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Howard County, IN Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Banned acts: Non-recyclables, contamination, scavenging in recycling bins
Fine range: $100 to $2,500 per offense
Enforcer: County Recycling District Compliance Officer
Coverage area: All incorporated and unincorporated county territory
Evidence rule: Name/address in waste identifies violator
Legal basis: Howard County Code §§ 50.13, 50.99

Summary

Howard County Code § 50.13 bans dumping anything other than recyclables into recycling containers, depositing contaminated recyclables at a Recycling District facility, or scavenging materials from a recycling container, enforced by the County Recycling District with fines of $100 to $2,500 per offense under § 50.99.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Howard County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(5) No person shall discard any materials, other than recyclables, at any facility or in any container intended for collecting recyclables. (6) No person shall deposit any contaminated recyclable materials in or at any city, county or Recycling District facility or container intended for collecting recyclable materials. (7) No person shall conduct scavenging of materials at any facility or in any container intended for collecting recyclable materials. ... (B) (1) In addition to any other costs imposed under this chapter, any person who is found to have violated this chapter, or willfully or negligently failed to comply with any provision of this chapter or with any orders issued hereunder, shall be fined not less than $100, and no more than $2,500 for each offense. Each day a violation shall occur or continue shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense.

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Full Breakdown

13, part of the county's Nuisance Solid Waste Accumulation, Illegal Dumping and Littering chapter, bans three separate acts around the county's recycling system, which covers all incorporated and unincorporated territory in the county under the Howard County Recycling District. 13(B)(5), no one may discard any materials other than recyclables at a facility or in a container meant for collecting recyclables. 12 to include un-rinsed food containers, non-container glass, oil- or pesticide-fouled items, and wet or saturated newspaper, at any city, county or Recycling District recycling facility or container.

13(B)(7), scavenging, defined as the uncontrolled and unauthorized removal of solid waste or recyclables from any point in the waste management system, is likewise banned. 13(B)(8). 14 and may issue warnings, citations and abatement notices. 14(C). 99(B)(3).

Violations & Fines

Discarding non-recyclables in a recycling container, dumping contaminated recyclables at a Recycling District facility, or scavenging from a collection container each violate § 50.13 and draw a fine of $100 to $2,500 per offense under § 50.99(B)(1), with continuing violations billed day by day. Unpaid fines and abatement costs are recorded as a lien against the violator's property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put regular trash in a Howard County recycling container?

No. Section 50.13(B)(5) makes it a violation to discard any materials other than recyclables at a facility or in a container intended for collecting recyclables, and § 50.99(B)(1) sets a fine of $100 to $2,500 for each offense.

What counts as contaminated recycling in Howard County?

Section 50.12 defines CONTAMINATED to include un-rinsed containers with food or product residue, non-container glass, materials with oil, pesticides, fertilizers or other hazardous residue, and wet or saturated newspaper, or any other condition that renders the material un-recyclable. Depositing contaminated recyclables at a Recycling District facility violates § 50.13(B)(6).

Is it illegal to take items out of a recycling bin in Howard County?

Yes. Section 50.13(B)(7) bans scavenging, defined as the uncontrolled and unauthorized removal of solid waste or recyclable materials at any point in the waste management system, and the County Recycling District's Compliance Officer can cite a violator under § 50.99.

Who enforces Howard County's recycling contamination rules?

The County Recycling District's Compliance Officer, or another enforcement authority the District's Director designates, including sheriff's or conservation officers, investigates complaints under § 50.14 and can issue warnings, citations and abatement notices for violations of § 50.13, with penalties recorded in § 50.99.

Sources & Official References

[1]Howard County, Indiana Code of Ordinances (American Legal)

Other rules in Howard County

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All Howard County rules

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