The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many residents to spend much more time at home, generating an excessive amount of trash. Industry reports note residential trash increases by more than 25 percent nationally, including Philadelphia. Excessive trash tonnage has caused delays across the City with curbside collection service. Delays can create litter conditions, cause horrible odors and attract insects and pests.

The Streets Department continues to make progress with reducing trash collection delays and returning to a normal collection schedule. But we all have a role to play to help curb the amount of trash set out for collection during these unprecedented times. The Department offers residents some simple tips that will go a long way to help reduce collection delays and improve litter conditions. Residents can download a one-page sheet that list tips on ways to curb their waste to support our workers and City.

We hope residents will use this great tool and share with their neighbors.

1) Reduce food waste by using garbage disposals, consider composting, or freeze food waste until your collection day to eliminate odors and pest.  Did you know composting can cut your trash by 1/3! Learn more at www.CleanPHL.org/composting.

2) Stay within the collection setout limits for trash collection. The setout regulations are 8 bags, or 4 containers per household.

3) Check the weight of the trash bags. Each bag should not exceed 40lbs. Overweight trash bags can cause injury to sanitation workers, break open and cause litter conditions and cause trash collection delays.

4) Hold off on DIY projects that increase curbside tonnage. Reduce excessive construction debris, wood or furniture that increase tonnage the exceed set out limits.

5) Limit Bulk Waste to 2 Items per household only. No white metals, electronic waste such as computers or televisions, No hazardous materials. Help protect our sanitation workers.

6) Set Out Trash Properly. Make sure all trash is placed in sturdy bags. Cover containers with lids. Turn handles toward the street. Eliminate excess water weight in cans by drilling drainage holes a couple of inches from the bottom.

Recycle Right – Only glass, mixed paper, cardboard, metal cans, cartons and plastic bottles & containers.  NO yard waste, plastic bags, Styrofoam, electronics, and trash in recycling bins.

7) Drop-off trash, recycling, yard waste, electronics, and other materials at Sanitation Convenience Centers located throughout the City.  Sanitation Convenience Centers are now open 7 days a week from 6AM to 8PM.

8) Place trash in front of your own property no earlier than 7PM before the regularly scheduled collection day. Do not place bags on corners, near litter baskets or vacant lots. This is illegal dumping. Immediately report illegal dumping to 311.

9) Listen for Streets Department announcements regarding trash and recycling collection updates. Report collection delays of more than a week to 311.

10) Thank our sanitation workers for their hard work and service they are providing during these challenging times. A thank you goes a long way to show your support and appreciation.

These tips can help protect the health & safety of our workers, improving Streets Department collection service, reducing litter and help in keeping the City clean. Each day, our sanitation workers are on the frontlines serving our community during this pandemic. We’re all adjusting and responding to unprecedented change.  Regular trash pickup is resuming, keep recycling, schedules will normalize.

The Streets Department thanks the residents in the City of Philadelphia for their patience, support and cooperation during these unprecedented times. Learn more at www.philadelphiastreets.com