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Annapolis, MD Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Participation
Mandatory for curbside solid-waste customers
Collection
Weekly, per published City schedule
Bundle limit
Paper/cardboard: 35 lbs, 1 ft thick
Ownership
Recyclables become City property once curbed
Max fine
$1,000 per day (§ 10.16.280)

Summary

Annapolis requires every resident whose solid waste the City collects to also participate in mandatory weekly curbside recycling, sorting materials into a City-approved container under Chapter 10.16 of the Annapolis City Code.

There is established by the City of Annapolis a mandatory residential curbside recycling program for the collection of recyclable materials from all residents of the City whose solid waste is collected by or on behalf of the City.B.Collections of recyclable materials shall be made once a week except in cases where the collection day falls upon a holiday recognized by the City. All collections shall occur in accordance with the solid waste or recycling schedule publicly advertised by the City.C.All residents of the City within the area serviced by the curbside program shall place all recyclable materials into a City approved recycling container which the resident or occupant shall place at the curb fronting their residence in the manner designated by this chapter and on the date specified for collection on the schedule published by the City.D.Recyclable materials may be commingled into City approved recycling containers. Paper and cardboard shall be placed in the recycling container, in paper bags, or tied into bundles not to exceed thirty-five pounds in weight and not exceed one foot in thickness. (Ord. No. O-33-12 Amended, § I, 10-14-2013)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Annapolis City Code § 10.16.180 makes curbside recycling participation mandatory, not optional, for every resident who gets City solid-waste collection. Recyclables go into a City-approved container placed at the curb on the publicly advertised collection day, with pickup once a week (shifted when the day falls on a holiday). Paper and cardboard can be bagged or bundled up to thirty-five pounds and one foot thick; other recyclables may be commingled. Once collected, the materials become City property under § 10.16.200, and § 10.16.190 makes it unlawful for anyone other than the City or its contractors to take them back off the curb. Multi-unit complexes not served by curbside pickup must run their own program under § 10.16.250 instead.

Violations & Fines

Violating any Chapter 10.16 requirement, including the recycling-participation rules, is a municipal infraction under § 10.16.280 punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 per day, with each day of continued violation counted separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycling mandatory in Annapolis?
Yes. Annapolis City Code § 10.16.180 requires every resident whose solid waste the City collects to also participate in curbside recycling, sorting materials into a City-approved container each collection week.
Can someone else take my recyclables off the curb?
No. Once placed at the curb, recyclables become City property under § 10.16.200, and § 10.16.190 makes unauthorized removal by anyone but the City or its contractors a municipal infraction.

Sources & Official References

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