Separation of Trash/Rubbish

Into what categories should trash be separated?

The categories are:

• Rubbish
• Newspapers, Magazines, or Collapsible Cardboard boxes
• Containers, Cans and Bottles
• Yard Waste
• Bulk Items

Regular Rubbish

When will my trash be collected and when should I put it out?

Your trash will be collected on your scheduled collection day and it should be put out after 7:00 PM the evening before your collection day at the earliest or before 7:00 AM on your collection day at the latest.

How do I properly prepare my trash for collection?

You should bundle your trash securely and place it in metal or plastic trashcans with lids or plastic trash bags with ties.

How much rubbish am I allowed to put out weekly?

Each household is allowed a maximum of (6) - 32-gallon receptacles or (12) - 30"x37" bags of trash each week. The weight limit for a bag or can is 40 lbs. The Total weight should not exceed 240 lbs.

What happens if the trash truck misses my house or block?

The Customer Affairs Unit will get detailed information from you (i.e. location, time and vehicle number on the door.) and report it to the Area Supervisor.  In some instances, the trash may have been set out too late or there are visible contaminants in the trash.

Should I set my trash out on holidays for collection?

No. You should not set your trash out on holidays for collection. Trash will be collected a day late after holidays.

Bulk Items

What types of items are considered bulk items?

Appliances, such as stoves, washing machines, refrigerators, hot water heaters, and furniture are considered bulk items. Construction debris will not be picked up as bulk by The Sanitation Division because Contractors are responsible for removing their own debris.

When will my bulk items be collected?

Your bulk items will be picked up on the same day as your regular trash pick-up or 3 to 5 days after they have been called in. They are picked up by a special crew using bulk trucks. To be assured that your bulk item is picked up, please call in advance of your collection day.

Do I need to call to schedule a bulk pick-up?

Yes. You should call one day before your trash day to schedule bulk pickup. In most cases, you will have a better chance of having your bulk items picked up if you call ahead.

Recyclables

What types of items are considered recyclables?

Newspapers, glass bottles and jars, aluminum beverage cans and metal food cans, magazines, junk mail, telephone books, food boxes, catalogs, cardboard (empty and flattened) and #1 and #2 plastics containers.

When will my recyclable items be collected?

Your recyclables will be picked up the day of your trash day, according to the schedule set by sanitation.  Click here for more information.

In what types of containers should recyclables be placed?

Any rigid container marked "RECYCLING" may be used. NEVER use plastic bags or cardboard boxes for recyclables. If one bin is not enough to hold all recyclables, residents may add another container.

Residents may also pick up a recycling bin at any Sanitation Convenience Center between the hours of 8am- 6pm, Monday through Saturday or at their local recreation center.  Only one container per person. Please call first for availability.  Residents requiring more than one bin should contact 215-686-5595.

How do I get a Recycling Sticker for my container?

To request a Recycling Sticker for your container, call 215-685-7329.

How much recycling can I set out for collection?

There is no limit per collection for recyclable materials but no container filled with recyclable materials may weigh more than 25 pounds.

How can I get more information?

Citizens may visit www.recyclingpays.phila.gov or contact the Recycling hotline at 215-685-RECY(CLE)7329. Citizens may also contact 215-871-0400 to schedule an information session for your community group.

What happens when regular rubbish trucks pick up recyclables?

Area supervisors are responsible for looking into matters of this nature. In some instances, regular trash trucks are used to collect recyclables because there are not enough recycling trucks available. Detailed information should be given to the Area Supervisor if this should happen (i.e. location, time, place and vehicle number on door).

What happens if a recycle truck misses someone's house or block?

This should be handled in the same manner as missed trash. It should be called in to the Customer Affairs Unit. They will handle it. Please be sure to record the required information. The Recycling hotline number is 215-685-7329.

City-wide Cleaning (Illegal Dumping)

Who cleans public areas that have illegal dumping?

Citywide Cleaning Unit uses a short dump crew to clean public areas that have illegal dumping.

What other services are done by Citywide Cleaning?

Citywide cleaning is responsible for cleaning after Special Events such as parades and ball games. They also collect Saturday Clean-ups and leaves during fall. They use compactors for Saturday during neighborhood clean-ups (Approved by PMBC - Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee). They will be responsible for collecting yard waste during the month of June.

Who is responsible for cleaning Alleys and Driveways?

Cleaning of Alleys and Driveways is the sole responsibility of the property owner.

Yard Waste

Is there any special way to set out yard waste?Yard waste is tree trimmings, grass clippings, dirt and leaves.

Click here to find out what can be done with your grass clippings to save you time and effort!

Click here for information on Leaf Collection!

Tree branches should be cut no longer than 4 feet in length and tied into bundles not more than 2 Ft. thick.What is the maximum allowance of Yard Waste per household?Dirt & Tree Branches: six 32-gallon cans or bags. No one receptable or bag should exceed 40 lbs. when filled. TOTAL WEIGHT not more than 280 pounds including tree branches.