Pittsburgh, PA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Set-out window opens
- 6:00 p.m. night before collection
- Set-out deadline
- 6:00 a.m. collection day
- Cans must be back by
- 10:00 p.m. collection day
- Storage location
- rear yard, screened from street
- Repeat fine schedule
- $35, then $50, then $100
Summary
Pittsburgh requires trash and recycling containers to be stored in the rear of the property, out of view of the street where feasible, and set out no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before collection.
Residents of single family dwellings and small apartment buildings must store containers in the rear of the property, and/or removed from view of the public right-of-way, where feasible.
§ 619.04. Municipal Waste and Recyclables Collection. [Ord. No. 13-2019, § 1, eff. 3-28-2019; Ord. No. 16-2024, § 1, eff. 5-21-2024]
(a) Single-Family Dwellings and Small Apartment Buildings. The City shall collect municipal waste and recyclables from single family dwellings and small apartment buildings, defined as having five (5) or fewer units.
(b) Timing. Municipal waste and recyclables shall be placed for collection no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day before collection and no later than 6:00 a.m. the day of collection. Containers shall be removed from collection site and stored no later than 10:00 p.m. on collection days.
(c) Placement.
(1) Municipal waste shall be contained and placed at the collection site in one (1) or a combination of the following:
a. A substantial, leak-proof bag;
b. Containers not exceeding thirty-five (35) gallons;
c. City-issued containers.
(2) Recyclables shall be contained and placed at the collection site in one (1) or a combination of the following:
a. City-issued containers;
b. Blue containers clearly marked for recycling and not exceeding thirty-five (35) gallons;
(3)
Full Breakdown
City-serviced households must keep municipal waste and recyclables in durable, watertight containers with close-fitting lids, stored in the rear of the property and out of public right-of-way view where feasible. Waste goes out no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day before pickup and no later than 6:00 a.m. the day of, placed within 5 feet of the curb without blocking the right-of-way. Containers must come back in by 10:00 p.m. on collection day. The Department of Public Works enforces via Quality-of-Life tickets under Chapter 619A.
Violations & Fines
Improper can storage (QOL-2) or early set-out/late removal (QOL-3) draws a Quality-of-Life ticket: $35 first offense in a calendar year, $50 for a second, $100 for a third, per § 619A.07.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I put my trash cart out in Pittsburgh?
Do Pittsburgh residents have to hide their trash cans?
What's the fine for leaving Pittsburgh trash cans out too long?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
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Bin Placement Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle bin placement rules.