Reading, PA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Location
- rear of property, out of ROW view
- Curbside start
- no earlier than 5 p.m. day before
- Curbside end
- removed by 8 p.m. collection day
- Screening height
- max 6 feet, self-latching gate
- Fine
- $100-$1,000 per day
Summary
Reading requires trash carts, toters and dumpsters to sit in the rear of the property out of public view, be screened if visible from the right-of-way, and be set out no earlier than 5 p.m. the day before pickup.
Carts, toters and receptacles shall be located in the rear of properties and may not be visible from the public right-of-way. No permit is required for these receptacles. ... Carts, toters and receptacles may be placed temporarily at curbside directly in front of the property being serviced no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the day before and shall be removed from the public right-of-way by 8:00 p.m. the day of scheduled refuse collection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the City's dumpster/trash-receptacle ordinance, carts, toters and receptacles must stay in the rear of the property and out of view from the public right-of-way, with no permit required in that location. Containers permitted in the right-of-way need a Solid Waste Division permit and must be screened to no more than six feet with a self-latching gate. Carts may go to curbside no earlier than 5 p.m. the day before collection and must be removed from the right-of-way by 8 p.m. on collection day.
Violations & Fines
Fines run $100 to $1,000 per offense under § 496-107, with each day a violation continues a separate offense; unpermitted receptacles may be presumed abandoned and removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my trash cart out early in Reading?
Do I need a permit for a trash cart in Reading?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
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