The City collects information about waste management in Philadelphia from commercial properties, large institutions, and private companies that collect and transport recyclable materials. The Department of Sanitation uses this data to inform recycling and waste management goals and to report on recycling compliance in Philadelphia, as required by Pennsylvania State Act 101.
Information is collected through three different reports:
- Commercial Waste & Recycling Plan: information from commercial properties about their waste management practices.
- Act 101 Compliance Report (FM-11): information from commercial and institutional properties that haul their own waste or contract with private hauling services to collect their recycling.
- Act 101 Tonnage Report (FM-12): information from waste and recycling haulers, document destruction companies, and other companies that transport post-consumer recyclables generated in Philadelphia.
All three reports are filed using the City’s Commercial Waste & Recycling Portal.
What form do I need to submit?
Most commercial properties will need to complete a Waste & Recycling Plan and FM-11 compliance report. Waste & recycling haulers only need to complete the FM-12 tonnage report. Choose a situation below to see what the requirements are for your business.
When
Commercial Waste & Recycling Plan
New Waste & Recycling Plans are submitted when your business opens.
After you submit your initial plan, you only need to submit updated plans if your waste and recycling information changes. If this happens, you must submit an updated plan within 30 days of the change.
Act 101 Compliance Report (FM-11)
FM-11 reports are submitted annually to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Reports are due by December 31.
Act 101 Tonnage Report (FM-12)
FM-12 reports are submitted annually to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Reports are due by March 1. The report data covers January 1 to December 31 of the preceding year.
How
All three forms are submitted online using the Commercial Waste & Recycling Portal. To use portal, you need to enter your Commercial Activity License (CAL) number. You can find your CAL number by:
- Using the eCLIPSE search tool and entering your legal business name.
- Calling 311.
- Calling the Mayor’s Business Action Team at (215) 683-2100.
Once you enter your CAL, you’ll select the form(s) you need to complete. Get more guidance about how to complete the forms.
Next steps for property managers
After you complete the Commercial Waste & Recycling Plan, you will receive a copy via email, which must be displayed in your business. You should:
- Make sure recycling is easy and bins are abundant. A recycling container should be paired with each trash can.
- Install signage. Post proper signage, including pictures of permitted recyclables, so employees and patrons know where and how to recycle.
- Distribute copies of the plan to employees.