Bethlehem, PA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Bethlehem's yard-waste and composting program implements the Pennsylvania Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act of 1988 (Act 101, codified at 53 P.S. §4000.101 et seq.), which requires every Pennsylvania municipality with a population of 5,000 or more to provide curbside or drop-off leaf-and-yard-waste collection separated from general municipal solid waste. The City of Bethlehem operates the Bethlehem Yardwaste Facility at 1480 Schoenersville Road, open to qualified City of Bethlehem residents and property owners (plus, by inter-municipal arrangement, Hanover Township-Northampton and Fountain Hill residents holding municipal compost cards). Accepted materials include branches no larger than 4 inches in diameter and 6 feet in length, small brush, hedge trimmings, garden plant residue, leaves in loose form or brown paper bags only (no plastic bags), and Christmas trees free of tinsel, ornaments, and stands. The City's seasonal leaf-collection program runs in the fall on a published schedule, with leaves picked up in paper 'earth bags' or loose at the curb. The yardwaste facility produces finished mulch and compost available to qualified residents for self-loading or, for a $10 per cubic yard fee, mechanical loading by City staff. Backyard home composting is encouraged and is not subject to a specific Bethlehem permit. Best practices consistent with Penn State Extension and PA DCNR guidance: keep compost bins 5-10 feet from any property line, use a rodent-resistant design, balance browns and greens, and compost only plant-based food scraps and yard waste. Open burning of leaves, brush, and yard waste is prohibited statewide under 25 Pa. Code §129.14.