Properties that received an Owner-Occupied or Owner-Occupied Duplex exemption in 2017 will automatically receive that exemption in 2018.

The City of Philadelphia requires most large commercial, multi-unit residential, or mixed-use properties, to buy private trash service. But, some smaller properties are eligible to use the City service for an annual Refuse Collection fee of $300. This service has weekly limits on the amount of trash and recyclables left at the curb.

Owners have three options to pay:

  1. Pay the bill of $300 in full by January 2, 2018. If necessary, you can pay in two installments. The first installment of $150.00 is due by January 2, 2018. The second installment is due by July 2, 2018. Visit phila.gov/pay
  2. Buy private trash service. Fill out and return a Refuse Collection Exemption Form and include a copy of your current service agreement from a licensed hauler.
  3.  Show that you qualify to receive City trash and recycling services for a reduced or waived fee. If you meet one of the criteria below, fill out and return the exemption form.
    • Owner-Occupied Property, the property must be 100% occupied by the owner with no tenants. (100% discount, $0 due)
    • House of Worship, the property must be used for religious purposes only. (100% discount, $0 due)
    • Vacant Property, property must be vacant and owner must provide a current Vacant Property license from the Department of Licenses & Inspection. (100% discount, $0 due)
    • Owner-Occupied Duplex, Owner must live in one unit and have one other rental unit only. The owner must provide a current rental license from the Department of Licenses & Inspection. (50% discount, $150 due). NOTE: You can pay in full by January 2, 2018, or in two installments of $75 each with the same installment due dates above.

Properties that received an Owner-Occupied or Owner-Occupied Duplex exemption in 2017 will automatically receive that exemption in 2018.

If the property is no-longer 100% Owner-Occupied or an Owner-Occupied Duplex, please contact the Department of Revenue’s Refuse Collection Unit at (215) 686-5090 or via email at solidresources@phila.gov.

Image credit: Frankford Gazette