Before you begin
To pay your fee:
- If you choose “Yes” in the “Payment options” panel, enter the full Letter ID at the top of your bill (including the letter “L”).
- If you choose “No” in the “Payment options” panel, you will need the OPA number for your property (also found on your bill).
Both options let you pay without logging in.
Keep in mind it’s easier to view balances and payment status for multiple properties from a single dashboard if you’re logged in.
Service overview
Some small commercial establishments and multi-unit properties can choose to have the City collect their trash and recycling for a fee. If they prefer, the owners can hire private haulers instead.
This fee was previously called the Refuse Collection Fee.
Who
Commercial, multi-unit residential properties with six or fewer units, and mixed-used properties are eligible. Private premises eligible under Section 1.6 of the sanitation regulations can also get commercial collection.
Exemptions
If you meet one of the criteria below, you can apply for an exemption to the Commercial Trash Fee online at the Philadelphia Tax Center without a username or password. You can also apply by completing and returning the Commercial Trash Fee Exemption form.
To apply for an exemption online, visit tax-services.phila.gov. Select “Search for a property” in the “Property” panel to access the account. Follow the prompts to upload the correct documentation.
Exemption types:
- Owner-Occupied Property: the property must be 100% occupied by the owner with no tenants, residential only. Qualifying homeowners enrolled in an owner-occupied Real Estate Tax assistance program like the Homestead Exemption are exempted automatically.
- Owner-Occupied Duplex: the owner must live in one unit and have only one other rental unit. Qualifying homeowners enrolled in an owner-occupied Real Estate Tax assistance program like the Homestead Exemption are exempted automatically.
- House of Worship: the property must be used for religious purposes only. Qualifying properties must have their non-profit status certified by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA) to be exempted.
- Vacant Property: the property must be vacant and have an active Vacant Property license from the Department of Licenses & Inspection.
Requirements
The City limits the amount of trash set-out each week.
Your property cannot exceed the following set-out limits:
- For non-recyclable trash, no more than six 32-gallon receptacles or twelve plastic bags, or an equivalent combination of the two.
- There is no limit on recyclables.
Cost
per year
How
If necessary, you can pay the Commercial Trash Fee in two installments without interest and penalties. The first installment of $275 is due by December 31. The second installment is due by June 30.
Online
You can pay this fee online at the Philadelphia Tax Center. Use the “Property” panel and search by address. You do not need a username or password to pay online. You can access the website on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can pay by eCheck without processing charges.
By mail
You can submit a payment for a bill you’ve already received by mail. We accept mail-in payment by:
- Cashier’s check.
- Money order.
- Personal check.
- Business check.
You can mail your form and payment to:
Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 966
Philadelphia, PA 19105-0966
In person
We accept in-person payment by:
- Cash (only at the Municipal Services Building).
- Credit or debit card (fees apply).
- Cashier’s check.
- Money order.
- Personal check.
- Business check.
To learn more about in-person payments, including hours and availability, visit the Department of Revenue’s contact page.