Philadelphia, PA Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule

Knowing when your trash and recycling is collected each week is key to keeping Philadelphia clean. This article provides an overview of trash and recycling pickup schedules, rules, and contacts for Philadelphia residents.

Trash and Recycling Pickup Schedule

• Trash and recycling are collected weekly on the same day for most Philadelphia households.

• Use the Find Your Trash and Recycling Collection Day tool on the City of Philadelphia website to lookup your assigned collection day.

• If your pickup day falls on a holiday, collection will be delayed by one day through the end of that week.

• Place materials at the curb by 3am on your pickup day.

Trash and Recycling Cart Rules

• Black cart: For all household trash and food scraps. No limit.

• Blue cart: For all recyclables like paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal. No limit.

• Carts must be 3 feet away from each other and any obstructions like poles or cars.

• Lids must be closed on carts. Overflowing or blocking sidewalks may lead to fines.

Acceptable Curbside Recyclables

The following common household items can be placed in your blue recycling cart:

• Plastic bottles, jugs, jars, and tubs (rinse clean)

• Glass bottles and jars (rinse clean)

• Aluminum cans, clean foil, and metal pots and pans

• Milk and juice cartons and boxes (rinse clean)

• Cereal, cracker, pasta boxes (flatten)

• Cardboard boxes (flatten)

• Paperback books, magazines, catalogs

• Newspaper and inserts

• Envelopes, junk mail, office paper (no plastic liners)

Trash Rules and Guidelines

• Bag all trash to keep carts clean

• Double bag pet waste and diapers

• Bundle branches under 4 feet long

• Break down cardboard boxes

• Drain all liquids from containers

• Keep lids closed to keep carts clean

Bulky Item Pickup

To dispose of large items like furniture and appliances, Philadelphia offers curbside bulk pickup:

• Up to 3 bulk items can be collected per pickup.

• Call 311 or request online to schedule a bulk pickup appointment.

• Items must be placed curbside after 5pm the day before your pickup date.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Household hazardous waste like chemicals, batteries, and electronics require special handling.

• Drop off these items at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event. Multiple events are held each month.

• The Sanitation Convenience Centers also accept household hazardous waste from Philadelphia residents.

Key Contacts

• For missed collections, bulk pickup, cart issues, or general questions, call 311 or use the 311 Online Service Request Tool.

• To report illegal dumping, call 215-686-5560.

• For more information on trash and recycling, visit the Streets Department Sanitation website.

Knowing the ins and outs of Philadelphia’s trash and recycling schedule is key to keeping your neighborhood clean. Check back if you have any other questions!