Scranton, PA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Scranton's yard-waste and composting framework is operated by the City Department of Public Works (DPW) (https://scrantonpa.gov/your-government/dpw/), which collects leaves and brush on routes published seasonally. Acceptable yard-waste materials follow standard practice for Northeast PA municipalities of Scranton's size: grass clippings, leaves, garden trimmings, and small branches/brush, with brush limits typically based on diameter and bundle size. Backyard home composting is allowed and does not require a City permit. Best practices consistent with Penn State Extension and PA DEP guidance: set the bin 5-10 feet from property lines, use a rodent-resistant design, balance browns and greens, and compost only plant-based food scraps and yard waste (no meat, dairy, oils, or pet waste). Statewide, the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act, 35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq., and its implementing regulation 25 Pa. Code Chapter 271 (Municipal Waste Management) govern composting facilities. Backyard composting on residential property is exempt from facility permitting under 25 Pa. Code § 271.103. Larger commercial composting facilities operate under PA DEP General Permit WMGM038 (yard waste) or facility-specific permits. Open burning of yard waste in Scranton is restricted by both the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act, 35 P.S. § 4001 et seq., 25 Pa. Code § 129.14 (open burning), and local fire code provisions adopted in Chapter 222 (Fire Prevention). Residential burning of clean wood and yard waste may be permitted in limited circumstances but is generally discouraged in urban settings due to PM2.5 air-quality impacts. Improper composting that creates a documented vermin, odor, or runoff nuisance is enforceable under Chapter 360 (Property Maintenance) with the City's standard notice-and-cure procedure and cost recovery under 53 P.S. § 7101 et seq. (Municipal Claims and Tax Liens Act).