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Trash, recycling & city upkeep

Pay your commercial trash fee

Before you begin

To pay your fee, you’ll need:

  • The Letter ID found at the top of your bill (including the letter “L”).
  • Your OPA Number (also found on your bill notice).

Service overview

Complete online payments for this fee at the Philadelphia Tax Center. You don’t need a username and password to pay on the Tax Center.

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 Department of Streets regulations can also get commercial collection.

Requirements

The premises 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.

Some locations may be exempt from paying the fee. For a list of exemptions and the required form, see the Commercial Trash Fee Exemption form. You can also file for an exemption online at the Philadelphia Tax Center. Use the “Property” panel and search by address. You will be asked to upload documentation according to the exemption criteria.

Cost

Fee cost
$500

per year

How

If necessary, you can pay the Commercial Trash Fee in two installments without interest and penalties. The first installment of $250 is due by December 31 of each year. The second installment is due by June 30 of each year.

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/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.


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