During this time, it is especially important that we all do our part to properly manage our waste and to reduce the amount of waste we are generating wherever possible. Use this guide to learn how to manage your residential waste in Philadelphia properly and safely during the COVID-19 health pandemic.

Trash & Recycling

Beginning April 6, recycling will be collected on an every-other-week schedule. There will be no recycling April 6-11. Collection will start the week of April 13 and continue every other week until at least June 26. Trash collection will continue on or close to schedule. To report a missed pickup, contact Philly311.

Week of:

• April 6 – Trash collection only
  • Note: there will be no trash collection Friday, April 10 due to the holiday. Friday’s trash will be collected on Saturday, April 11.
• April 13 – Trash and recycling collection
• April 20 – Trash collection only
• April 27 – Trash and recycling collection
• May 4 – Trash collection only
• May 11 – Trash and recycling collection
• May 18-May 22 – Trash collections only
• May 25 No collections – Memorial Day Holiday
• May 26-May 30 – Trash and recycling collections; one-day behind due to holiday
• June 1-June 5 – Trash collections only
• June 8-June 12 – Trash and recycling collections
• June 15-June 19 – Trash collections only
• June 22-June 26 – Trash and recycling collections

Residents can also bring trash and recycling to the City’s six Sanitation Convenience Centers, which are open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00am to 8:00pm.

If you or someone in your home has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus or you suspect you may have COVID-19, trash from the patient and the person who is taking care of them should be put in a trash bag. This trash can go out with the rest of the home’s trash.

Masks, Gloves, & Other Personal Protective Equipment

Need to dispose of used gloves, masks, or sanitizing wipes? DO NOT put them in your recycling bin or throw them in the street. You can help keep sanitation workers, recycling plant operators, and your fellow Philadelphia residents safe by placing these items in the trash in securely tied bags.

Keep America Beautiful advises to avoid picking up wipes, gloves, or masks you see littered, because they could be contaminated. Learn more about how to properly dispose of residential personal protective equipment and cleaning materials here.

Disinfecting Wipes

Used disinfecting wipes should also be disposed of in the trash in securely tied bags. Wipes should NOT be flushed down the toilet, as this can clog sewers and cause backups and overflows at wastewater treatment facilities, creating an additional public health risk. Even wipes labeled as “flushable” can cause damage to sewer systems and equipment, so all used wipes should be disposed of in sealed trash bags. If you compost at home, disinfecting wipes containing bleach, detergents, or synthetic cleaners should not be composted and should go in the trash.

Clothing, Electronics, & Other Household Items

Many of us are using this time to sort through belongings and clean out unneeded items. During the COVID-19 health pandemic, we are encouraging those who have items to recycle/donate to hold on to those items until business restrictions are lifted if possible so that the items can be donated or recycled, have a second life, and help others in need.

We recently launched the Recycling & Donation Finder, a tool to help residents learn where they can recycle and donate various materials in Philadelphia. From art supplies to bicycles to electronic waste to furniture, you can search by address or material to learn where to recycle and donate these materials locally to keep them out of the landfill. Start your search with the Recycling & Donation Finder.

Electronic items including computers, monitors, televisions, and other computer-related equipment can be brought to the City’s Sanitation Convenience Centers, Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00am to 8:00pm. Find the Center nearest you.