Recycling

Residential recycling is picked up every week in Philadelphia, on the same day as trash removal. Blue recycling bins can be picked up at the University City District office during regular business hours. Get rewards for recycling from the Philadelphia Recycling Awards. Stop by the UCD office at 3940 Chestnut St. to pick up your recycling sticker and start earning rewards today.

What Can I Recycle?

Plastics marked 1-7

Batteries - Recycle single use batteries: Size D, C, AA, AAA, and 9 volt are not considered hazardous and can be recycled locally. Find recycling centers for single use batteries. Find steps for recyling your batteries and cellphones.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs - Recycling CFLs prevents the release of  mercury  into the environment and reuses glass, metals and other materials. You can drop off your CFLs at area Home Depot stores, at Ikea (2206 S. Columbus Blvd), or at our local sanitation center at 3033 South 63rd Street, Monday-Saturday 8AM to 6PM.

Rechargeable computer and cell phone batteries - Rechargeable batteries can be dropped off a number of local businesses.  You can call 877.273.2925 for a list of drop-off sites including Radioshack and the local sanitation center at 3033 South 63rd Street also accepts rechargeable batteries Monday-Saturday, 8AM to 6PM. Find steps for recycling your cell phone batteries.

Computers and televisions - These can be brought to our nearest Sanitation Convenience Center at 3033 S. 63rd St., near Passyunk Ave., from Monday-Saturday, 8AM to 6PM. (215-685-4290). Recyclebank will also recycle your electronics, and you’ll get Philadelphia Recycling Rewards points in the process.

Plastic bags - Bring It Back Philly – Keep Philadelphia Beautiful partners with large supermarkets and pharmacies to provide bins for the return of shopping bags, dry-cleaning bags, bread bags, wraps from paper towels, bathroom tissue, napkins, diapers and even the plastic bag that delivers the newspaper.  Find a location near you!

Complete list of what to recycle curbside.
Use it Again, PA! helps you find businesses that can rent, repair, or reuse your old products.  One of the best ways to minimize your waste is to avoid purchasing a new item in the first place.

Commercial Recycling

Commercial Recycling Regulations apply to all businesses that utilize a private or city waste collection in Philadelphia.

The Recycling Alliance of Philadelphia is also a good source of information on commercial recycling.

The Pedal Co-op offers hauling services for recycling, and amazingly, they do it all by bicycle.  Recycling pickup costs $0.21 per gallon and can be collected daily, weekly, or as necessary.