Whether you’re a new resident to Philadelphia, have recently moved to a new apartment or have been putting out your recycling in paper bags for years, there’s a great perk of being a Philadelphia resident.
You can get a FREE recycling bin!
Recycling bins are FREE to city residents! Pick them up (easy peasy) Monday – Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM at the following Sanitation Convenience Centers (Just call before you go to make sure they’re stocked):
West Philadelphia (TEMPORARILY CLOSED), 5100 Grays Ave.
215-685-2600
Neighborhood CDCs & other locations in Philadelphia frequently have free recycling bins.
*Always call before you go.
Click the map points for pickup locations of free recycling bins. Always call before you go to make sure they’re in stock.
Red is community centers; green is convenience center, blue is a recycling site.
Map: Philadelphia Streets
You do not HAVE to use Philadelphia’s blue recycling bins to recycle.
If you prefer, you can use any rigid (AKA metal or sturdy plastic) household container (no larger than 32 gallons) but must write “RECYCLING” on it. Also, don’t use paper bags, plastic bags, cardboard boxes, etc. as recycling containers. (Cardboard boxes end up wet, split open & make a huge mess on your sidewalk.)
Our one-page printable guide shares what items you can and can’t recycle in Philadelphia.
Do you know when your trash day is? Know what you can put your trash and recycling bin? You can get fines from the City of Philadelphia if you violate the rules.
Make sure to sign up for Philadelphia’s Recycling Rewards Program when you get your blue bin, too!
Philadelphia Recycling Rewards are now Philacycle, where you can get points for recycling, volunteering, recruiting neighbors, learning online and mobile check-ins.
The Streets Department website allows you to request a bin before you visit a Sanitation Convenience Center.
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