PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia’s Department of Sanitation is excited to continue Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s One Philly, United City Cleaning Initiative by launching its new Residential Bulk Collection Program. This program is designed to help residents dispose of large metal, household items not picked up during regular trash collection, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and tires. On September 16, 2024, the program launched notifying block captains, community groups, and other residential stakeholders of its creation via direct mail and email.

“Phase One of the One Philly, United City Cleaning Initiative successfully cleaned over 18,000 residential blocks, and I’m extremely proud of the work our Office of Clean and Green Initiatives has facilitated,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “As we enter Phase Two, I want residents to know that we are addressing their concerns about ‘Filthadelphia’ at every turn, until Philadelphia is the Safest, Cleanest, Greenest big city in the nation, with Access to Economic Opportunity for All.

“This initiative helps discourage illegal dumping and offers residents a convenient solution for getting rid of bulk items without having to transport them to a Sanitation Convenience Center,” said Carlton Williams, Director of the Office of Clean and Green Initiatives. “Thank you to the Parker Administration for acknowledging this essential quality of life issue and allocating funds for this critical initiative.”

Philadelphia residents can schedule bulk item pickups for up to four (4) items per appointment. The service is available to single-family homes and multi-family dwellings with up to six units. Larger apartment buildings, condominiums, and commercial properties are not eligible for the program and must use private haulers. Residents can schedule appointments through the Department of Sanitation’s website or by contacting 311. Appointments are limited and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Department of Sanitation understands some residents cannot use personal vehicles or do not have access to vehicles that are viable options for transporting large bulk items. “Sanitation is excited to provide this much-needed service to residents,” said Crystal Jacobs-Shipman, Commissioner of the Department of Sanitation. “This free service assists residents with inoperable bulk items in their homes and limited storage space. They can rely on the Department of Sanitation to pick up their bulk item from their regular trash collection site and properly dispose of them. We are eager to see how this program will positively impact Philadelphia’s residents.”

Items Eligible for Collection

  • Refrigerators (empty with doors removed)
  • Other major appliances (e.g., air conditioners, water heaters, microwaves)
  • Household furniture
  • Large toys
  • Flat-screen TVs
  • Passenger car tires (rims removed; 4 tires = 1 bulk item)

Items NOT Collected

  • Household trash and mattresses (wrapped in plastic)
  • Hazardous, flammable, or explosive materials
  • Auto parts
  • Construction or demolition debris
How It Works
  1. Schedule Your Appointment
    If eligible, schedule your bulk collection appointment online. Appointments are limited and first-come, first-serve.
  2. Check Your Email
    After scheduling, you’ll receive an email with:

    • Pickup Code: Mark items for pick-up with this 4-letter code.
    • Service Request Number: Use this for any follow-up communication.
  3. Set Out Your Items
    • Place items at your normal collection point (curbside or rear driveway) the evening before your pickup date (no earlier than 5:00 p.m. during Fall and Winter and 7:00 p.m. in Spring and Summer).
    • Ensure items are curbside by 7:00 a.m. on pickup day.
    • Label items with your Pickup Code using a marker or sheet of paper and tape.

Important Notes

  • The city will not enter homes to collect items.
  • Residents are responsible for ensuring items are placed in accessible locations on time.
  • The city is not liable for items taken before pickup.
  • Should the Department of Sanitation need to reschedule your pickup due to inclement weather or other unforeseen incidents, you will be contacted by telephone.
  • Sanitation will not collect items that are not included in the Bulk Collection program.
  • The Bulk Collection service is separate from regularly scheduled trash collection. The Department of Sanitation will continue to collect up to two (2) large items (non-metal) per household on regularly scheduled trash collection days, including mattresses wrapped in plastic and other compactable furniture.
  • Residents may still also bring bulk items made of metal, such as appliances or items containing refrigerants to the City’s six Sanitation Convenience Centers. (Limited to two per day.)

For more information or to schedule your appointment, visit the Department of Sanitation’s website at www.phila.gov/sanitation or call 311.

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