Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Bensalem
Trash Day
Trash collection is not provided by the municipality; residents must contract directly with a licensed private hauler of their choice, and pickup days depend on your selected provider.
Recycling
Curbside recycling is mandated by township code and provided by your private trash hauler alongside regular service.
Yard Waste
Private haulers are required to provide periodic leaf and yard waste pickups; contact your provider for exact schedule dates.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Because Bensalem Township does not run a municipal collection utility, residents pay their chosen waste disposal provider directly rather than through township taxes or municipal bills.
Billing Cycle
Varies by hauler (typically Monthly or Quarterly)
Accepted Methods
Varies by private hauler (e.g., Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone)
Pro Tip / Discount
No specific discounts listed; check with your selected private hauler for available senior or promotional rates.
Dependent on private hauler Bin (Trash)
Cart size, placement times, and limits are determined by the contract with your chosen private waste management company.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Dependent on private hauler Bin (Recycling)
Recycling must be included in your standard private collection fee as mandated by township ordinance. Do not bag recyclables.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper and newsprint
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Electronics and e-waste
- ✕Household hazardous waste
- ✕Plastic bags or films
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or a rigid container approved by your trash hauler. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited and will be rejected. Grass clippings are excluded.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Garden residues
- ✓Shrubs
- ✓Tree trimmings (bundled)
- ✓Christmas trees
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Dependent on private hauler contract
Placement
Determined by your chosen service provider's specific guidelines.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses (often required to be wrapped in plastic)
- ✓ Large household items (varies by hauler)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Electronics and TVs
- ✕ Tires (unless specifically arranged)
- ✕ Construction debris (usually requires a dumpster)
Many private haulers require advanced scheduling and may charge an additional fee or require a special sticker for oversized bulk items not covered in your base monthly rate.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Holiday delays are entirely dependent on the private hauler you contract with. Most major providers (like WM or Republic) will delay service by one day if the holiday falls on a weekday.
Yard Waste Exception
Check your private hauler's holiday communication regarding any specific shifts in seasonal yard waste pickups.
Since the township does not manage the trucks, always refer to your private invoice or your hauler's online portal for precise holiday schedule changes.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
January, February, MarchDuring the deep winter months, curbside leaf collection may be paused by your hauler. However, Bensalem residents are permitted to drop off accumulated leaf and yard waste at Waste Management's local compost facility in Tullytown, PA.
Post-Holiday
JanuaryTownship regulations mandate that all private trash haulers operating in Bensalem provide at least one scheduled pickup for post-holiday Christmas trees. Check directly with your service provider for your neighborhood's designated tree collection date.
Fall
October to DecemberWhile leaf collection schedules vary wildly depending on which company you hire, haulers are legally obligated by the township to offer at least one specific collection day for autumn leaves and garden materials.
Local Tips & Community Info
Privatized Waste Collection in Bensalem Township
For homeowners moving into Bensalem Township, navigating trash disposal means taking matters into your own hands. The local government does not deploy a fleet of municipal garbage trucks. Instead, property owners are required by local ordinance to contract their own curbside collection service through a privately licensed hauling company. Familiar names like Waste Management (WM) or local independent providers service different neighborhoods, meaning you have the freedom to compare rates and select a provider that best fits your household's budget.
Mandatory Inclusions in Your Hauler Contract
When negotiating your monthly or quarterly rate with a private hauler, you should be aware of specific township regulations designed to protect consumers and the environment. Bensalem mandates that any licensed waste company operating within the township must include both standard garbage and recycling pickups within their base fee. Additionally, your contracted provider is legally obligated to offer at least one collection event for seasonal yard debris, tree trimmings, and post-holiday Christmas tree removal.
Container Requirements and Curbside Placement
Because services are privatized, your bin rules will depend largely on the company you hire. Most haulers supply branded 64-gallon or 96-gallon rolling totes for your household. A general rule of thumb across all companies is to wheel your carts to the curb no later than 6:00 a.m. on your designated pickup day. To avoid overage fees or skipped collections, ensure that all debris fits completely inside the cart with the lid firmly closed. Trash piled loosely next to the container is frequently ignored by automated lift trucks.
Recycling Protocols and Contamination
Bucks County places a heavy emphasis on sustainable waste practices. Your private hauler will issue a dedicated recycling bin, typically utilizing a single-stream format where paper, aluminum, and designated plastics are mixed. However, it is vital to keep hazardous items, electronics, and flimsy plastic shopping bags out of this bin. Contaminating a load with prohibited materials can result in penalty charges from your provider and slows down the regional material recovery facilities.
Disposing of Furniture and Large Bulky Items
Need to clear out an old mattress or a broken washing machine? Since there is no city-wide bulk pickup day, large cleanouts require direct coordination with your chosen hauler. Most companies offer scheduled bulky item removals for an additional fee. You will need to log into your customer portal or call their dispatch center to arrange the pickup, detailing exactly what needs to be removed so they can send a truck with adequate space.
Holiday Delays and Routing Adjustments
During major federal holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Memorial Day, your collection routine will likely experience a disruption. Private haulers generally observe a one-day delay if the holiday falls on a weekday. Because schedules vary between different private providers, residents should always consult their specific company's website or opt-in to their mobile text alerts to stay updated on weather-related delays or holiday routing changes.
Drop-off Facilities
Waste Management Tullytown Compost Facility
200 Bordentown Rd, Tullytown, PA 19057 (Address approximate, verify via WM)
Materials Accepted
Bucks County Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Various event locations across Bucks County
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bensalem Township provide public garbage pickup?
No, the township does not provide municipal trash services. Residents and landlords must privately hire a licensed waste hauling company for weekly curbside pickup.
Is recycling included in my private trash bill?
Yes. By township law, any private waste hauler operating in Bensalem must include standard recycling collection as part of their normal service fee.
How do I get rid of yard waste and tree trimmings?
Your hired private hauler is mandated by the township to provide at least one designated collection for garden materials, tree clippings, and Christmas trees. Contact your provider for their specific dates.