Recycle by City
Philadelphia
Household recycling guide
How to dispose of just about anything, responsibly.
RECYCLING BIN
RECYCLING BIN
Please ensure recyclables are clean, empty and dry. Place recyclables loosely in the bin, without a plastic bag.
glass jars
pickles, condiments, jams, jellies, etc.
lids OK, place in separately
glass bottles
beer, wine, liquor
all colors of glass are okay
mail & office paper
fliers, letters, printer paper,
holiday cards, envelopes,
postcards
newspaper & inserts
no plastic sleeves
magazines & catalogs
books
paperback, hardcover*, phone directories
*please just a few at a time
wrapping paper, tissue
paper, gift bags (with
string handles removed)
no metallic or glittery paper
sticky notes
(aka: Post It® notes)
Recyclables need to be clean, empty, and dry.
Ever wondered why?
When recyclables get transported and sorted, oils, food and liquids can contaminate the surrounding paper and cardboard.
Contamination makes paper and cardboard less valuable for recycling.
cardboard
(flattened)
pizza boxes okay, just no food or excessive grease
shoe boxes, gift boxes
food boxes
cereal, pasta, frozen food, snack boxes, etc.
no plastic liners
cardboard rolls
toilet paper, paper towel, wrapping paper, etc.
cardboard egg crates
cartons
milk, juice, broth, soy,
wine, juice boxes, etc.
plastic containers from kitchen
soda pop, water, milk, butter/margarine, yogurt, peanut butter, etc.
lids on
plastic containers from bathroom
shampoo, conditioner, lotion, baby wipes, hair product, etc.
lids & pumps on
plastic containers
from laundry room and cleaning closet
detergents, fabric softeners, general cleaners, glass cleaners, floor cleaners, etc.
lids & nozzles on
plastic jugs
milk, juice, water jugs
lids on
plastic tubs
yogurt, margarine etc.
remove foil lids
rigid plastic
takeout containers
Note: softer 'clamshell' deli containers (clear containers with a hinged lid) are not accepted.
Think clean, empty and dry.
Rinse, scrape or wipe residue off of recyclables.
Recyclables do not need to be spotless, but they do need to be empty.
Spatulas are super handy for getting rid of sticky food like peanut butter and jams.
aluminum cans
(do not crush)
beer, soft drinks, etc.
steel cans
coffee, soup, vegetables, pet food, etc.
metal
cookie & biscuit tins
NO CURBSIDE DISPOSAL
NO CURBSIDE DISPOSAL
These items contain harmful substances and cannot be disposed of curbside. Safe disposal is provided for each.
oil based paint & stain
drop off at:
note: dry latex/water based paints go in the trash
Use caution when disposing of broken fluorescent
light bulbs...
cleaning solvents
drop-off at:
HHW is any substance that contains corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients. See the full list of HHW.
OTHER CURBSIDE SERVICES
OTHER CURBSIDE SERVICES
The City of Philadelphia provides these additional curbside services.
bulky items that can be compacted (ie: are not made of metal)
regular trash days
max. 2 items per week
mattresses & box springs
must be sealed in plastic mattress bag
regular trash days
max. 2 items per week
DROP OFF FOR COMPOSTING
DROP OFF FOR COMPOSTING
Composting diverts waste from landfills and converts it into nutrients that are vital for healthy soil and plants. Thank you for participating. It's important.
Leaf Collection and Recycling
There are leaf collection drives in the spring and fall.
Check back for details.
TRASH CAN
TRASH CAN
This is the stuff that goes into landfills and remains there for generations. Please reduce, reuse and/or donate items whenever possible.
all plastic bags
You can recycle clean plastic bags & film at dozens of local stores
all plastic wraps
food, newspaper, dry cleaner
You can recycle clean plastic bags & film at most local grocery stores.
polystyrene/styrofoam
takeout containers, cups, plates, coolers, packing inserts
disposable coffee cups
fast food cups
napkins, paper towels, tissues
all glass except bottles and jars
plastic utensils
biodegradable & compostable plastics
If clothes aren't stained or ripped, they're worth donating.
Even the ugly ones.
Green Philly Blog
shakes out the top local spots for donating used clothing.
clothes, rags, textiles, shoes
potato chip bags, candy bar wrappers, coffee bags, etc. with plastic on the outside and foil on the inside.
drink pouches
vinyl
beach balls, shower curtains, inflatable toys, etc.
garden hoses
wet, oily or food crusted paper & cardboard
all food
all wood
(cut to fit inside your bin)
grass clippings,
garden trimmings,
plants, flowers, brush
animal droppings
pet food bags
VHS & cassette tapes
incandescent light bulbs
note: fluorescent light bulbs cannot be disposed of curbside.
aluminum foil
all diapers
Loose shredded paper
Shredded paper can be recycled curbside only when placed in a paper bag, stapled close, and marked as 'shredded paper'
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