Lower Paxton, PA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Section 165-14 of the Lower Paxton Township Code sets three conduct rules that apply once a household or business is separating recyclables. Subsection H requires recyclable materials to be placed at the curb or other designated area separated from solid waste, or taken to drop-off sites, at such times, dates, manner and places as the Township establishes or authorizes. Subsection G directs the Township or its authorized agent to promulgate regulations on the manner, days and time of collection, and on billing, handling, location and time of placement, for each program, including residential, multifamily and commercial sources.

Subsection I turns recyclables into public property. From the time of placement at the curb, designated location or an authorized drop-off center, the items become the property of the Township or its authorized agent or contractor. A person not authorized by the Township commits a violation by collecting or picking them up, or causing them to be collected. The code adds that any and each collection in violation, from one or more locations, is a separate and distinct offense, so a scavenger who works several addresses faces a count for each collection.

Subsection J covers the trash side. It is unlawful to dispose of any item on the mandatory list in Subsection D commingled with other solid waste not required to be recycled, or to dispose of such items in other places that will not ensure that items are recycled. The only exception is material so contaminated that it is unacceptable for recycling. Subsection K forbids anyone other than a registered collector, or a licensed municipal waste hauler, from collecting or transporting recyclable materials extracted from municipal waste as a regular hauling business in or from the Township. Registration with the Township carries no charge. Subsection B adds that recyclables separated for materials recovery are not solid waste under the article unless they become unmarketable.