Bowling Green, KY Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Chapter 20 (Solid Waste Collection) of the Bowling Green Code of Ordinances puts residential recycling collection entirely in the hands of Warren County's franchise system. Sec. 20-1.02.a already reserves solid waste collection, removal and disposal to Warren County's designated solid waste Franchisee and other persons Warren County has authorized; Sec. 20-1.02.b applies the identical rule to recycling, making it unlawful for any person except the County's designated recycling Franchisee to engage in or conduct the business of collecting residential recycling material within the City limits.

Sec. 20-1.02.c reinforces both rules by naming who is specifically barred: private scavengers, pushcart operators and private solid waste collectors may not transport or dispose of solid waste, residential recyclable material or residential yard waste. The Chapter defines a Franchisee at Sec. 20-1.01 as the person, partnership or corporation holding rights or obligations for collection of solid waste, residential recyclable material and residential yard waste under a written franchise agreement with Warren County, meaning the City itself does not run curbside recycling collection directly; it relies on whichever hauler currently holds the County franchise.

Any person who violates the collection restriction, including an unlicensed hauler who tries to pick up recycling bins for hire, is subject to Sec. 20-1.05's penalty: a violation punishable upon conviction by a penalty and fine not to exceed the maximum authorized by law, with each additional day the violation continues charged as a new, separate offense.