Erie, PA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual collection fee
- $306.62 per dwelling (up to 4 units)
- Billing
- Quarterly, by Erie City Water Authority
- Senior/PACE discount
- 10% off primary residence
- Schedule-setting authority
- Director, Dept. of Public Works, Property & Parks
- Vacancy rebate condition
- 3+ months vacant with water shut off
Summary
Erie runs mandatory weekly residential refuse collection through the Bureau of Refuse and Recycling and bills every dwelling of four units or less a $306.62 annual fee. The Department of Public Works Director sets the actual collection days, times and rules by administrative regulation.
There is hereby imposed a garbage and refuse collection fee of $306.62 per year for each dwelling containing not more than four dwelling units. The collection fee of $306.62 shall be assessed against each dwelling unit and billed on a quarterly basis... The Director of the Department of Public Works, Property and Parks is hereby authorized and empowered to establish and promulgate regulations including but not limited to, the manner, days and times of collections of refuse and the bundling, handling, location and time of placement of such refuse or collection. The Director is empowered to make changes to the program regulations as necessary.
Full Breakdown
02 places residential refuse, recyclable and compost collection under the direction of the Department of Public Works, Property and Parks, run by the Bureau of Refuse and Recycling. 62 per year for each dwelling containing not more than four dwelling units, billed quarterly against each unit; a 10% discount applies to seniors eligible for the PACE prescription program or age 65-plus homeowners holding a Medical Assistance Card, verified by the Department of Administration and Finance. 10, with no rebate for a vacant unit unless the owner-occupant leaves the residence vacant at least three months and shuts off water service.
15 authorizes the Director of Public Works, Property and Parks to establish and promulgate the actual regulations governing the program, including the manner, days and times of collection and the bundling, handling, location and time of placement of refuse, and lets the Director change those regulations as needed, with material changes made by the Mayor and announced through news releases, the cable government-access channel, or similar public notice.
Violations & Fines
Failure to pay the quarterly fee under Section 951.11 triggers a late penalty and interest set by the Erie City Water Authority for each month of delinquency, and unpaid balances become a lien against the property. Separately, Section 951.16 lets the City abate an accumulation of waste left on private property after 14 days' notice, recovering costs plus a $1,401.27 abatement/service fee from the owner or lessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Erie charge for trash collection?
Who decides Erie's trash pickup days and times?
Can I get out of paying if my house is vacant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Erie
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