Reading, PA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

Reading's bulk-disposal program runs as part of the Citywide Waste Collection Initiative contract with Republic Services. Each residential unit is permitted to set out one bulky item per week curbside on its regular collection day - no advance scheduling is required for the standard bulky-item allowance. Eligible items include sofas, mattresses, box springs, dressers, tables, chairs, lamps, and similar furniture, as well as small carpet rolls (cut into 4-foot lengths and tied). Mattresses and box springs must be completely wrapped in plastic before set-out as a public-health protection against bed bugs; unwrapped mattresses will be rejected and may be cited under QOL.001 (accumulation) until properly prepared. Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, window air conditioners, and other equipment containing Freon (chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant) will not be collected at the curb unless they have been professionally evacuated and bear a tag from a licensed HVAC contractor certifying refrigerant removal under EPA Section 608 rules (40 CFR Part 82). Excessively large or heavy items - including bulk construction debris, pianos, large hot tubs, oversized appliances, and tree stumps - are excluded from the curbside bulk allowance and must be transported privately or via a permitted hauler. The City separately operates an Electronics Pickup program (1 item per week, single-family residences only, request via iRequest or Citizens Service Center) and a free Tire Collection accepting up to 4 non-commercial passenger, van, or light-truck tires (17 inch or smaller, no rims) per pickup with an annual cap of 12 tires per household.