Bethlehem, PA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Bethlehem's yard-waste framework is anchored in Codified Ordinance §1162.04(f) and (g) and Article 933 §933.03. The yard-waste definition at §1162.01 is 'leaves, garden residue, shrubbery, tree trimmings and similar materials excluding grass clippings' - and the explicit exclusion of grass clippings is the most distinctive feature of Bethlehem's rule. §1162.04(g) reads: 'Grass clippings are not permitted to be disposed of with yard waste or solid waste. All grass clippings are to be mulched into the yard from which they were collected.' This means Bethlehem residents must grasscycle - the clippings stay on the lawn where they decompose and act as natural organic fertilizer. Under §1162.04(f), all persons shall keep yard waste separate from all other forms of solid waste; leaves shall be collected by the City in the fall of each year and shall be disposed of at a designated City facility operated in accordance with Pa.D.E.P. regulations; yard waste will be collected by the City twice a year at curbside. Article 933 §933.03 also confirms biannual yard-waste collection. Acceptable bags under §933.04(d) for leaves are loose to the curb (during the fall program) or in open biodegradable bags available from the City (brown paper lawn bags). The Bethlehem Yard Waste Facility at 1480 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem 18018, accepts year-round drop-offs from qualified Bethlehem residents and property owners only. Self-loading and machine-loading hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:45 PM. The facility is CLOSED during the months of December, February, and March. Accepted materials at the facility: leaves (loose or in brown paper bags ONLY - no plastic bags), branches no larger than 4 inches in diameter and 6 feet in length, small brush, hedge trimmings, and garden plant residue. Non-residents may not pick up compost or mulch or drop off materials. Multi-family rental dwellings of 4+ units, under §933.05(d), shall not place yard waste in the street; the owner or landlord must make arrangements to transport leaf waste to the City's yard waste facility.