Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Dover
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week, Monday through Friday, with specific pickup days determined by your neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as your regular trash collection.
Yard Waste
Curbside yard waste is collected on designated seasonal dates according to the township calendar; residents may also bring yard debris to the township drop-off facility on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash and recycling services in Dover Township are provided under municipal contract by Penn Waste and billed quarterly.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone
Pro Tip / Discount
A reduced-rate 'Low Volume Service' option is available for households that generate minimal trash.
Penn Waste provided mobile cart Bin (Trash)
Trash must fit inside the provided mobile cart and weigh no more than 60 lbs. Place carts at the curb by 6:00 AM. Extra bags may require a paid sticker or fee.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Penn Waste provided mobile cart Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag your recyclables. Leave them loose in the cart. Flatten all cardboard boxes so they lay completely flat inside the toter to save space.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Plastic containers (#1-#7)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Medical waste
- ✕Batteries
- ✕Propane tanks
Yard Waste Bin
Heavy brush must be taken to the Municipal Road drop-off site. You must purchase a $15 per-load permit in advance. The site is open only on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays (7 AM - 4 PM).
Accepted Items
- ✓Brush
- ✓Tree trimmings
- ✓Branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One large item per week
Placement
Place your single large item next to your mobile cart at the curb by 6:00 AM on your designated collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Couches and chairs
- ✓ Small furniture
- ✓ Appliances (without Freon)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Items too heavy for two people to lift
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
While standard bulk items are free, you must call Penn Waste to schedule and potentially pay a fee for appliances containing Freon.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized Penn Waste holiday falls on a weekday, collections for the remainder of the week will be delayed by one day, finishing with Friday routes collected on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
The brush drop-off site operates strictly on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, so its schedule is typically unaffected by major weekday holidays.
If a holiday falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), there are no delays or changes to the collection schedule prior to or after the holiday.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
JanuaryPenn Waste provides dedicated curbside Christmas tree collection for Dover residents on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of January. Ensure all lights, ornaments, and plastic tree bags are fully removed before placing the tree at the curb.
Spring/Summer
April - SeptemberHeavy spring pruning and summer storm debris can be disposed of at the Dover brush drop-off site. Remember to purchase your $15 per-load permit at the Township building during the week before you arrive on a designated Saturday.
Fall
October - DecemberGrass clippings are strongly discouraged from both your trash and yard waste collections. During the fall, Dover encourages 'grasscycling' and mulching your leaves with a mower to provide natural nitrogen and moisture back into your lawn.
Local Tips & Community Info
Understanding the Dover Trash Pickup Schedule
In Dover, Pennsylvania, managing your household waste is straightforward when you know the local schedule. Our community partners closely with Penn Waste to ensure regular and reliable trash collection for all residents. To ensure your garbage is collected without a hitch, always place your designated bins curbside by 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection day. Adhering to this early morning deadline prevents missed pickups and keeps our neighborhoods looking clean. Whether you reside in Dover Borough or Dover Township, your exact trash day may vary, so it is highly recommended to check the local municipal map or the Penn Waste portal to verify your street’s designated day. Consistent, timely placement helps our local sanitation services operate smoothly across the community.
Recycling Collection Rules and Best Practices
Recycling is an important part of keeping Dover sustainable. Curbside recycling collection generally runs on the same day as your regular trash pickup. When preparing your recyclables, make sure to follow the township and borough guidelines. Please rinse out all glass bottles, plastics, and aluminum cans before tossing them in your bin. You do not need to sort the materials, as single-stream recycling is utilized, but it is important to avoid placing items in plastic bags, which can jam the sorting machines. If you are a new resident or need a replacement bin, contact the local municipal office to request a wheeled recycling cart. Residents are encouraged to review the official Penn Waste curbside specifications to see exactly what materials are currently accepted.
Handling Bulk Waste and Large Items
Got an old couch, a broken mattress, or a worn-out appliance taking up space? Dover residents are generally allowed one bulk item per week alongside their standard trash collection. When setting out a large piece of furniture, place it neatly next to your regular bins. However, there are strict limits to keep in mind. Items that are excessively heavy and cannot be safely lifted by two sanitation workers will be left behind. For appliances containing Freon, such as refrigerators or air conditioning units, you must schedule a special pickup directly with Penn Waste in advance. Please note that construction debris, loose yard waste, and hazardous materials are strictly prohibited from curbside bulk pickup and must be taken to a proper York County disposal facility.
Navigating Holiday Delays and Schedule Adjustments
Holidays can occasionally disrupt the standard Dover trash and recycling routine. When major holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas land on a weekday, trash collection services are typically pushed back by one day for the remainder of that week. For example, if a holiday falls on a Monday, your pickup will shift to Tuesday, and Friday collections will occur on Saturday. If the holiday lands on a weekend, your collection schedule remains completely unchanged. Penn Waste and the local Dover municipality usually advertise these schedule changes in advance on their websites and in local newspapers. Checking the holiday schedule early can save you the frustration of hauling a full bin to the curb on the wrong day.
Bin Placement and Missed Pickup Guidance
Proper bin placement plays a huge role in the efficiency of Dover's automated collection trucks. When setting your trash and recycling carts at the curb, position them with the handles facing your home and ensure there is at least three feet of clearance around each bin. Keep them away from parked cars, mailboxes, and utility poles so the truck's mechanical arm can safely reach them. Containers must not exceed 60 pounds in weight, and all trash should easily fit inside the mobile cart with the lid closed. If your trash was properly placed by 6:00 AM but was still missed, first verify that it is not a holiday week. If everything is correct, contact Penn Waste customer service directly to report the missed pickup and request a recovery collection.
Drop-off Facilities
Dover Brush Drop-Off Site
Municipal Road (behind the Dover Township Building), Dover, PA 17315
Materials Accepted
York County Solid Waste Authority (Resource Recovery Center)
2651 Blackbridge Road, York, PA 17406
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I need to put my trash out in Dover, PA?
You should place your trash and recycling bins at the curb no later than 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection day to ensure they are emptied.
Who do I contact if my trash wasn't picked up?
If you experience a missed pickup, you should contact Penn Waste customer service directly at (717) 767-4456 to report the issue.
Can I throw away old appliances with my weekly trash?
You can dispose of one bulk item per week, but appliances containing Freon require a scheduled pickup. Construction materials are not accepted.