Springfield, IL Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 105.11
- Fine for leaving material out
- $500 per day, separate offense each day
- Tipster reward
- Up to $100 of the fine
- Accepted plastics
- #1 PETE and #2 HDPE bottles/jugs
- Scavenging ban
- Only licensed haulers may collect set-out recyclables
Summary
Springfield requires recyclables to go in an approved receptacle; leaving material out without one violates City Code Sec. 105.11 and carries a $500 daily fine. The accepted-materials list covers PETE and HDPE plastics, food and beverage glass, aluminum and tin cans, and clean cardboard and paper.
(a)Recyclable materials shall be placed in recycling receptacles.(b)When the receptacle is removed for any reason, recyclable items shall not be left at the site. Deposits may be made only when receptacles are on site. A violation of this section is punishable by a fine of $500. Each day the violation exists constitutes a separate offense. One hundred dollars of said fine may be paid to any individual providing information leading to the charging and conviction of the offender.(c)The recycling program will include the materials as designated by the office of public works from time to time... Initially these items shall include:(1)Plastics.a.#1 PETE: Clear and green beverage bottles...b.#2 HDPE: Milk and water jugs of clear plastic...(2)Glass.a.Clear or colored jars, bottles and jugs only, provided the glass has contained an edible food or beverage item...(3)Cans.a.Aluminum: beverage cans and pie pans.b.Tin cans and bi-metal cans...(4)Cardboard, newspapers and papers that are dry and free from contaminants.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 82).
Full Breakdown
Springfield's curbside recycling ordinance, Sec. 105.11, only accepts material once it's placed in an approved recycling receptacle; leaving recyclables out after a receptacle has been removed, or dropping items at the curb before a bin is delivered, violates subsection (b) and carries a $500 fine, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense. The city also offers a bounty: up to $100 of that fine can go to anyone whose tip leads to the offender being charged and convicted.
What counts as recyclable is set by the office of public works and can expand or shrink as markets change. As of the current Code text, the accepted list covers #1 PETE and #2 HDPE plastic bottles and jugs, other plastics once end markets accept them, clear or colored glass jars and bottles that held food or beverages (no other glass), aluminum beverage cans and pie pans, tin and bi-metal cans, and cardboard, newspaper, and paper that's dry and free of contaminants.
The bins themselves stay city property under Sec. 105.10 even after delivery to a resident; if a recycling customer moves within the city they can arrange to keep the program through their hauler, but bins must go back to the hauler if the customer leaves the program or moves outside city limits. Only licensed refuse haulers may collect material set out for recycling: Sec. 105.14 makes it unlawful for anyone else to collect, obtain, possess, or pick up recyclables placed at the curb, and Sec. 105.15 confirms ownership stays with the household until it's handed over to the designated program, closing the door on scavenging.
Violations & Fines
Leaving recyclables at the curb without a receptacle on site, or after the bin has been removed, violates Sec. 105.11(b) and carries a $500 fine, with each day treated as a separate offense; up to $100 of that fine can be paid to a tipster whose information leads to conviction. Separately, anyone other than a licensed refuse hauler who collects material set out for recycling violates Sec. 105.14's ban on scavenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I leave recyclables at the curb without a bin?
What materials does Springfield's curbside recycling program accept?
Can someone else take the recyclables I set out at the curb?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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