Bethlehem does not run a city-administered bulk-pickup program. Because trash collection is contracted directly between each property owner and a licensed private hauler under Β§1162.05(a), bulky items (furniture, mattresses, appliances) must be scheduled with the hauler at the hauler's bulk-pickup rates. Symons Sanitation requires 24-hour advance notice and charges by weight/volume. The City operates the Theis/Cornfeld Recycling Center at 635 Illick's Mill Road for drop-off of certain materials, and the Yard Waste Facility at 1480 Schoenersville Road for organic waste. Refrigerators and freezers containing Freon require professional evacuation under EPA Section 608 (40 CFR Part 82) before disposal.
Because Bethlehem does not run a citywide trash contract, the City does not operate a bulk-pickup program. Bulky items - sofas, mattresses, box springs, dressers, large appliances, carpet rolls - must be scheduled directly with the licensed private hauler that the property owner has retained under Β§1162.05(a). Each hauler sets its own rules and rates: Symons Sanitation, for example, asks customers to call during business hours at least 24 hours before pickup day to schedule extra items, and charges vary depending on weight, volume, and item type (customers may be asked for a photo to get an accurate quote). Republic Services and Waste Management offer bulk pickup at additional cost. Roll-off containers (large dumpsters) for moves, renovations, or estate cleanouts are placed by a hauler under Β§1162.01 definition and must be tarped during transport under Β§1162.06(c). The City supplements private bulk pickup through two drop-off facilities: (1) the Theis/Cornfeld Recycling Center at 635 Illick's Mill Road, Bethlehem 18017, which accepts source-separated recyclables, electronics, and certain household items from City residents, and (2) the Bethlehem Yard Waste Facility at 1480 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem 18018, which accepts leaves, branches (no larger than 4 inches in diameter and 6 feet in length), small brush, hedge trimmings, and garden plant residue from City residents only. Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners containing Freon (CFC refrigerant) must be professionally evacuated under EPA Section 608 (40 CFR Part 82) by a licensed HVAC contractor and bear a refrigerant-removal tag before any hauler will accept them - this is federal EPA law, not a Bethlehem-specific rule. Burning bulk materials (including yard waste) on premises is prohibited by Β§1162.04(e).
Setting out bulk items without arranging hauler pickup (i.e., leaving an old sofa or mattress at the curb on a regular collection day) is an accumulation violation under Β§1162.04(a) - 'Owners shall maintain their premises free from any solid waste, garbage, rubbish, and debris except for that which is properly prepared and stored in compliance with this Article' - and is enforceable under Β§1162.99 at $200/$500/$1,000 per violation. Β§1162.04(d) separately prohibits storing furniture or materials 'designed, built or manufactured exclusively for indoor living use' on exterior porches or yards (with 48-hour notice before citation under IPMC Β§308.4 at Article 1733). Burning waste, yard waste, or grass clippings is prohibited by Β§1162.04(e). Dumping bulky items on a vacant lot or in an alley is illegal dumping under 18 Pa.C.S. Β§6501 (Scattering Rubbish). If the City performs cleanup of an accumulation, Β§1162.10 authorizes lien-back of cost plus 20% penalty under the Municipal Claims and Tax Liens Act, 53 P.S. Β§7101.
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