Stratford, CT Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Stratford Code § 165-9 opens with the core rule: all recyclables shall be separated from nonrecyclables and prepared for collection according to the procedures in the regulations. Subsection A requires recyclable materials to be placed in containers approved by the Director of Public Works and kept separate from the garbage or rubbish. Subsection B places containers with recyclable materials at curbside and/or at other locations the Director approves. Under subsection C, the Director must prominently publish any new schedule or guidelines whenever the materials collected, the methods of collection or the collection schedule change. Subsection D requires apartments, condominiums and businesses serviced by private collectors to have an area or container designated for recyclables, and that area or container must be labeled.

Several neighboring sections complete the rules. Section 165-10 bars persons with custody or control of residential, industrial or business garbage disposal from disposing of recyclables along with nonrecyclables at the transfer station, and failure to exclude recyclables can bring suspension of disposal privileges, a fine, or both, as the regulations determine. Section 165-12 makes it a violation for any person or business to pick up, procure or tamper with refuse deemed recyclable after it has been placed for collection, unless the Director authorizes it. Section 165-14(C) requires a collector who believes a customer discarded required recyclables with solid waste to notify the Director promptly, and on request to leave a warning tag. Section 165-15 lets the Director permit private parties or charitable organizations to collect recyclable materials if they file a report on the amounts collected.