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

Chapter 165 of the Lower Paxton Township Code defines yard waste in § 165-11 as material such as tree trimmings, shrubbery and other organic landscape vegetation. The definition expressly excludes grass clippings, fruits and vegetables, tree stumps, dirt and stones, so those items fall under the ordinary solid waste rules instead of the yard waste rule.

Storage is the one thing § 165-12(H) addresses directly. Yard waste meeting the definition can be stored for longer periods of time, if necessary, until the next scheduled collection for such items, or for the purpose of composting or burning such materials in accordance with Township ordinances, unless the storage violates other ordinances or regulations of the Township. That sets yard waste apart from bulk waste, which is limited to 14 days outside a building. Compost bags, however, are held to the same set-out timing as carts: they cannot sit at the collection location outside scheduled pick-up days, and the container time limits of § 165-12(A) apply to their keeping or storage.

Leaves are a recycling item. Under § 165-14, leaf waste is on the list of materials to be separated and recycled at residential units, including multifamily, and at commercial and institutional establishments and community events. Recyclables must be placed at the curb or other designated area separated from solid waste, at the times and places the Township establishes, and it is unlawful to dispose of a listed recyclable commingled with other solid waste unless it is too contaminated to recycle. A farmer carrying out normal farming operations, including composting, is excluded from the article under § 165-12(J).

Burning is tightly limited. Section 106-24 of the Fire Prevention and Protection chapter prohibits the open burning of refuse and recyclable materials, including leaf waste, as described in Chapter 165, and declares the burning of garbage, rubbish, rags, bones, leaves, paper and other trash a nuisance. A recreational fire permitted without a permit under § 106-25 cannot burn refuse, recyclables, construction materials, leaves or yard trimmings, and is limited to three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height.