Trash - Recycling - Bulk Items
Trash Information & Resources
Our Refuse Ordinance requires that trash be stored and placed out for collection in durable, watertight containers equipped with handles and tight-fitting covers which cannot be larger than 35 gallons. Refuse and recycling cannot be placed out for collection prior to Noon the day before collection and all containers must be removed by 11:59 p.m. the same day as collection and stored on your individual property. Containers are not to remain in the alleys or on the streets where you place them for collection. At no time are trash cans and recycling bins to be stored in the front of your property or on the front porch or yard area. Any content that spills out of your refuse or recycling containers is the homeowners responsibility to clean up.
If you have any questions or wish to view the Ordinance please call or stop in Borough Hall in the Administration or Code Enforcement Department and we would be happy to assist you.
Trash Collection is Every Tuesday and Friday
- All refuse must be stored in durable, water-tight containers equipped with handles and tight-fitting covers which cannot be larger than thirty-five (35) gallons.
- Four (4) trash cans per household per trash collection day are allowed. Please do not place bulky items out for regular trash collection.
- Please do not place trash/recycling out prior to Noon the day before collection and promptly remove your receptacle(s) by midnight the day of collection.
- Please mark your containers with your address in the event they would become lost or misplaced.
- Paint Disposal: Latex, water-based or acrylic paint can go in the trash. If there is less than an inch of paint in the can, remove the lid and air dry; If there is more than an inch of paint in the can, mix the paint with cat litter and let it solidify. You can also use a paint hardener according to directions; Throw the can of dried paint in the garbage. Remove the lid, but do not take the paint out of the can; Oil-based paint is a hazardous waste and must be disposed
- Yard waste should be disposed of at the Borough Garage during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please contact the garage at 610-374-8605 to schedule an appointment. Or, yard waste may be disposed of on the first Saturday of the month without an appointment from 9:00 a.m. to Noon during the months of April through November.
Bulk Refuse Collection
- Residents may purchase a small, medium, or large bulk tag, per item at Borough Hall for items that are too large to fit in your trash container. Examples of acceptable bulk items by size can be found here.
- Residents must provide contact information, the date and address for collection, and a description of the item(s) to be collected. Payment options include cash, check or charge, a 3.5% processing fee will be assessed on credit and debit card transactions.
- A limit of two bulk items per household may be collected per week and may be placed out for collection on any regular refuse collection day.
- Tags must be purchased a minimum of 48 hours prior to collection.
- Bulk tags must be affixed to the item that you want to dispose of. It is the responsibility of the resident to securely affix the tag to the item.
- Bulk items may weigh no more than 75 pounds nor exceed 5 feet in length. Larger items may be dismantled to fit these parameters while remaining a single tag item.
- Refunds are not issued in the event that paid-for bulk items are taken by someone other than the borough refuse hauler.
- Metal pickup is free for residents but must be scheduled in advance. Metal pickups occur on Mondays, the deadline to schedule a pickup is Wednesday afternoon. To schedule a metal pickup please call Borough Hall at 610-374-8273. Appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioning units, dehumidifiers, water coolers, and freezers must have the freon removed, and have a Certified Freon-Free sticker to be picked up. If purchasing a new appliance, ask the company delivering the new appliance to take the old appliance. The Freon Hotline can provide information on how to properly remove freon from your appliance at 1-888-GO-FREON (1-888-463-7366). Or you may contract with a local scrap hauler to dispose of your appliance.
Items Not Accepted for Curbside Collection:
- Computer Equipment (desktop, laptop or tablet, keyboard, monitor, printer) (can be recycled at Staples, free of charge)
- Televisions (can be recycled at most stores that sell them, free of charge)
- Paint Cans (unless empty and dry)
- Tires, Motor Oil
- Propane/Gas Tanks (even if empty)
- Hazardous Materials (including oil-based paint cans)
Contact the Berks County Recycling Office at 610-478-6362 for the disposal of hazardous materials. The Berks County Solid Waste Authority sponsors the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program.
If you experience missed stops, please contact Borough Hall at 610-374-8273 to report the matter, and Borough Hall will be in contact with the hauler to report the missed stop.
Recycling Information & Resources
Recycling Collection Occurs Every Wednesday
Recyclable Item 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.
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)
- Shredded paper
- Propane tanks
- Aluminum foil
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.