Department of Public WorksBureau of Refuse and Recycling

Bureau of Refuse and Recycling

2024 Refuse and Recycling Calendar Pay or Obtain Refuse Information Neighborhood Refuse and Recycling Pick-Up Schedule Need a Recycling Bin? Recycling 101 2023 Commercial Recycling Report Form Commercial Recycling Requirements Hard to Recycle Items Guide

The Bureau of Refuse and Recycling is dedicated to managing the city’s waste collection and recycling efforts. This includes regular trash pickup, recycling services, and educating residents on proper waste disposal and recycling practices.

Refuse and Recycling strives to enhance the city’s environmental sustainability and public health through efficient waste management and compliance with recycling regulations.

Please check with the DPW for information on recycling leaves, grass, brush, and also the collection of bulk amounts of boxes and office paper.

We appreciate your interest in recycling.

Refuse Supervisor

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Phone:
570.348.4180 ext. 15

Need a Recycling Bin?

The city provides recycling cans; if you purchase your own, they are to be no bigger than a 32-gallon can. Recycling bins are available at 101 West Poplar Street, Scranton, PA 18509 or at City Hall Pop-Ups

Red Recycling Bin – newspaper, magazines, catalogs, and phonebooks

Blue Recycling Bin -(comingled) glass, cans, and plastic

Cardboard can also be broken down and placed in the Red bin during the cardboard collection week or neatly stacked on the curb.

Recycling 101

How to prepare recyclables:

  1. Remove food and drink waste from containers by a quick rinse.
  2. Discard liners/foam insulation from boxes.
  3. Flattening plastic bottles will make more room.
  4. Please do not place broken glass in the recycling bin.
  5. Break down boxes
  6. Take smaller broken-down boxes and add them in a larger box
Blue Bin Recyclables

All lids and tops should be thrown away before recycling any of the following:

  • Glass
    • Bottles
    • Jars
  • Cans
    • Aluminium
    • Steel (Tin)
    • Beverage Containers
    • Food Containers
  • Plastic
    • Bottles
    • Jars
    • Milk Containers
    • Water Bottles
    • Soap Dispensers
    • Soda Bottles
Items that CANNOT be Recycled
  • Food Wrappers
  • Paper/Foam Dishes and Cups
  • Take-Out Items
  • Snack Bags
  • Straws
  • Utensils
  • Wraps
  • Film
  • Windows
  • Mugs
  • Glasses
  • Broken Glass
  • Cups
  • Toys
  • Plant Pots
Please Don’t Recycle these Items Curbside
  • Plastic Bags
  • Plastic Film
    • Air Pillows from Package Deliveries
    • Plastic Wrap
    • Shrink Wrap
  • Clothes Hangers
  • Electronics
  • Clothing and Textiles
    • Rugs
    • Towels
    • Curtains
  • Hoses and Cables
  • Pots and Pans
  • Scrap Metal
  • Paper Takeout Containers
  • Paper Towels
  • Napkins
  • Paper Plates

Electronic Recycling

Some retailers and centers take your electronics for free, some also provide payment in exchange and others have a charge.

  • Staples | Scranton/Dickson City
    • Free of Charge, Does not take televisions
  • Best Buy | Scranton/Dickson City
    • Free of Charge, Does not take Televisions
  • Stanton’s | Scranton
    • Some electronics you must pay a fee, other’s they’ll pay you
  • Waste Reduction and Recycling | Hanover Township
    • Televisions for $1.49 a pound
  • Brenner Recycling | Hazelton
    • Televisions for a fee that varies

Commercial Recycling Requirements:

According to City of Scranton Ordinance #45 of 2016 and the Pennsylvania Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act of 1988 (Act 101), it is required by law that all businesses, institutions, and commercial establishments must recycle at a minimum the following items and report weights to their municipality each year:

  • Cardboard
  • Office Paper
  • Aluminium Cans
  • Leaf Waste

Please report these items and any other materials you recycle by printing and filling out the Commercial Institutional Recycling Report or by filling out our online form below. The form must be signed by your hauler so that your totals are valid.

 

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