Recycling Centers in Delaware: 58 Locations

Recycling in Delaware

Delaware has 58 recycling centers across 24 cities, including four free public drop-off centers run by the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) plus dozens of private facilities and electronics recyclers. Recycling in Delaware is governed by the Universal Recycling Regulations (7 DE Admin Code 1305) and the Regulations Governing Solid Waste (7 DE Admin Code 1301), both administered by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances. Under Delaware's Universal Recycling Law, all waste haulers providing residential trash collection must include recycling collection, and businesses, schools, nonprofits, and governments must participate in a comprehensive recycling program — one of the more stringent mandates in the mid-Atlantic region. Delaware has no bottle-deposit law, but yard waste is explicitly banned from Delaware landfills (7 DE Admin Code 1301).

Centers concentrate in northern New Castle County, the state's most populous area. Newark and Wilmington each list 9 centers, and New Castle adds 8 more. The state capital Dover lists 4 centers, while Millsboro and Milford each have 3. Smaller communities like Felton and Laurel each list 2. DSWA operates four free recycling centers — in New Castle, Newark, Cheswold, and Georgetown — open Monday through Saturday, accepting standard single-stream recyclables, electronics, household hazardous waste, latex paint, styrofoam, and used oil. All services are free to Delaware residents and require residents to unload their own materials. Neighboring states: Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania.

Under the Universal Recycling Law, Delaware residents recycle through curbside collection (single-stream — no sorting needed) or at DSWA drop-off centers. Plastic bags are banned from checkout at retail stores statewide under a 2021 law. Electronics including computers, TVs, monitors, printers, telephones, and gaming systems are accepted at all four DSWA centers multiple days per week. Yard waste — grass clippings, leaves, brush — may not go in landfills and should be composted, grasscycled, or taken to a DNREC-listed drop-off facility. Prescription drug take-back is available through DHSS collection events and police station drop boxes. DNREC also offers free commercial waste assessments and publishes the Recyclopedia tool and app to help residents look up how to dispose of any item.

Top Cities by Number of Centers

Newark 9 Wilmington 9 New Castle 8 Dover 4 Milford 3 Millsboro 3 Felton 2 Georgetown 2

All Cities in Delaware

Bridgeville 1 center Cheswold 1 center Delmar 1 center Dover 4 centers Edgemoor 1 center Ellendale 1 center Felton 2 centers Frankford 1 center Georgetown 2 centers Greenwood 1 center Hartly 1 center Laurel 2 centers Lewes 1 center Lincoln 1 center Middletown 1 center Milford 3 centers Millsboro 3 centers New Castle 8 centers Newark 9 centers Newport 1 center Rehoboth Beach 1 center Seaford 1 center Townsend 2 centers Wilmington 9 centers

Recycling in Delaware — FAQ

Does Delaware have a bottle deposit law?

No. Delaware does not have a bottle bill or container-deposit refund system. Beverage containers are recycled through the statewide curbside single-stream program or at DSWA drop-off centers, all of which are free for Delaware residents.

What is Delaware's Universal Recycling Law?

Delaware's Universal Recycling Law requires every waste hauler that provides residential trash collection to also provide recycling collection — residents cannot opt out. It also requires businesses, schools, nonprofits, and governments to participate in recycling. The law is codified under 7 DE Admin Code 1305 (Universal Recycling Regulations) and enforced by DNREC.

Is yard waste banned from Delaware landfills?

Yes. Under 7 DE Admin Code 1301 (Regulations Governing Solid Waste), yard waste may not be disposed of with regular trash or in Delaware landfills. Residents should compost yard waste on-site, grasscycle grass clippings with a mulching mower, or take yard waste to a DNREC-listed drop-off facility.

Where can I recycle electronics in Delaware?

The Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) accepts electronics — computers, laptops, TVs, monitors, printers, phones, and gaming systems — at all four of its recycling centers (New Castle, Newark, Cheswold, and Georgetown), free of charge to Delaware residents. Hours vary by location; check dswa.com for current schedules.