Bristol, PA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

Section 20-106 of the Bristol Borough Code is the core pick-up rule. It applies to residents, householders, proprietors of business establishments and other persons to whom collection service is afforded. Refuse goes in one or more watertight vessels or receptacles, placed in the location designated for pick-up (curb in front or alley at rear, as specified in regulations on the subject) on the day specified for pick-up or the night before. Receptacles must be promptly removed from the sidewalk, curb or alley immediately after collection is completed.

The neighboring sections fill in what goes into the receptacle. Under § 20-108, garbage may share a container with other refuse, but all garbage must be drained of liquid content and wrapped in newspaper or other suitable material, and leaves go in biodegradable bags for separate collection on designated days. Under § 20-109, containers must be of standard refuse type and cannot exceed the gallonage or weight, including contents, referenced in the Agreement between the Borough of Bristol and the solid waste provider. Each household and each business establishment is entitled to up to but not more than six such containers per pickup. That limit was amended by Ord. No. 1372 on 11/11/2024.

All refuse must be gathered, collected and hauled away by a collector authorized by the Borough (§ 20-102). Borough Council awards the collection contract after competitive bidding for a term not exceeding five years (§ 20-103), and the contractor must use fully enclosed, packer-type vehicles (§ 20-114). Section 20-116 allows garbage, ashes and rubbish to be stored as required while awaiting collection, provided all other Borough ordinances are followed in the storage and placement.