Bristol, PA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Section 20-118 of the Bristol Borough Code is the only dumpster provision in Chapter 20. It applies to an owner of a multi-family structure containing seven or more dwelling units on a single tax parcel, and it removes the duty to pay more than one assessment charge from the Borough refuse assessment when three conditions are met.

First, refuse must be collected in an adequate dumpster on the same property as the dwelling unit. Second, refuse must be collected on a comparable schedule to the Borough refuse collection in reference to frequency of service and bulk pickup capacity. Third, a copy of the refuse collection contract with a licensed hauler must be filed with the Borough on an annual basis, and any change in the contract must be filed with the Borough within 30 days of the effective date of the change.

The exemption sits against the ordinary charge in § 20-201, which is $395 per year for each residence, residential unit and place of business, as printed for the calendar year 2020. Multi-family buildings without the dumpster arrangement pay under the declining schedule in § 20-204: 100% of Assessment for the 1st unit, 90% for the 2nd, 80% for the 3rd and 70% for the 4th unit or any additional units.

The hauler named in the filed contract must be a licensed collector. Under § 20-303 it is unlawful to collect or transport municipal waste in Bristol Borough without written authorization from PADEP, and § 20-305 requires a registration form to be submitted. Collection vehicles are subject to inspection by the Borough or its authorized agents at any reasonable hour under § 20-304.