Allentown, PA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

A establishes a mandatory recycling program requiring source separation, separate collection and recycling of designated materials from every entity in the City Curbside Collection Program. B sets collection at once per week, with the Department of Public Works dividing the city into districts and setting the days and hours for pickup. C requires entities to source-separate and commingle recyclables into a recycling container as described in Section 525-15 and set them out at the place, manner and time the City designates. D lists the designated recyclables established by regulation: corrugated paper, newspaper, high-grade and mixed office paper, clear, brown and green glass containers, aluminum, steel and bimetal cans, plastics, appliances, and any other material the Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste adds with 30 days' notice, with the City free to add or remove items at any time.

F imposes a separate $20 fee on the owner of any refrigerant appliance, such as a refrigerator or air conditioner, placed at the curb for collection, payable to the Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste before pickup; placing one out without prepaying is itself a violation. This program dates to Ordinance No. 12959, adopted February 21, 1990.