Trash Pickup Schedule Day • Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA Trash & Recycling Pickup Schedule (2026) — The Complete Guide

Complete guide for Philadelphia, PA: seasonal set-out times, weekly trash and recycling citywide,
twice-a-week pilot areas, bulk pickup by appointment (up to 4 items), holiday delays, convenience centers, HHW events,
and how to report a missed collection.

Philadelphia in 10 seconds: Set-out times are seasonal (Apr–Sep vs Oct–Mar).
Trash and recycling are typically weekly citywide, with a twice-a-week trash pilot in parts of Center City/South Philly.
Bulk pickup is by appointment (up to 4 items per request).

📍 Address lookup (official)

Find your trash and recycling collection day, holiday adjustments, and service alerts using the City’s official tool.

  1. Open the official lookup page.
  2. Enter your address to see your collection day and updates.
  3. During holiday weeks, confirm changes before set-out.
Tip: The City page may also link to daily truck activity tools (when available).

🗓️ Set-out times & weekly service

Philadelphia set-out rules change by season. Place containers in front of your property and keep sidewalks clear.

Seasonal set-out window

  • Apr 1–Sep 30: set out between 7:00 p.m. (night before) and 7:00 a.m. (collection day)
  • Oct 1–Mar 31: set out between 5:00 p.m. (night before) and 7:00 a.m. (collection day)

Standard frequency

  • Trash: weekly (verify by address)
  • Recycling: weekly (verify by address)
  • Delays: follow City notices (holidays, weather, major disruptions)

Before you report a miss

Confirm set-out times above and verify your address in the official lookup tool (especially during holiday weeks).

🗑️ Twice-a-week trash zones (pilot)

Some areas (not citywide) have a twice-a-week trash collection pilot. Recycling remains once per week.

  • In pilot zones, there are 2 trash collections per week.
  • Recycling remains once per week and is collected on the first trash day of the week.
  • No second trash collection on holiday weeks.
  • Check if your address is included and which days apply using the City resources.

♻️ Recycling — accepted & not accepted

Philadelphia uses a single-stream system—recyclables should be empty, dry & loose.
If you want a quick “what goes where” explainer too, see:
Trash vs. Recycling (US).

Accepted (typical curbside)

  • Paper & flattened cardboard
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Metal cans, trays, aluminum
  • Rigid plastics (bottles, jugs, tubs)
  • Cartons (milk, juice, soup)

Keep out

  • Plastic bags/film
  • Hazardous or electronic waste
  • Food, liquids, foam packaging
  • Propane tanks, batteries, debris

Reminder: Keep items empty, dry, and loose to reduce contamination.

📦 Bulk & large items (by appointment)

Bulk pickup is appointment-based for eligible residential properties. Confirm details on the City page when scheduling.

  • Up to 4 items per appointment (example: furniture, bagged mattresses, appliances; follow City prep rules).
  • Typically valid for 1–6 unit residential properties (larger buildings use private haulers).
  • Tires may have restrictions (e.g., passenger tires only, no rims).

🏗️ Convenience centers & HHW events

For oversized items, special waste, and additional recycling options, use Sanitation Convenience Centers.
For household hazardous waste (HHW), check the City’s event calendar and rules.

Convenience Centers

  • Multiple City drop-off sites (hours and accepted items vary)
  • Often open Mon–Sat with holiday closures—confirm before you go

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

  • HHW drop-off is typically done via scheduled City events
  • Check dates, locations, and accepted materials on the official page

🎉 Holiday schedule (one-day delay)

On City holidays there is no collection, and service is typically delayed one day for the rest of the week.
Always verify your address using the lookup tool during holiday weeks.

City holidays: Holidays & Closures

🚚 Missed pickup — what to do

If your trash or recycling wasn’t collected:

  1. Confirm you followed the seasonal set-out window and didn’t block sidewalks/vehicles.
  2. Verify your schedule and any delays using the official lookup tool.
  3. If it’s past 7 p.m. on your scheduled day, contact 311 (outside city: 215-686-8686).

FAQ — Philadelphia trash & recycling

What time should I set out trash and recycling in Philadelphia?

From April 1 to September 30, set out between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m..
From October 1 to March 31, set out between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m..

Does Philadelphia collect trash twice a week?

Only in the Center City/South Philadelphia pilot zones. Recycling remains once per week and is picked up on the first trash day of the week.
There is typically no second collection during holiday weeks.

How do I schedule a bulk pickup in Philadelphia?

Book online through the City’s bulk service page. It’s typically up to four bulky items per appointment for eligible residential properties.

Are there drop-off centers and HHW events?

Yes. Philadelphia operates Sanitation Convenience Centers for drop-off (hours/accepted items vary), and HHW is typically handled through City-run events.
Check dates and locations on the City site.

Do holidays delay collection in Philadelphia?

Yes. There is no collection on City holidays; service is typically delayed one day for the rest of the week.

Where can I check my exact collection day?

Use the official City address lookup (Find Your Trash & Recycling Collection Day) to see your schedule and holiday adjustments.


☎️ Official links & contacts (Philadelphia)