We all have a role to play to help curb the amount of trash set out for collection. During unprecedented times, residents can adopt the 10 Curb Your Waste tips to help reduce collection delays and improve litter conditions.
- Reduce Food Waste by using garbage disposals, consider composting, or freeze food waste until your collection day to eliminate odors and pest. Did you know composting can cut your trash by 1/3! Checkout the many ways residents can help to reduce food waste.
- Stay within the collection setout limits for trash collection. The setout regulations are 8 bags, or 4 containers per household. Check the weight of the trash bags. Each bag should not exceed 40LBS. Overweight trash bags can cause injury to sanitation workers, break open and cause litter conditions and cause garbage collection delays.
- Hold off on DIY projects that can increase curbside tonnage. Reduce excessive construction debris, wood or furniture that exceed set out limits.
- Limit Bulk Waste to 2 items per household only. No white metals, electronic waste such as computers or televisions, No hazardous materials.
- Help protect our sanitation workers. Set Out Trash Properly. Make sure all trash is placed in sturdy trash bags. Cover containers with lids. Turn handles toward the street. Eliminate excess water weight in cans by drilling drainage holes a couple of inches from the bottom.
- RECYCLE RIGHT – Only glass, mixed paper, cardboard, metal cans, cartons, and plastic bottles & containers. NO yard waste, plastic bags, Styrofoam, electronics, and trash in recycling containers.
- Drop-off trash, recycling, yard waste, electronics, and other materials at Sanitation Convenience Centers located throughout the City. Sanitation Convenience Centers are open six days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Place trash in front of your own property no earlier than 7 p.m. before the regularly scheduled collection day. Do not place bags on corners, near litter baskets or vacant lots. This is illegal dumping. Immediately report illegal dumping to 311.
- Listen for Streets Department announcements regarding trash and recycling collection updates. Report collection delays of more 48 hours to 311.
- Thank sanitation workers for their hard work and service they are providing during challenging times. A thank you goes a long way to show your support and appreciation.
These tips can go a long way in protecting the health & safety of our workers, improving Streets Department collection service, reducing litter and help in keeping the City clean. Each day, sanitation workers are on the frontlines serving our community. As we continue to adjust and respond to unprecedented change, the Department thanks the residents of the City of Philadelphia for their patience, support and cooperation.
