Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Hazleton
Trash Day
Collection runs Monday through Friday depending on your designated neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Collected weekly on your designated collection day alongside regular trash.
Yard Waste
Seasonal curbside collection is provided on designated dates announced annually by the City of Hazleton.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling services are administered and billed monthly by the Hazleton City Authority (HCA) alongside your municipal water service.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (Bank Draft), Mail, Phone, In-Person
Resident-provided standard trash cans with tight-fitting lids Bin (Trash)
All household waste must be enclosed inside sealed garbage bags prior to placement inside cans.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food packaging and wrappers
- ✓Soiled paper plates and napkins
- ✓Cereal, macaroni, and pizza boxes
Blue container or container with green lid provided by HCA Bin (Recycling)
Do not put trash into recycling totes; doing so incurs a mandatory $25 penalty on your HCA bill.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Clean plastic containers
- ✓Cardboard and paper products
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Yard debris
- ✕Clothing and textiles
Yard Waste Bin
Collected on the 2nd Saturday of the month from April to November; must be placed in containers or bags weighing under 40 lbs.
Accepted Items
- ✓Garden residues
- ✓Leaves and grass clippings
- ✓Shrubbery and tree trimmings up to 6 inches in diameter
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly
Placement
Set your single bulk item out on the curb during regular pickup hours, never days in advance.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas and couches
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (wrapping in plastic is recommended)
- ✓ Wooden furniture
- ✓ Washing machines and dryers
- ✓ Water heaters
Not Accepted
- ✕ Electronics and computers
- ✕ Construction debris and lumber
- ✕ Freon-containing appliances (unless certified degassed)
- ✕ Car parts, tires, and batteries
- ✕ Hazardous liquids and paints
Included in standard municipal billing, provided the one-item weekly cap and material restrictions are honored.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When an observed holiday falls on a weekday, pickup is delayed by one day for the remainder of that holiday week.
Yard Waste Exception
Monthly Saturday yard waste routes operate independently and are announced on specific dates.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, regular weekday trash pickup schedules typically remain unaffected.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - MarchSub-zero temperatures and severe snowstorms in the Poconos region can cause winter collection delays. Ensure curbside placement areas are shoveled clear of snow and ice so haulers can access your bins safely.
Spring and Summer
April - OctoberThe HCA conducts monthly curbside yard waste pickups on the second Saturday of each month from April through October. Branches must not exceed 6 inches in diameter.
Fall
NovemberSpecial leaf cleanups and final seasonal yard waste pickups are scheduled in November before winter sets in. Check HCA notices for exact November curbside collection dates.
Local Tips & Community Info
Hazleton City Authority Waste Management
In the City of Hazleton, the Hazleton City Authority (HCA) oversees the residential trash and recycling programs. Keeping the streets clean is a shared responsibility, and the HCA establishes clear guidelines for curbside collection. Residents must securely bag their household garbage before placing it into the designated bins. It is important to prevent overflowing, as any loose trash or unbagged waste can attract pests or be scattered by wind.
Placing Bins at the Curb
To ensure a smooth pickup process, your garbage and recycling containers must be placed curbside by the correct time. The HCA requires that bins be easily accessible for sanitation trucks, meaning they should not be blocked by parked vehicles, snow banks, or utility poles. Following these placement rules not only speeds up the neighborhood collection route but also ensures that the automated lifting arms on the trucks can safely reach and empty the containers without causing damage.
Single-Stream Recycling Rules
Hazleton's recycling program is designed to minimize landfill waste. The city utilizes a single-stream method, allowing households to place mixed recyclables like aluminum cans, glass bottles, cardboard, and rigid plastics into one bin. However, you must thoroughly rinse out any food residue to avoid contaminating the batch. Prohibited items include plastic shopping bags, styrofoam, and hazardous materials. Contaminated recycling bins may be left at the curb unemptied by the haulers.
Disposing of Large and Bulky Items
When residents need to get rid of oversized items like old mattresses, broken furniture, or large appliances, standard curbside bins will not suffice. The city provides specialized bulk pickup services that must be scheduled in advance. Depending on the item, a small fee or a dedicated bulk sticker may be required. Mattresses usually need to be wrapped in plastic for sanitary reasons. Construction debris and hazardous chemicals are entirely excluded from this service and require a private dumpster rental.
Weather Delays and Holiday Schedules
Severe Pennsylvania winter storms and major national holidays can impact the normal collection routine. During holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Day, collection services are typically postponed by one full day for the rest of the week. In the event of heavy snowfall, the HCA may temporarily suspend routes for safety. Residents are encouraged to check the official Hazleton City Authority website or sign up for local alerts to stay informed about temporary schedule changes.
Drop-off Facilities
Hazleton City Authority Main Facility
400 E Arthur Gardner Pkwy, Hazleton, PA 18201
Materials Accepted
Luzerne County Hazardous Waste Drop-Offs
Various locations across Luzerne County, PA
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manages trash and recycling collection in Hazleton, PA?
The Hazleton City Authority (HCA) is responsible for overseeing residential garbage and recycling services throughout the city.
Can I put plastic grocery bags in my recycling bin?
No, plastic shopping bags are strictly prohibited in the curbside recycling bins because they can jam the sorting machinery at the processing facility.
Does weather affect the garbage pickup schedule?
Yes, severe winter weather or major national holidays can cause a one-day delay in the collection schedule to ensure the safety of sanitation workers.