Recycling

What items can be recycled? 

Metal: Tin, aluminum & steel cans, empty aerosol cans, empty paint cans

Glass: Jars and bottles (food and beverage containers)

Mixed Paper: Newspaper, magazines, mail (junk and personal), phone books, food

                      boxes (remove plastic liner), computer paper, flyers, wrapping paper

                      (no foil or plastic wrap), beverage cartons (no food-soiled paper)

Plastic: #1 through #7 plastics. Look for the number on the bottom of the container to see if it's acceptable.

Examples of #1-#7 Plastics:

#1- Soda, water bottles

#2- Milk jugs, detergents, shampoo bottles

#3- Rigid plastic containers and juice bottles

#4- Plastic tubs and lids from butter, margarine, or similiar products
#5- Yogurt containers and deli trays

#6- Plastic cups, plates, and clear to-go containers

#7- Many mixed plastic containers and plastic products

Cardboard: Empty and flattened

What types of items cannot be recycled?

Metal: Aluminum foil, pots and pans, paper clips

Glass: Light bulbs, window glass

Mixed paper: Books (other than magazines), tissues, paper towels/napkins,

                   wax-coated cups or containers, food soiled papers or pizza boxes

Plastic: Plastic bags

Miscellaneous: Styrofoam, chemicals, rubber, wood, PVC pipe, packaging inserts or "peanuts."

To learn more about which recyclables can be recycled, print out the Recycling Facts Sheet

When will my recyclable items be collected?

Your recyclables will be picked up weekly on the same day as your trash day.

In what types of containers should recyclables be placed?

Any rigid container marked "RECYCLING" may be used. NEVER use plastic bags, cardboard boxes or paper bags 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. 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 40 pounds.

How can I get more information?

Citizens may visit www.phillyrecyclingpays.com 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, 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.