Recycling Information & Resources

Recycle

Recycling Collection Occurs Every Wednesday

Recyclable Items

Reminder:

  • Rinse all food and beverage containers.
  • Crush plastic containers if possible to prevent blowing around the neighborhood.
  • Do not break glass.
  • Do not use plastic bags.
  • Break down and bundle cardboard boxes. 
  • Recycle plastics with the number 1 through 7.
  • If possible, refrain from placing paper/cardboard out for collection if it is raining on the day of collection. 
  • Contact Borough Hall at (610) 374-8273, ext. 221 to report a missed collection as soon as possible to attempt to reroute the truck to your location.

Recipes for Reuse:

Every day we use all sorts of things made of different materials that can harm the earth if not properly disposed of. Click here for "recipes" or crafts that will show you how to reuse the things you have at home and turn them into a new item you can use every day. You'll also find exciting games and fun facts for children big and small!

Medical Waste:

Unsure how to dispose of medical waste? Medical waste must be placed in the trash, not in with the recycling. Used needles must be placed into laundry detergent bottles and marked "hazardous", then they can be placed with the trash. Medical waste contaminates the entire load of recyclables and cannot be used.

Please do not Recycle the Following Items: 

  • Pizza boxes
  • Paper or polystyrene take-out containers
  • Plastic bags or plastic wrap
  • Styrofoam or cups with wax or plastic coatings
  • Broken glass
  • Window glass, mirrors, ceramics
  • Dishes and glasses
  • Pyrex
  • Light bulbs
  • Paint cans
  • Clothes hangers
  • Plastic toys or tableware (knives, forks, spoons,etc.)
  • Garden hoses, Christmas lights or tangling items (these items can wrap around equipment, endangering workers and shut down the entire recycling center)
  • Packing peanuts or flexible packaging materials
  • Shredded paper
  • Propane tanks
  • Aluminum foil

More Information:

Commercial Recycling:

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Act 101 requires commercial, institutional, and municipal establishments located in Pennsylvania’s mandated municipalities to recycle glass, plastics, metals, paper, corrugated cardboard and leaf waste. Each calendar year establishments are required to report the types and quantity of their collected recyclables by February 1st. Forms are mailed to each business or a copy of the form can be downloaded here.

Special Event Recycling:

Organizers of all special events and community events that expect 200 or more individuals are required to recycle the following items:
  • Glass bottles
  • Plastic bottles
  • Aluminum and steel cans
  • Corrugated cardboard

Best Management Practice

Always pair your trash and recycling containers together to make disposal options both obvious and convenient for your attendees and to prevent confusion and/or contamination.

Equipment/Event Support

The Borough of West Reading is available to assist you in recycling at your event.

Assistance provided may include:
  • Determining logistics for recycling.
  • Loaning collection equipment.
  • Providing collection during and/or at the end of your event.