Bethlehem, PA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Codified Ordinances § 933
- Collection frequency
- at least every 2 weeks
- Collection hours
- 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Annual fee
- $90 per unit
- First offense fine
- $100 or 30 days
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Community & Economic Development
- Effective date
- January 7, 2009
Summary
The City of Bethlehem runs a mandatory curbside recycling program under Codified Ordinances Article 933. The Department of Community and Economic Development collects commingled recyclables from every residence at least once every two weeks, between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Single-family households are billed a $90 annual recycling fee, and residents who fail to separate recyclables or misuse city-issued containers face escalating fines starting at $100 for a first offense.
The City shall provide for the collection of designated commingled recyclables from any and all residences, including, but not limited to, single family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, condominiums, and apartment complexes, at times set forth by the City of Bethlehem. At no time will the collection of these recyclables occur less frequently than once every two weeks, unless a collection day falls on a holiday recognized by the City of Bethlehem or in the case of inclement weather. Collection will take place between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. The City will provide for collection of leaf waste at reasonable intervals. The City will provide for the collection of yard waste twice a year.
Full Breakdown
Article 933 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem, effective January 7, 2009, makes curbside recycling collection mandatory for every dwelling in the city, which spans both Northampton and Lehigh Counties. 02 gives the Director of Community and Economic Development authority to write and enforce implementing rules, published and kept on file at City Hall. ; the City also collects leaf waste at reasonable intervals and yard waste twice a year. 04 requires residents to separate glass, aluminum and steel cans, plastics numbered 1 through 7, and paper products into City-provided or resident-supplied rigid, waterproof containers of up to 30 gallons, with commingled items and paper kept in separate bins.
05 and file annual recycling-hauler reports with the Recycling Bureau by January 30. 00 per year, and unpaid balances draw a 10% penalty. 06. 08 bars scavenging from curbside recycling bins, dumping recyclables in with trash, or damaging City containers.
Violations & Fines
Section 933.99 sets escalating criminal penalties for any violation of Article 933: a $100 fine or up to thirty days in jail for a first offense, $250 or sixty days for a second, $500 or ninety days for a third, and $1,000 or ninety days for a fourth or later violation. Scavenging recyclables from bins, mixing recyclables with trash, or misusing City containers under Section 933.08 are separately enforceable as unlawful acts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recycling mandatory for Bethlehem residents?
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What does Bethlehem's curbside recycling fee cost?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bethlehem
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