Household recycling guide

How to dispose of just about anything, responsibly.

RECYCLING BIN

RECYCLING BIN

Please ensure recyclables are clean, empty and dry. Place recyclables loosely in the bin, without a plastic bag.

glass jars

 

pickles, condiments, jams, jellies, etc.

 

lids OK, place in separately

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glass bottles


beer, wine, liquor


all  colors of glass are okay

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mail & office paper


fliers, letters, printer paper,
holiday cards, envelopes,
postcards

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newspaper & inserts

 

no plastic sleeves

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magazines & catalogs

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books 

 

paperback, hardcover*, phone directories

 

*please just a few at a time

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wrapping paper, tissue
paper, gift bags (with
string handles removed)


no metallic or glittery paper

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sticky notes

(aka: Post It® notes)

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Recyclables need to be clean, empty, and dry.

 

Ever wondered why?

 

When recyclables get transported and sorted, oils, food and liquids can contaminate the surrounding paper and cardboard.

 

Contamination makes paper and cardboard less valuable for recycling. 

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cardboard

(flattened) 

 

pizza boxes okay, just no food or excessive grease

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shoe boxes, gift boxes

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food boxes

 

cereal, pasta, frozen food, snack boxes, etc. 

 

no plastic liners

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cardboard rolls

 

toilet paper, paper towel, wrapping paper, etc.

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cardboard egg crates

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cartons


milk, juice, broth, soy,
wine,  juice boxes, etc.

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plastic containers from kitchen

 

soda pop, water, milk, butter/margarine, yogurt, peanut butter, etc.

 

lids on

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plastic containers from bathroom

 

shampoo, conditioner, lotion, baby wipes, hair product, etc.

 

lids & pumps on

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plastic containers

from laundry room and cleaning closet

 

detergents, fabric softeners, general cleaners, glass cleaners, floor cleaners, etc.

 

lids & nozzles on

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plastic jugs


milk, juice, water jugs

 

lids on

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plastic tubs

 

yogurt, margarine etc.


remove foil lids

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rigid plastic
takeout containers 


Note: softer 'clamshell' deli containers (clear containers with a hinged lid) are not accepted.

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Think clean, empty and dry. 


Rinse, scrape or wipe residue off of recyclables. 

Recyclables do not need to be spotless, but they do need to be empty.


Spatulas are super handy for getting rid of sticky food like peanut butter and jams.

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aluminum cans

(do not crush)

 

beer, soft drinks, etc.

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steel cans

 

coffee, soup, vegetables, pet food, etc.

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metal

cookie & biscuit tins

recycling bin

NO CURBSIDE DISPOSAL

NO CURBSIDE DISPOSAL

These items contain harmful substances and cannot be disposed of curbside. Safe disposal is provided for each.

electronics/e-waste

 

drop off at:

Best Buy (no TVs) 

Staples (no TVs)

Sanitation Convenience Centers


no curbside disposal

oil based paint & stain

 

drop off at: 

Regional HHW Events

 

note: dry latex/water based paints go in the trash

 

 

no curbside disposal

fluorescent bulbs and tubes

 

drop-off at: 

Regional HHW Events


 

no curbside disposal

Use caution when disposing of broken fluorescent

light bulbs...

Here's how to do it safely:

 

epa.gov

no curbside disposal

metal appliances/white goods

 

drop off at:

Sanitation Convenience Centers


no curbside disposal

used motor oil

 

drop-off at: 


 Regional HHW events

 

no curbside disposal

rechargeable batteries

 

Regional HHW Events

map & dates

no curbside disposal

cleaning solvents

 

drop-off at:

Regional HHW Events

 

HHW is any substance that contains corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients. See the full list of HHW.

no curbside disposal

OTHER CURBSIDE SERVICES

OTHER CURBSIDE SERVICES

The City of Philadelphia provides these additional curbside services.

bulky items that can be compacted (ie: are not made of metal) 

 

regular trash days 

max. 2 items per week

accepted curbside

mattresses & box springs 

 

must be sealed in plastic mattress bag

 

regular trash days 

max. 2 items per week

accepted curbside

DROP OFF FOR COMPOSTING

DROP OFF FOR COMPOSTING

Composting diverts waste from landfills and converts it into nutrients that are vital for healthy soil and plants. Thank you for participating. It's important.

 Leaf Collection and Recycling  


There are leaf collection drives in the spring and fall.  


Check back for details. 


drop off for composting

2021 Christmas tree recycling program starts in January 4th.


Get the details.


drop off for composting

TRASH CAN

TRASH CAN

This is the stuff that goes into landfills and remains there for generations. Please reduce, reuse and/or donate items whenever possible.

all plastic bags

 

 

You can recycle clean plastic bags & film at dozens of local stores

 

plasticfilmrecycling.org

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all plastic wraps 

 

food, newspaper, dry cleaner

 

You can recycle clean plastic bags & film at most local grocery stores.

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polystyrene/styrofoam


takeout containers, cups, plates, coolers, packing inserts

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polystyrene

packing peanuts

 

These local shipping stores gladly accept packing peanuts for reuse.

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disposable coffee cups

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fast food cups

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napkins, paper towels, tissues

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all glass except bottles and jars

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plastic utensils

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biodegradable & compostable plastics

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If clothes aren't stained or ripped, they're worth donating.

 

Even the ugly ones. 

 

 

 

 

Green Philly Blog

shakes out the top local spots for donating used clothing. 

 

Where To Donate Used Clothing in Philly

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clothes, rags, textiles, shoes

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potato chip bags, candy bar wrappers, coffee bags, etc. with plastic on the outside and foil on the inside.

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drink pouches

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vinyl

 

beach balls, shower curtains, inflatable toys, etc.

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garden hoses

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wet, oily or food crusted paper & cardboard

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all food

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all wood

(cut to fit inside your bin)

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grass clippings, 

garden trimmings,

plants, flowers, brush

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animal droppings

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pet food bags

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VHS & cassette tapes

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incandescent light bulbs

 

note: fluorescent light bulbs cannot be disposed of curbside.

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aluminum foil

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all diapers

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Loose shredded paper

 

Shredded paper can be recycled curbside only when placed in a paper bag, stapled close, and marked as 'shredded paper'

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