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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Earliest set-out, Oct-Mar
5:00 p.m. prior day
Earliest set-out, Apr-Sep
7:00 p.m. prior day
Latest set-out
7:00 a.m. collection day
Stipulated fine
$50 per notice
Contested-case max fine
$1,000 per violation

Summary

City code sets exact curbside windows for municipal waste and recycling: out before 7 a.m. on collection day, but not before 5 p.m. (winter) or 7 p.m. (summer) the prior evening.

(1) Notwithstanding any regulations to the contrary, Municipal Waste and Recyclable Materials set out for City collection, shall be placed out for collection, as follows: (a) From October 1st through March 31st, before 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection, but not before 5:00 p.m. on the previous day. (b) From April 1st through September 30th, before 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection, but not before 7:00 p.m. on the previous day.

Source: Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code Section PM-308 Rubbish and Garbage (Trash Bin Storage)View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Philadelphia Code § 10-726 bars residents from putting Municipal Waste and Recyclable Materials at the curb outside a fixed window. From October 1 through March 31, carts and bags may go out no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the day before collection and must be out before 7:00 a.m. on collection day. From April 1 through September 30, the earlier limit shifts to 7:00 p.m. the prior evening, with the same 7:00 a.m. cutoff. Inspectors weigh whether waste sat at the curb, was bagged or containerized, and whether identifying evidence was found inside when deciding violations.

Violations & Fines

Notices of violation carry a $50 stipulated payment per Code § 10-718; contested cases that go to judicial enforcement can draw fines up to $1,000 per violation under § 10-719.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early can I put my trash out in Philadelphia?
Not before 5:00 p.m. the prior day from October through March, or 7:00 p.m. from April through September, per Code § 10-726(1).
What time must trash be off the curb by?
All Municipal Waste and Recyclable Materials must be set out before 7:00 a.m. on the actual collection day, year-round.
What's the fine for early set-out in Philadelphia?
A notice of violation carries a $50 stipulated payment; contested violations can be fined up to $1,000 under § 10-719.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Philadelphia

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsDumpster RulesSignificant RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy Restrictions

All Philadelphia rules

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