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Trash & Recycling

  • Recycling - On schedule
  • Trash – On schedule

General

  • Trash & Recycling will not be picked on the following holidays:
    • New Year's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Independence Day
    • Labor Day
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas Day
      If a scheduled holiday falls on your regular pickup, trash/recycling will be collected on your next regular service day. 

Trash Collection

  • When should trash be placed at the curb?
    Set out trash and recycling after 6:00 p.m. the evening before, ensuring carts are not blocked by vehicles. Both carts must be placed 3 feet apart and 3 feet away from obstructions (trees, mailboxes, cars) with lids closed and handles facing away from the street.
  • Green Cart / Yellow Lid (Recycling): Items must be loose; no plastic bags, and no yard waste.
  • Green Cart / Green Lid (Trash): All garbage must be bagged before placing in the cart.
  • Deadline: Carts must be at the street by 6 a.m. on your collection day.

  • Prohibited Items & Proper Disposal

    Do not place household hazardous waste (pesticides, pool chemicals, oil-based paints, toxic cleaners, fuel, batteries) or electronics (TVs, computers, monitors) in your regular trash or recycling. These items must be properly disposed of; please visit BucksCounty.gov for recycling locations and specialized collection events.

    What Not to Put in Your Trash:

    • Household Hazardous Waste: Pesticides, weed killers, poisons, oil-based paints, fuels, auto fluids, and hazardous chemicals.
    • Batteries: Automotive and special batteries.
    • Electronics (PA Law Requirement): Televisions, laptops, computers, printers, and monitors cannot go curbside.

    What to Do Instead:

    • Check Disposal Guides: Use BucksCounty.gov for safe disposal options, drop-off locations, and community cleanup days.
    • Do Not Mix: Never mix chemicals or dump them in the trash, drain, or on the ground.
    • Label Products: Keep items in original containers

Bulk Items

  • When are bulk items collected?
    Limit:     One (1) bulk item per week.
  • When: Place items at the curb on your second waste pickup day of the week.

  • Accepted Bulk Items:

    • Furniture, mattresses, box springs, appliances, and large items too big for the cart.
    • Carpet: Must be cut/rolled into bundles no larger than4 ft long and 4 ft wide, tied, or rolled and secured with duct tape.
    Mattresses/Box Springs: MUST be bagged or wrapped in plastic (purchase at local hardware stores).

  • Special Instructions

    • Appliances with Freon (Refrigerators, ACs, Freezers, Dehumidifiers): Must be scheduled in advance.
    • Extra Bulk Items: Additional items require pre-scheduling.
    • Contact: Call WM at 800.869.5566 to schedule special items or extra pickups.

Recycling Collection

  • Glass Bottles & Jars: Accepted colors include clear, green, or brown (no blue glass). Please rinse containers and remove all lids, as lids must be disposed of in the regular trash.
  • Metal Items: All food and beverage cans are accepted, including aluminum, steel, tin, soup cans, and soda cans.
  • Plastic Containers: Rigid plastic containers labeled with codes #1 through #7 inside the triangular logo are accepted. Common examples are milk jugs, water bottles, and detergent bottles. Preparation: Rinse containers and remove lids (place lids in the trash).
  • Paper Goods: Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and phone books are accepted. Preparation: Bundle and tie securely with twine/string, or place inside a brown paper bag. No plastic bags. Weight limit: Maximum of 50 pounds per bundle.

Mandatory Recycling Guidelines

State and local regulations mandate that all residents and businesses (commercial/non-residential) recycle designated materials. Please verify the complete list of accepted items with your specific waste hauler. 

Accepted Materials:

  • Paper & Cardboard: Newspaper, office paper, glossy paper, colored paper, cardboard, junk mail, phone books, and cereal/cracker boxes.
  • Plastic: Bottles and jugs labeled No. 1-7.
  • Glass: Clear, brown, and green containers.
  • Metal: Aluminum, steel, tin, and bimetal cans. 

Are Items Really Recycled?

Yes. Despite concerns that recyclables end up in landfills, all materials listed above are indeed processed and recycled. 

Items NOT Allowed in Your Bin. To prevent contamination, do not place these items in your recycling container: 

  • Styrofoam: Cups, containers, and packaging.
  • Coated Paper: Waxed or plastic-coated cups (e.g., soda cups).
  • Soft Plastics: Plastic bags and plastic wrap.
  • Flexible Packaging: Chip bags and juice pouches.
  • Caps: Container caps.
  • Diapers: Soiled items (which contaminate the entire load). 

How to Avoid Contamination. Contaminated materials cannot be recycled. Follow these steps:

  • Check: Ensure the item is accepted (look for the recycling symbol).
  • Rinse: Give jars, bottles, and cans a quick rinse to remove visible food or liquid residue.
  • Trash: Heavily soiled items must be thrown in the regular trash. 

For comprehensive information, visit http://recycling-bucksgis.opendata.arcgis.com/.