Appleton, WI Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Section 15-26 defines Recyclables broadly as all materials designated by the Director of Public Works for inclusion in the City recycling program, letting the Department expand or narrow the accepted-materials list administratively without a new ordinance each time the market for a given commodity changes. Once a resident sets recyclables out at the curb, Section 15-32 protects that material from scavenging: it is unlawful for any person other than authorized City employees or county recycling contractors to go through, sort or take anything from any solid waste or recyclable carts that have been set out for the purpose of being picked up.

The section carves out a narrow exception for loose, uncontained material: yard waste, grass clippings, brush, and large bulky or overflow items not confined to a cart are not included in the prohibitions, so a passerby can take a discarded piece of furniture left loose at the curb but cannot open a resident's recycling polycart to remove cans or cardboard. The rule protects the City's own recycling revenue stream, since materials collected under the program are sold to processors, and unauthorized removal both reduces that revenue and can leave carts improperly sorted for the crew that follows.