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

Two chapters of the Bristol Township Code shape commercial refuse storage. Section 126-3 sets the container standard for refuse stored on the outside of any building: metal containers, tightly fitting covers, and good condition at all times. The owner, tenant, lessee or occupant of the premises provides the container, and storing refuse outside in anything other than a metal container is itself the violation. Section 126-2 adds that owners, landlords, property maintenance companies and tenants are all jointly and severally responsible for keeping their commercial and residential properties clear of trash and debris, and it bars interfering with, scattering or disturbing the contents of any receptacle holding garbage or rubbish.

Chapter 170, the solid waste article, covers the service side. A commercial establishment is any nonmanufacturing or nonprocessing business, including stores, markets, offices, restaurants, shopping centers and theaters. Under § 170-15 the owners or managers of those businesses, and of multifamily housing properties, must establish, implement and manage a program for the storage, collection, transportation, processing and disposal of municipal waste, in compliance with § 170-13. Municipal waste from commercial, industrial, institutional and municipal establishments and multifamily properties must be collected as often as generated volumes and environmental conditions require, but not less than once a week.

Section 170-2 defines a detachable container or mechanical bin as any container which can be mechanically lifted and emptied into the collection vehicle. Recycling is a separate duty: § 170-4 requires commercial establishments to recycle corrugated paper, office paper and aluminum containers, with collection not less than once a month.