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215-685-4275 | What is S.W.E.E.P.?
SWEEP is a City-run program created to educate Philadelphia citizens about their responsibilities under the Sanitation Code. SWEEP enforces the law against violators through intensified street patrols by uniformed litter enforcement officers, computerized tracking of code violation notices, and speedy adjudication of violations. Through education and enforcement, SWEEP supports and enhances individual and community efforts to maintain a clean City.
Why is S.W.E.E.P. Needed?
A clean city is a better place to live and work. Clean cities attract shoppers, tourists, and new businesses. Keeping Philadelphia litter-free will enhance the city's image and economic vitality. Compliance with the sanitation laws is also cost effective, since keeping litter off the streets to begin with is less expensive than cleaning it up.
How Does S.W.E.E.P. Work?
Specially-trained civilian officers meet with the individuals responsible for the operation of businesses and apartment buildings to review clean-up responsibilities. SWEEP officers will work with residential communities to address problem locations. In cases of non-compliance, SWEEP officers will issue warnings and citations to the appropriate individuals.
Where does S.W.E.E.P. Operate?
SWEEP is a Citywide program, with emphasis on commercial areas.
What are the advantages of S.W.E.E.P.?
SWEEP is a comprehensive, centralized, and accessible resource for information about the Sanitation Code. Intensified patrols by SWEEP officers will increase awareness of the Sanitation Code. Intensified patrols by SWEEP officers will increase awareness of the Sanitation Code, reduce the number of violations, and hold violators accountable, to make Philadelphia a cleaner and safer place for all to do business.
How can citizens and business owners/operators comply with S.W.E.E.P.?
Trash/recycling should be set out between 7:00 PM the night before collection day and 7:00 AM the day of collection at your regularly scheduled pickup site.
In Center City (Vine St. to Bainbridge St., from Schuylkill River to Delaware River): Trash/recycling should be set out between 8:00 PM the night before collection day and 6:00 AM on the day of collection, at your regularly scheduled pickup site.
- Do not use cardboard boxes as receptacles for trash or recycling. All cardboard boxes should be broken down set out for recycling collection.
- Your property and sidewalk must be kept free of trash and litter. Sweep litter into proper containers, never into the street.
- Businesses that sell food for takeout should provide trash receptacles at all points of access.
- Property owners need to inform tenants about the City of Philadelphia's guidelines for trash and recycling collections. Property owners are responsible for their properties, including tenant activity.
- Within six (6) hours of the end of a snowfall or freezing rain, you must clear a path at least 30 inches wide on your sidewalk. Do not shovel the snow into the street.
Guidelines for Businesses with Private Trash Collection
Trash/Recycling Timetable
Trash/recycling must be set out not more than two hours prior to collection. For collection scheduled after business hours, trash/recycling must be set out no more than 30 minutes prior to the close of business. Dumpsters not licensed for public right-of-way placement must be kept inside the business premises until the proper set-out time.
Trash Containers
Regulations require rigid containers equipped with lids for all trash set out for private collection. Each lid must be securely closed when waste is in the receptacle and containers must be fully leakproof. Wood scraps, cardboard boxes, and other loose items do not require containment provided they are bundled securely enough to withstand wind and rain and do not violate the Fire Code (see the Philadelphia Code, Title 5).
Cardboard boxes may never be used as containers for trash/recycling.
City litter baskets are for pedestrian use only. Do not use them to dispose of your trash.
Dumpster Laws
Laws governing dumpster usage and placement are in effect. Consult your SWEEP officer for specific rules pertaining to licensing, identification, frequency of emptying, standards of cleanliness, proper closure, and screening requirements. Dumpsters may not be used for grindable food waste disposal.
Guidelines for Businesses & Residents with City Trash/Recycling Collection
Trash/Recycling Timetable
To maintain a cleaner City, place your trash/recycling out only on your scheduled collection day. If you are unsure of your collection day, call the Customer Affairs Unit (215) 686-5560. Place your trash on your property.
Regular Collection: Trash/recycling should be set out between 7:00 PM the night before collection day and 7:00 AM the day of collection, at your authorized pickup site.
Early Collection (Vine St. to Bainbridge St., from Schuylkill River to Delaware River): Trash/recycling should be set out between 8:00 PM the night before collection day and 6:00 AM on the day of collection, at your regularly scheduled pickup site.
Trash/Recycling Containers
Place all trash in personal trash cans with tight-fitting lids or leak-proof bags, filled only to the 40-pound limit.
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Cardboard boxes may never be used as containers for trash/recycling.
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City litter baskets are for pedestrian use only. Do not use them to dispose of household trash.
Trash/Recycling Weekly Limits
You may set out up to 4 containers (32-gallon maximum) or 8 (26 to 32 gallons) leak-proof bags. Private collection is required if you exceed these limits, if your business is manufacturing or wholesaling, or if your building includes more than six units. To arrange for private collection, look in the Yellow Pages under "Rubbish and Garbage Removal." Businesses contracting for private trash services are not entitled to any collection by the City. No recycling container may hold more than 20 gallons.
As a Philadelphia business owner/operator,
You have the responsibility to:
Clean Your Sidewalk
Your property and sidewalk must be kept free of trash and litter. Sweep litter into proper containers, never into the street.
Businesses selling food for takeout should provide trash receptacles at all points of access.
Property owners are responsible for informing tenants of the City of Philadelphia's guidelines for trash collection.
Clear Away Snow and Ice
Within six hours of the end of a snowfall or freezing rain, you must clear a path at least 30 inches wide on your sidewalk. Do not shovel or sweep the snow into the street. The penalty for violating this regulation can range from a minimum fine of $25 up to $300 for each violation.
Clean and Related Services Provided by other City Agencies
Abandoned Cars - Police Department - 215-683-2277
Abandoned Houses- Department of Licenses & Inspections - 215-686-2463
Littered Lots - Department of Licenses & Inspections - 215-686-2463
Water/Sewer Inlet Cleaning - Water Department -215-685-6300
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