Trash & Recycling in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
5 verified trash & recycling rules for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Phila. Code Chapter 10-700 governs refuse collection. The city provides curbside trash and recycling pickup for properties with 6 or fewer units under §10-717.1. An annual $500 sanitation fee applies per property. Trash categories include garbage, combustible waste, non-combustible waste, and bulk items. Weekly set-out limits apply.
Philadelphia Trash Pickup Schedules & Rules
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Philadelphia requires trash to be placed curbside in approved containers on scheduled collection days. The Sanitation Department sets out rules for placement timing and container types. Dumpsters require a license under §10-722 and must have lids tightly secured. Trash must not be placed in the street or block sidewalks.
Philadelphia Trash Bin Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Philadelphia provides bulk item collection for large household items under Chapter 10-700. Bulk items include furniture, appliances, mattresses, and items containing refrigerants. Short dumping (illegal dumping) of bulk items is prohibited under §10-710 and carries heavy fines including vehicle seizure and cleanup orders.
Philadelphia Bulk Item Disposal & Pickup
Some RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Phila. Code §10-717 mandates recycling for all properties. Recyclable materials include mixed residential paper, glass, metal, and plastic containers. Properties with 7+ units must comply with §10-724 waste management requirements including adequate recycling service, plans, and signage. Failure to recycle can result in fines.
Philadelphia Mandatory Recycling Requirements
Some RestrictionsMandatory Organics Recycling
Pennsylvania imposes no statewide mandatory food-scrap diversion law, and Philadelphia has not adopted a residential organics mandate. The Streets Department instead promotes voluntary subscription composting and free yard-waste drop-off through Sanitation Convenience Centers across the city.
Philadelphia organics composting remains voluntary under city policy
Few RestrictionsLooking for Philadelphia County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Philadelphia city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Philadelphia County →