Macon County, IL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Macon County Environmental Management Dept.
- Recyclables defined
- paper, glass, plastics, ferrous/non-ferrous metals
- Single stream recycling
- commingled in one container
- Recycling facility permit
- exempt from disposal permit rule
- Illegal dumping fine
- $150-$500 per offense
Summary
Unincorporated Macon County's Solid Waste chapter defines recyclables as source-separated or commingled paper, glass, plastics, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals, with single stream recycling letting residents combine those materials in one container. Recycling facilities that accept those clean materials are exempt from the county's discharge and dumping permit requirement, unlike disposal of other refuse.
RECYCLABLES. Source separated, commingled, and/or unsorted including but not limited to paper and paper products, glass, plastics, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals to be processed for recycling. ... SINGLE STREAM RECYCLING. Acceptable recyclables that are commingled or single-sorted into one collection container instead of being sorted into separate commodities. ... recycling facilities accepting one or more of the following clean materials for recycling: paper and paper products, glass, plastics, ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Full Breakdown
Macon County Code Chapter 50 governs solid waste in the unincorporated county, enforced by the Macon County Environmental Management Department (MCEM). 01 defines RECYCLABLES as source-separated, commingled, or unsorted paper and paper products, glass, plastics, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals processed for recycling, and defines SINGLE STREAM RECYCLING as acceptable recyclables commingled or single-sorted into one collection container instead of being separated by commodity. 04(A), no person may discharge, deposit, dump, or place refuse anywhere in the county other than a facility permitted by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, but the section carves out an exemption for recycling facilities accepting clean paper, glass, plastics, or ferrous and non-ferrous metals, so a qualifying recycler does not need the disposal-facility permit a landfill or transfer station requires.
04(I). Residents who want curbside recycling need to check with their subscribed hauler, since the county code does not itself mandate curbside recycling collection, only defines the material and exempts qualifying facilities from the disposal permit rule. 99.
Violations & Fines
Illegally dumping refuse, including recyclable material, outside a permitted facility or the recycling-facility exemption violates § 50.04(A) and is a misdemeanor under § 50.99: a fine of not less than $150 nor more than $500 per offense, with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense. The county may also seek injunctive relief to restrain or abate the violation under § 50.99(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Macon County require curbside recycling in unincorporated areas?
What materials count as recyclables under the county code?
Is single stream recycling legal in Macon County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Macon County
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