Comprehensive Information About Recycling in the City of Philadelphia

You can pick up a bin, free of charge, from one of the city's Recycling Drop-off Centers. However, you don't need an official City recycling container to get in on the action. Just mark a sturdy plastic or metal container that holds 20 gallons or less with the word "RECYCLING" or put a city-issued "RECYCLING" sticker on it, and the city will collect it at the curb.

Check out our handy map of bin pick-up locations.

With all sorts of terms flying around,—Recycling Alliance, Streets Department, RecycleBank, Five Point Plan— it's no wonder there's confusion.

Explore our glossary of Philly recycling terms and get it all straight.

Recycling tools for organizations

Looking for educational resources or materials for your school, community event or party? Check out our ever-expanding stockpile of recycling knowledge here.

Recycling is easy, but let's face it...

...navigating the City of Brotherly Love's recycling program can be downright confusing at times. Use the menu below to find information about what to recycle, when to recycle and how to make sure it gets collected at your curb.

Single stream recycling is citywide and allows residents to place all of their recycling in one bin, including plastics and carboard. However, there are all sorts of containers marked with that familiar recycling symbol, and not all of them get picked at the curb. Get the straight story about what can and cannot go in that bin here.

Philly Recycling Monitor
Timely information about recycling in Philadelphia.

Commercial Recycling Advocacy Workshop
Wednesday, June 10, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
The Academy of Natural Sciences
Lower Level Commons
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

RecycleNOW Philadelphia is currently focusing on bringing commercial buildings and apartments into compliance and enforcing the commercial recycling regulations. The City of Philadelphia’s commercial recycling regulations require that all commercial buildings in all parts of the City – including businesses, apartment buildings of more than six units, and schools – provide recycling for their employees and/or tenants.

Click here for more information on the session to learn how you can advocate for recycling in your building.

The Digital TV Conversion

With the digital TV conversion coming on February 17, 2009 (visit www.dtv2009.gov for more information and to get your $40 coupon for a converter box), many people are opting to get a new TV (though you don't need one). If you decide to purchase a new TV, be sure to recycle your old TV or donate it for reuse. TVs contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury and should NEVER be thrown in a landfill.

Click here for where to properly dispose of your TV in Philly. Or you can visit the PA Department of Environmental Protection's website to find a licensed electronics recycler in your area.

Recycling won't save businesses money.

FALSE! Find out more >

Last update: 3/12/09