Mission Statement
The mission of the Recycling Office is to divert the maximum amount of materials possible from disposal by providing environmental leadership and education to promote waste reduction policies, commercial, municipal, and household recycling, and the purchase of recycled content products.

What Is Recycling?
Recycling is collecting, processing, and reusing materials that would otherwise be thrown away. We can make new recycled paper products from recycled paper instead of wood pulp; new aluminum cans from recycled aluminum cans; new glass bottles from recycled glass bottles; and new metal products like car parts from tin cans.

How to Recycle
Instead of throwing recyclable materials in with your trash, separate them and put them outside, next to your trash, for pick up by the city's recycling collection crew.

Any household container (no larger than 20 gallons) can be used, as long as it is clearly marked RECYCLING.

Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, food boxes (no corrugated cardboard) can be tied with a string or placed inside a paper grocery bag.

Keep Papers Separate From Your Other Recyclables.

Why Should I Recycle?
Recycling diverts waste from being landfilled or incinerated, conserves energy since it takes less energy to produce new products from recycled materials and saves natural resources that sometimes cannot be replaced.

Do I Have to Recycle?
Yes. Recycling is the law in Philadelphia. If you don't recycle, you can be fined up to $300.00.

How Do I Get a Recycling Bin?
Just call 215-685-RECYCLE (7329) or click here (PDF) for a listing of convenient recycling bucket/bin distribution sites.

Composting Program
Click here for information on the Composting Program.

Leaf Recycling/Collection
Click here for information on Leaf Collection.

Christmas Tree Recycling
Click here for information on Christmas Tree Recycling.

Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for FAQ.

Environmental Education
Outreach Programs
EE Internet Links (for teachers/students)

Recycling Links:
PA Department of Environmental Protection