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

Scranton's bin-placement rules layer Chapter 400's text with Bureau of Refuse and Recycling operational guidance. Chapter 400 (eCode360 https://ecode360.com/11607082) says: 'Garbage and refuse receptacles shall be so placed by the owner, tenant, housekeeper or other person occupying such dwelling house or other building, in the yard where the same may be easily accessible to the collectors, and all garbage and refuse receptacles shall be kept covered at all times so as to provide sanitary conditions and to prevent rain or snow from entering the same.' That is the resting-place rule between collections. For curbside set-out on the scheduled night, the Bureau publishes the rule on scrantonpa.gov/recycling/: 'Recycling placement - Always curbside on front or side of home.' Bins must not block the sidewalk (Chapter 360 right-of-way obstruction), must not block fire hydrants (Chapter 277 streets/fire), and must not be left in the cartway where they obstruct plows or vehicular travel. Chapter 400 additionally prohibits keeping rubbish or garbage in trucks, trailers, or motor vehicles in or on any street, sidewalk, or any lands within the City for a period exceeding one hour - this rule catches movers and contractors who stage debris in pickup trucks rather than disposing properly. After collection, residents are expected to retrieve empty containers and return them to the yard storage location to satisfy Chapter 400's continuous covered-storage requirement. Bins left at the curb past pickup day are subject to Chapter 360 (Property Maintenance) citation for blight conditions. Significant snow accumulation in winter is the reason Chapter 400 specifically requires lids 'kept covered at all times' - to prevent snow/rain infiltration into stored garbage.