate recyclable materials from solid waste before either setting out solid waste for collection pursuant lawful procedure or disposing of it at an authorized solid waste management-resource recovery facility.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4887874; v22 updated 2025-04-15; through 04-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
Dutchess County Code § 256-12 establishes a mandatory source-separation program: all persons must separate recyclable materials from solid waste before setting it out for collection or disposing of it at a solid waste management-resource recovery facility. Designated recyclables, office paper, cardboard, newspaper, cans, glass, plastic, aluminum products, tires and major appliances, are defined at § 256-10. Materials go into a separate container, and once deposited there they become county property under § 256-13. Owners of apartment buildings, condos and hotels must also provide and maintain on-site recycling drop-offs under § 256-15. The Commissioner of Solid Waste Management enforces the program countywide, including within Poughkeepsie, Beacon and every town.
Violations & Fines
First offense draws a warning only. A second offense within a year brings a $50 fine plus a $50 civil penalty; a subsequent offense carries a $500 to $1,000 civil penalty. Violators can also lose collecting, hauling or disposal privileges under § 256-22.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has to be separated for recycling in Dutchess County?
Who owns recyclables once they're set out?
Do apartment or condo complexes have separate rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dutchess County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Dutchess County to another location·View the New York trash & recycling overview
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