Trash & Recycling in Scranton, PA (2026)
8 verified trash & recycling rules for Scranton, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Scranton requires every dwelling to use tight, covered garbage receptacles of 3 to 26 gallons, placed in the yard where collectors can reach them, under §§ 400-4 and 400-6 of the Solid Waste Code. The City itself collects residential refuse for a $300 annual fee per dwelling unit, billed under § 400-12, with a 10% discount for paying by the April deadline.
Scranton Trash Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsScranton City Code §§ 400-4, 400-6
Each and every owner, tenant, housekeeper and other person occupying any dwelling, house or other building or portion thereof in the City, in which garbage, ashes and rubbish material accumulate and are to be removed therefrom by the City, shall properly provide for such removal by using tight receptacles having a capacity of not fewer than three nor more than 26 gallons. The receptacles shall ...
Bin Placement Rules
Scranton requires every property owner to keep durable, covered trash containers stored in the rear of the property, out of view from the street, and only allows curbside placement after dark the night before pickup. Section 360-5(18) of the Property Maintenance chapter carries a $100 fine, due immediately, for early or late placement.
Scranton Trash Container Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsScranton City Code § 360-5(18); § 360-11 (violation QOL-049)
18. Storage Containers for Waste or Trash. The owner of every premises shall supply approved containers for waste/trash, as well as be responsible for the removal of rubbish. All containers that store waste or trash shall be durable, watertight, and made of metal or plastic. Containers must have tight-fitting covers, and must be kept clean and odor free at all times. All containers must be stor...
Bulk Item Disposal
Scranton picks up large nonmetal items like furniture, rugs and mattresses at curbside with regular trash on the designated collection day under Section 400-29(D), but will not collect electronics or tires, which residents must take to the Lackawanna Recycling Center or another authorized recycler.
Scranton Bulk Item Curbside Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsScranton City Code § 400-29(D)
Large nonmetal items. Items such as furniture, rugs, mattresses, and other large items shall be placed at curbside on the day designated for collection of such items, and placed out with regular trash collection. The City will not collect electronics at curbside since these items are banned from Pennsylvania landfills. Electronics may be taken to Lackawanna Recycling Center by the individual ho...
Recycling Requirements
Scranton runs a mandatory Source Separation Resource Recovery Program under Section 400-27, collecting recyclables biweekly from every residence that gets City trash service. Section 400-29 bars mixing paper, containers or yard waste into regular trash, and Section 400-38 fines violators up to $300 per day.
Scranton Curbside Recycling Program Rules
Some RestrictionsScranton City Code § 400-27 and § 400-29
The City of Scranton hereby establishes and operates a Source Separation - Resource Recovery Program for the mandatory separation and collection of recyclables and yard waste as defined herein from all residences in the City for which municipal solid waste collection is provided by the City of Scranton. Collection of the materials to be recycled shall be made biweekly by the City of Scranton or...
Illegal Dumping
Scranton declares dumping ashes, scrap, garbage, rubbish or refuse anywhere in the city, or into its rivers, streams or waterways, a nuisance and prohibits it outright under § 305-7. A violator faces a fine of $150 to $300 plus prosecution costs, up to 90 days in jail, and must personally clean up the dump site.
Scranton Illegal Dumping Penalties
Heavy RestrictionsScranton City Code § 305-7
The dumping, throwing or placing of ashes, scrap, garbage, rubbish or refuse of any kind within the city, by any person, is hereby declared to be a nuisance and is prohibited. ... The dumping, throwing or placing of ashes, scrap, garbage, rubbish or refuse of any kind within the rivers, streams, creeks or waterways located within the City of Scranton by any person is hereby declared to be a nui...
Yard Waste Collection
Scranton collects leaves, brush and yard trimmings curbside from April through November plus Christmas trees each holiday season under Section 400-29(C), with branches bundled to four feet or bagged, or residents can drop debris at the Lackawanna County Recycling Center year-round.
Scranton Yard Waste Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsScranton City Code § 400-29(C)
Brush, leaf and yard waste. Branches shall be tied in bundles not to exceed four feet in length and of a size and weight to be handled by one person on collection crews. Yard waste, brush and leaves may also be placed in large brown leaf and yard waste collection bags which may be purchased at many commercial locations throughout the area. The City collects yard debris for recycling from April ...
Dumpster Rules
Placing a roll-off container or portable box on any Scranton street or highway requires a permit from the Department of Permits, Licensing and Inspections, costs $5 per day, and limits the container to one day at the curb under Section 400-17 unless an off-duty officer is hired to manage traffic.
Scranton Roll-Off Dumpster Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsScranton City Code § 400-17; § 400-17.1 (penalties)
All roll-off containers and portable boxes that are placed on any street or highway within the corporate limits of the City of Scranton for the purpose of collecting waste to be transported to a disposal site shall require a permit issued by the Department of Permits, Licensing and Inspections. ... The permit fee shall be $5 per day per roll-off container or portable box. ... A roll-off contain...
Collection Schedule
Scranton requires every property owner to keep trash and recycling in durable, watertight, covered metal or plastic containers stored at the rear of the property. Containers can only reach the curb after dark the night before pickup and must be back out of sight by daybreak the next morning, or the owner faces a $100 quality-of-life fine under City Code § 360-5(18).
Scranton Trash Container Set-Out Rules
Some RestrictionsScranton City Code § 360-5(18)
Storage Containers for Waste or Trash. The owner of every premises shall supply approved containers for waste/trash, as well as be responsible for the removal of rubbish. All containers that store waste or trash shall be durable, watertight, and made of metal or plastic. Containers must have tight-fitting covers, and must be kept clean and odor free at all times. All containers must be stored i...