Bethlehem, PA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Bethlehem's bin-placement rules under Codified Ordinance Article 1162 are precise. §1162.08(d) reads: 'No earlier than 6:00 PM on the day preceding a collection day, containers may be placed anywhere on the property except that they cannot be placed within 5 feet of the public right of way. Containers shall be returned to a place no more than five feet from the front, rear or sides of a building no later than 8:00 PM on the collection day.' This is unusual phrasing - the 5-foot rule actually means bins CAN sit at the curb during the set-out window but cannot remain there permanently. The between-collections storage rule at §1162.07(b) sets the bigger constraint: containers may be stored anywhere on a premises except (1) NOT in the front of any building unless there is no access to the rear or sides by way of easement or public right-of-way (in which case storage on a porch is permitted, with the owner responsible for minimizing smell and preventing a public nuisance); (2) NOT more than five feet from the front, rear, or sides of a building; and (3) NOT on any street, private alley, public right of way, or vacant lot. The container itself must meet §1162.03: composed of a rigid material, leak proof, with tight fitting lids to prevent scavenging by animals. The recycling container at curbside must be marked 'recycling' if not the official City-issued container (§933.04(a)) and must not exceed 30 gallons capacity.