Recycle

Compost your Leaves: Philly’s 2020 Leaf Recycling Program

Bagged leaves have to be in designated locations in order to be composted. Otherwise, they’re trash.

PHiladelphia Streets Department’s annual Leaf Recycling Program returns from Monday, November 9th through Saturday December 19th.

Bagged leaf drop-off will be offered city-wide on Saturdays (except for November 14th and 28th) at 13 designated locations from 9a to 3p for the duration of the program.  

Philadelphia 2020 Leaf Recycling Drop-off Locations

Drop-off Location                                                                             Area 

15th & Bigler Sts.                                                                                South Philadelphia 

43rd & Powelton Sts.                                                                           West Philadelphia 

4800 Wayne Ave. (Happy Hollow Rec Center)                                  Germantown 

54th & Woodbine Ave.                                                                        West Philadelphia 

7901 Ridgeway St. (Fox Chase Rec Center)                                      Northeast 

American & Thompson Sts.                                                               North Philadelphia 

Broad & Christian Sts.                                                                        South Philadelphia 

Castor & Foulkrod Sts.                                                                       Frankford         

Cathedral St. & Ridge Ave.                                                                Northwest 

Corinthian & Poplar Sts.                                                                     North Philadelphia 

Graver Lane & Seminole St.                                                              Northwest 

Pennway St & Cottman Ave. (Jardel Rec Center)                             Northeast 

Washington La & Ardleigh St.                                                           Northwest 

Reminder for bagging your leaves:

Follow these tips for bagged leaf collection: 

  • Bagged leaves will only be accepted in biodegradable paper bags.  These bags can be processed for recycling along with the leaves. This reduces contamination in the recycling process.
  • Do not mix trash or other recyclable materials with bagged leaves. This contaminates leaves and makes them unfit for recycling purposes.
  • Use as many bags as needed, maximum 40 lbs. each.
  • Bags may be purchased at most hardware stores. Bags are not provided by the Streets Department.
  • Bagged leaves may also be taken to any of the Sanitation Convenience Centers, Monday through Saturday from 8a-6p:

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

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