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Recycling Source-Separated Materials

Rules for facilities that recycle materials—such as glass, paper, metal, and plastic—that are received separately from regular household or commercial trash.

NEWAnnual report due December 31: Recycling facilities with a Notice of Intent (NOI) authorization are required to report their operating status by December 31 each year. Visit Annual Reporting Requirement: Municipal Solid Waste Facilities with a Notice of Intent for detailed reporting instructions.

The complete rules for municipal solid waste recycling facilities are found in Title 30, Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC), Chapter 328 .

What Are Source-Separated Materials?

Source-separated materials are common recyclable materials—such as glass, paper, metal, and plastic—that are placed in separate containers from waste at the household, store, or institution that generated them. These materials are then collected, separated, or processed for use in making new products.

What Requirements Must Recycling Facilities Follow?

  • At least 90 days before operations begin, a Notice of Intent (NOI) to Operate a Recycling Facility form and its attachments must be submitted to TCEQ. The submission must describe the materials to be accepted, how they will be stored, and how they will be recycled.
  • Facilities must demonstrate that the materials received can be recycled and that the final product can be sold.
  • Only incidental amounts of waste may be accepted with recyclable materials.
  • After the first three months of operation, at least 25% of each type of material received must have been recycled. Every six months thereafter, at least 50% of each type of material received must have been recycled.
  • If combustible materials are stored on-site, a fire prevention and suppression plan is required. If combustible materials are stored outdoors, financial assurance is also required.
  • Recycling facilities with an NOI must report their operating status annually through STEERS.
  • Recycling facilities in Bexar County must comply with additional requirements, including pile limits, buffer zone distances, and storage limits.

Is Financial Assurance Required?

Financial assurance is required for recycling facilities that process and/or store combustible materials (such as paper, cardboard, or brush) outdoors.

The required amount can be calculated using the Closure Cost Estimate Worksheet. The total must include the cost of hiring a third party to close the facility and dispose of all materials. The facility must then obtain financial assurance to cover the estimated closure costs.

Are There Any Exceptions to Submitting an NOI?

Facilities may be exempt from some of the rules in 30 TAC 328.4(g) if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • The owner/operator is a local government or an agency of the state or federal government.
  • The facility receives more than half of its materials from unaffiliated parties and does not receive financial compensation for the materials.
  • The facility smelts metals or is affiliated with a metal smelter.
  • The owner/operator holds a permit to dispose of municipal solid waste.

Facilities that meet one or more of these criteria must still comply with the general requirements for recycling facilities listed in 30 TAC 328.3 .

Which Forms Do I Need?

Use the following forms to submit your Notice of Intent to Operate a Recycling Facility:

STEERS Login Page
(Applicants will need to create a STEERS account to complete the form online. For questions about creating an account, contact the STEERS Program Area at 512-239-6925 or steers@tceq.texas.gov.)

Forms for Recordkeeping