Pittsburgh, PA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Earliest set-out
- 6:00 p.m. day before pickup
- Latest set-out
- 6:00 a.m. collection day
- Containers back in by
- 10:00 p.m. collection day
- Container size cap
- 35 gallons (bag or can)
- Initial fine
- $50, up to $500 repeat
Summary
Pittsburgh residents must set trash and recycling out no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before collection, no later than 6 a.m. collection day, and pull empty containers back in by 10 p.m.
Municipal waste and recyclables shall be placed for collection no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day before collection and no later than 6:00 a.m. the day of collection. Containers shall be removed from collection site and stored no later than 10:00 p.m. on collection days.
(c) Placement.
(1) Municipal waste shall be contained and placed at the collection site in one (1) or a combination of the following:
a. A substantial, leak-proof bag;
b. Containers not exceeding thirty-five (35) gallons;
c. City-issued containers.
(2) Recyclables shall be contained and placed at the collection site in one (1) or a combination of the following:
a. City-issued containers;
b. Blue containers clearly marked for recycling and not exceeding thirty-five (35) gallons;
(3) Municipal waste and recyclables shall be placed at a single location readily accessible within while not obstructing the public right-of-way, or at the edge but not more than five (5) feet back from the traveled roadway or curb, or at a location determined by the Director.
(4) The Director may grant exceptions to this section to single family dwellings and small apartment buildings occupied by persons with physical limitations which prevent them from placing municipal waste and recyclables at an accessible location. Such persons shall submit a written request for medical exemption certified by a physician. Upon approval, the Director shall determine an alternate collection site.
(d)
Full Breakdown
City Code § 619.04 governs single-family homes and small apartment buildings (five units or fewer): waste and recyclables go out for collection no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day before pickup and no later than 6:00 a.m. the day of pickup, and containers must be removed and stored by 10:00 p.m. on collection day. Materials must go in a leak-proof bag, a container of 35 gallons or less, or a city-issued cart, set at a single accessible spot that doesn't block the right-of-way, or no more than five feet back from the curb. Larger buildings, businesses, and institutions aren't serviced by the City and must hire a private hauler instead.
Violations & Fines
Fines run $50 for an initial violation by a single-family home or small building, up to $500 for repeat violations, under § 619.10's penalty table; waste or debris left accumulating on the property past a five-day City notice can be abated by the City under § 619.06, with costs and a lien billed to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I put my trash out in Pittsburgh?
When do I need to bring my cans back in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
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Pickup Rules & Schedules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle pickup rules & schedules.