Lenexa, KS Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Two sections of Article 2-11-C split the work between hauler and household. Section 2-11-C-2 requires each refuse hauler to provide every residential customer with a container or containers for recyclables. The recyclable container must be equal to or greater than the size and capacity of the solid waste container supplied to that customer, and every recyclable container must have a lid. The phase-in period for older containers ended July 1, 2012, so a compliant container is now required.

Section 2-11-C-3 covers the household side. The owner or occupant of any dwelling unit which recycles must separate recyclable materials from all other solid waste, place them at curbside for collection, and maintain the recyclable containers and the area surrounding them in a neat, clean and sanitary condition at all times. That last clause is not limited to collection day.

Several neighboring rules shape how the container is handled. Under Section 2-11-D-2, recyclable containers are stored on the residential premises, and no one may leave them in front of the building setback line or existing building line in a residential area except on collection day or up to twenty-four hours before the designated pickup time. Section 2-11-K-1(F) makes it unlawful to tamper with, damage, scavenge or remove a refuse container or any contents, including newspaper, aluminum, tin, glass or plastic, placed in or adjacent to refuse containers. Section 2-11-K-1(B) bars depositing refuse in someone else's container without written consent.

Haulers work within limits too: collection within 200 feet of residential areas cannot begin before 7:00 A.M. or run past sunset (Section 2-11-B-10), and the City can inspect solid waste operations, though not on residential property without the owner's or occupant's authorization or due process of law (Section 2-11-B-12).