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Residential Recycling
The Leader in Recycling in South Central PA
At Penn Waste, we make recycling easy and convenient by partnering with our customers to build a greener community.
Our single-stream recycling system allows you to place all recyclables into a single container, streamlining the process for greater efficiency.
With over 180,000 households served across South Central Pennsylvania, Penn Waste delivers reliable residential recycling services.
You can view a list of the townships and boroughs we currently service on the Resources for Your Municipality page. This includes details about local recycling programs, pickup dates, holiday schedules, and more.
Recycling Resources
Penn Waste offers helpful resources and tips to improve your recycling efforts at home. Explore the links below to learn more about recycling and its positive impact on the environment and your community:
What is Recyclable?
Have you considered whether the products you purchase are recyclable? Your choices at the store directly impact how much waste ends up in landfills.
Opt for products with minimal or recyclable packaging. For example, instead of buying water in individual bottles, choose spring water in gallon jugs and use a reusable water bottle. This reduces the number of plastic containers that need to be recycled.
Penn Waste’s single-stream recycling process makes sorting unnecessary, allowing all acceptable materials to be placed in a single container.
What Items Are Accepted for Recycling?
Acceptable waste will vary by location, but we have a general guide below.
Acceptable Items
Unacceptable Items
Recyclables and How to Prepare Them
Below is an overview of recyclable materials and preparation guidelines.
You can also download a printable version of our single stream recycling guidelines (PDF).
Lancaster County residents, please use these guidelines.
Cardboard
Corrugated Cardboard and Shipping Boxes Only.
How to Prepare Cardboard:
- Remove all packaging inside the box (such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap, etc.).
- Flatten ALL boxes.
- Check the weather. Keep recycling inside during high winds or rain; wet cardboard is harder to process.
Paper
Newspapers Only
How to Prepare Paper:
- Cover with heavier items in the bin to prevent them from blowing away.
- Check the weather. Keep paper inside during wet weather to avoid processing issues.
Plastic Bottles
Plastic Water, Juice & Soda Bottles.
Plastic Containers & Bottles #1, #2 & #5:
- This may include items such as shampoo bottles, liquid detergent containers, condiment bottles, etc. Please check the container to find the designated number.
- The neck of the bottle should be smaller than the base.
How to Prepare Plastics:
- Remove caps or lids.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
- Labels and neck rings do not need to be removed from containers.
Metal & Aluminum
Aluminum Cans, Steel Cans, and Food Containers
- Aluminum Cans
- Steel Cans and Food Containers
How to Prepare Metals & Aluminum:
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
- Remove any plastic caps or tops unless they are part of the can.
- Labels do not need to be removed from cans.
Glass
Food & Beverage Glass Only
- Clear, brown, blue, and green glass food and beverage containers.
How to Prepare Glass:
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
- Remove any plastic caps or tops.
- Note: Labels do not need to be removed from bottles or containers.
Cartons
Cartons are defined as a type of packaging for food and beverage products available at the store. There are two types of cartons:
- Shelf-stable cartons — include juice, milk, soy milk, soup and broth, and wine cartons. These do not need refrigeration.
- Refrigerated cartons — include milk, juice, cream, and egg substitute cartons. These items must be kept cold.
How to Prepare Cartons:
- Remove straws.
- Ensure the carton is empty and rinsed out.
- Cartons may be placed in your bin along with other recyclables.
Cleaning & Preparing Your Materials
Rinse containers to remove food or product residue to ensure your recyclables are properly processed after pickup. This reduces odors and helps prevent insects around your recycling container.
Items that are heavily damaged or soiled cannot be recycled and should be placed in your regular waste container. Properly preparing your recyclables helps make your efforts more effective and contributes to a greener future.
Tips To Get Ready for Pickup
Placing your bin in the appropriate area for pickup and following the steps below will help ensure your materials are collected on your designated pickup days:
- Check the weather. If high winds or rain are forecasted, keep your recycling inside until the following week. Wet or blown-away items are more difficult to process.
- Place your bin out on the scheduled pickup day: Pickup dates and times vary for each community. To locate your pickup schedule, visit the Resources for Your Municipality page and select your township or borough.
- Secure your recyclables: Place heavy items on top of loose paper or light cardboard to prevent them from blowing away. Bundle large items like cardboard that won’t fit inside your bin.
- Collect your bin quickly: Retrieve your recycling container as soon as possible after pickup to prevent it from being blown away.
Want Penny to visit your school or attend your next community event? Penn Waste helps educate children and adults about the importance of recycling.
For detailed information on the townships and boroughs we serve, please visit the Resources for Your Municipality section.