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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Recycling is being able to find a good use for something that otherwise would be thrown away. Like paper. Old paper can make new paper. Old aluminum cans can make new ones or can even be used to make new car parts. Certain recycled plastics are used to make fleece jackets. Even giving an old bike to another kid – it's all recycling. And it's a good thing to do. It saves us all money and time. It uses the earth's resources in a better way. And it's just not wasteful. In fact, it's important. The stuff you throw away can actually help someone else.
No one here is going to tell you it's easy. It does take a little bit of effort and certainly it takes thought. Instead of throwing recyclable materials in with your trash, separate them. Put them outside for pick up on your recycling day – which is the same day as your trash pickup. Recycling saves us money, creates jobs and saves the environment. The question should really be, “Why shouldn’t I recycle?” Recycling means you can do something good for yourself, your neighborhood and even for your family. And if that's not enough, do it because it's the law.Yes. Recycling is the law in Philadelphia. If you don't recycle, you can be fined up to $300.
Metal: Bi-metal cans (like food cans), aluminum cans (like soda cans), empty aerosol cans, empty paint cans
Glass: Jars and bottles (clear, brown, green)
Mixed Paper: Newspaper, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, advertising inserts, telephone books, food boxes (like cereal and cracker boxes – remove plastic liner), computer paper, flyers, soda cartons
Cardboard: Empty and flattened
Plastic Containers #1 and #2: Mostly beverage and detergent containers
Plastics come in many different types, and the two most abundant are marked with a #1 and #2. The #1 plastic containers are things like soda bottles and water bottles. The #2 plastic containers are items like detergent and fabric softener bottles. To find out if a plastic container is acceptable, look for a recycling symbol with the number 1 or 2 imprinted on or near the bottom of the container.
Recycling must be placed out for service by 7 a.m. on collection day but no earlier than 7 p.m. on the previous day.
In Center City, recycling must be set out between
8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Recycling is now picked up on the same day as your trash, every week. Make sure your recycling bins are filled, then put them out side by side with your trash cans.
Click here to find out your specific recycling day.
It's easiest to have a container or two set up where it happens. Like a bin in the kitchen for bottles and cans you’ve washed out, and another in the office for used paper and mail. Just remember that with single stream recycling, it can all go in the same bin – we do the sorting for you.
This one's easy. You can use any sturdy plastic or metal container that holds 32 gallons or less and just mark it with the word "RECYCLING" on its side. Don't use cardboard boxes as containers; they'll end up wet, split open and make a mess on your sidewalk. Instead, flatten them and place them in your bin to be recycled with your bottles, cans and paper. If one bin is not enough to hold all recyclables, simply add another container.
The City will give you a recycling bin at any of these locations. But you don't have to have one. You can use any household container (no larger than 32 gallons), as long as you write "RECYCLING" on it.
There is no limit per collection for recyclable materials but no container filled with
recyclable materials may weigh more than 40 pounds.That's not supposed to happen. If you see a trash truck picking up your recyclable materials, call 215-685-RECYCLE (7329) or dial 311 and report it. Philadelphia recycling trucks are uniquely decorated. Some have pro-recycling messages, others feature paintings by the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. Call it in to 215-685-RECYCLE (7329) and report it.
Click here for questions regarding regular rubbish, yard waste and bulk items.
Customer Affairs is prepared to take calls for most problems and questions. You may elect to also send an email to a Customer Affairs Representative to help you as well. We will do our best to respond to your question or request either via email or phone.
Customer Service Hotline:
215-686-5560, Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday
Customer Service Email Address: csstreets@phila.gov
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What is recycling? 
