Hamburg Village, NY Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Section 198-12 of the Village of Hamburg Code, amended 7-18-2016 by L.L. No. 6-2016, sets the handling rules for recyclables under the Municipal Solid Waste Law. Subsection B requires all recyclable materials to be placed in a recyclable container as defined in the Code. That definition in § 198-8 is a rigid plastic container or bin provided to residents by the Village, or a like metal or rigid plastic container with drainage holes, used solely for recyclables and not exceeding 40 pounds when filled.

Subsection C transfers ownership: from the time a resident places recyclables at the curb for collection, they become the property of the Village of Hamburg or its authorized agent. It is then a violation for any person without Village authority to collect, pick up or remove them, and each collection, picking up or removal from one or more premises is a separate and distinct offense. That language targets scavenging and unlicensed haulers, and § 198-24A gives it teeth: an unauthorized business collecting recyclables faces a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $5,000, up to 15 days in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.

Subsection D makes it a violation to put out at the curb any can or container other than one holding municipal solid waste or recyclable materials, and subsection E states the Village will not collect waste or recyclables from any residential, commercial, industrial or institutional property where they are not separated under the article. Licensed collectors are bound as well: § 198-17D bars them from accepting waste that has not been source separated, and § 198-17B requires them to offer recycling collection to the commercial, industrial and institutional customers they serve. A household that is refused service must follow § 198-13 and take the rejected materials back from the curb.