Trash and Recycling Collection Schedules in Pittsburgh, PA

Living in the city of Pittsburgh? Wondering when trash and recycling are collected in your neighborhood? This guide provides an overview of the trash and recycling collection schedules across the city.

Trash Collection

The city of Pittsburgh provides trash collection services to all residential properties with 4 units or less. Larger apartment buildings and commercial properties must contract with private haulers.

Collection Frequency

• Trash is collected once per week in Pittsburgh. Your collection day depends on where you live in the city.

• Most neighborhoods have trash collection on Mondays. However, some areas have collection on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays.

• To find your assigned trash day, use the city’s collection schedule lookup tool here. Simply enter your address.

• Trash should be placed at the curb after 6pm the evening before your scheduled collection day.

Trash Receptacles

• Trash must be placed in garbage cans or bags.

• Cans or bags should not exceed 50 pounds.

• Garbage receptacles cannot be larger than 32 gallons in capacity.

• Plastic bags must be tied shut or sealed.

• Cardboard boxes alone are not acceptable trash receptacles.

Bulk Item Collection

• Large bulk items like furniture or appliances are collected on your normal trash day.

• Mattresses and box springs must be wrapped in plastic before setting out.

• Carpet must be cut into rolls no longer than 4 feet in length.

• Construction debris, tires, and hazardous waste are not accepted.

• Call 311 to schedule a bulk item pickup if needed.

Recycling Collection

The city provides biweekly recycling collection to all residential buildings with 2-4 units.

Collection Process

• Recycling is picked up every other week on the same day as your trash.

• Check the collection schedule lookup and note the blue recycling icons on your calendar.

• Recyclables should be placed at the curb in city-issued recycling bins after 6pm the evening before.

Accepted Materials

Pittsburgh accepts the following common household items for recycling:

• Paper and cardboard
• Plastic bottles and jugs
• Glass bottles and jars
• Metal food and drink cans
• Aluminum cans and foil
• Cartons

Contamination Prevention

• Do not place trash or non-recyclable items in your recycling bin. This contaminates the recycling stream.

• Keep recyclables loose – not bagged. Materials must be visible for inspection.

• Make sure recyclables are clean and dry. Give containers a quick rinse before recycling.

• When in doubt, throw it out! Place questionable items in the trash.

Yard Waste Collection

The city provides seasonal yard waste collection from early spring through late fall.

Accepted Materials

Pittsburgh collects the following yard and garden materials for composting:

• Leaves
• Grass clippings
• Shrubbery and tree trimmings
• Garden plants and flowers
• Old mulch

Collection Process

• Yard waste must be placed in open containers or biodegradable yard waste bags.

• Twigs and branches must be tied into bundles no larger than 18 inches in diameter.

• Collection runs April through the second week of December. Check the schedule for your neighborhood.

• Yard waste is picked up on the same day as recycling. Refer to your collection calendar.

Key Reminders

• Do not put yard waste in plastic bags, or it will not be collected.

• Keep yard waste separate from your trash and recycling.

• Avoid placing dirt, rocks, or garbage in your yard waste. This contaminates the compost.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Pittsburgh households can safely dispose of hazardous waste at the city’s Environmental Services drop-off location.

Accepted Hazardous Waste

• Automotive fluids
• Batteries
• Cleaning chemicals
• Fluorescent bulbs
• Freon appliances
• Garden chemicals
• Mercury thermometers
• Paint and varnish

Safe Disposal Process

• Schedule an appointment by calling 412-488-7452. Walk-ins are not accepted.

• Bring hazardous waste to Environmental Services at 1121 Miller Run Road. Only city residents are permitted.

• Materials are accepted at no cost. Limit is 10 gallons or 50 pounds per visit.

• Containers must be labeled with contents or original packaging shown.

Properly disposing of hazardous waste protects the health and safety of the community and environment.

Contacts and Resources

• Collection Schedule Lookup
• Recycling Guidelines
• Hazardous Waste Disposal
• Request bulk item collection: Call 311
• Schedule hazardous waste disposal: 412-488-7452

This overview covers the standard trash, recycling, and yard waste collection programs for Pittsburgh residents. Contact the Department of Public Works if you have any additional questions about your neighborhood’s collection schedule or acceptable materials. With the right city services, we can keep Pittsburgh clean, green, and livable for all.