Philadelphia, PA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Eligible for City pickup
- buildings with 6 or fewer units
- Set-out rules source
- Streets Dept. regulations
- Neighborhood sanitation fee
- $500/year (many exempt)
- Ineligible properties
- must use private hauler
- Refuse violation fine
- $1,000 per violation
Summary
City curbside pickup is set by Streets Department regulation, not the Code itself, and only eligible small properties qualify.
No person shall place Municipal Waste or Recyclable Materials in the right-of-way or at a pick-up location for City collection except pursuant to collection regulations established by the Department, which regulations may include provisions pertaining to: ... (g) dates and times for set-out... Every Operator of Regulated Premises not eligible for collection pursuant to this Chapter ... shall contract with one or more private haulers for the collection of Municipal Waste and Recyclable Materials in accordance with this Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Philadelphia Code § 10-717 bars putting municipal waste or recyclables at the curb except under Streets Department collection regulations, which set the container type, quantity limits, and "dates and times for set-out", meaning your actual pickup day comes from Streets Department rules, not a citywide date printed in the Code. Section 10-717.1 limits regular City refuse, recycling, and bulk collection to residential buildings with six or fewer units, condos, and co-ops; everyone else must contract a private hauler. Eligible properties also owe an annual $500 neighborhood sanitation fee, though single-family homes, condos, co-ops, and owner-occupied duplexes are exempt from that fee.
Violations & Fines
Illegal set-out or Chapter 10-700 refuse violations: $1,000 per violation; violating the § 10-717.1 fee requirement: $500 per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find my actual Philadelphia trash day?
Does every Philadelphia property get City trash pickup?
What's the penalty for setting out trash the wrong way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
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