Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Lower Macungie
Pennsylvania waste collection runs weekly, with exact days varying by local township, borough, or city routing schedules.
State Mandate
Follow Act 101 guidelines for mandatory community recycling.
96-gallon Trash Cart Bin (Trash)
All household garbage must be bagged and fit entirely inside the Township-provided 96-gallon cart. Place your cart curbside the night before your collection day, leaving ample space around it for the automated mechanical lifting arm.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Textiles
Recycling Cart Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loose inside the recycling cart—do not bag them in plastic. Large cardboard boxes must be broken down or cut to fit completely inside the bin.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Clear and colored glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastics #1 through #7
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Newspapers and mixed paper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Hazardous waste
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Unflattened large cardboard boxes
Yard Waste Bin
Curbside yard waste is collected seasonally. Grass must be in Kraft paper bags (never plastic), and branches must be tied in bundles. Alternatively, yard waste can be taken to the Indian Creek Road Compost Center.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings (in Kraft bags)
- ✓Bundled branches and twigs
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Plant trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One item per week
Placement
Place your single bulk item at the curb the night before collection. While not required, filling out the Township's online Trash Form ensures a separate bulk truck is dispatched.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (loveseats, armchairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (must be plastic-wrapped)
- ✓ Large household appliances (non-freon)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Electronic waste (TVs, laptops)
- ✕ Freon appliances (unless certified removed)
- ✕ Hazardous materials
- ✕ Extra trash bags
- ✕ Large unbroken cardboard
Included in standard service limits. Disposing of appliances that contain Freon (like refrigerators or dehumidifiers) requires proper certification that the chemical has been safely extracted.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on or before your normal collection day, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week. If a holiday is not listed, service occurs on your normal day.
Yard Waste Exception
Curbside grass and yard waste pickups will follow the same one-day delay as trash routes. The Yard Waste / Compost Center is closed on all major Township holidays.
For weather-related route cancellations, do not call the Township; watch WFMZ Channel 69 for 'WM-Kutztown' delay notifications.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Break Down All Cardboard Boxes
Bulky cardboard boxes are no longer accepted as part of your weekly bulk item allowance. You must take the time to cut down, flatten, and condense all corrugated cardboard so that it fits completely inside your recycling cart.
Wrap Mattresses in Plastic
If you are setting out a mattress or box spring for your weekly bulk pickup, each piece must be entirely wrapped in a plastic mattress cover. Items that are not properly sealed pose bed bug risks to workers and will be left on the curb.
No Plastic Bags in Yard Debris
Whether you are placing grass clippings at the curb or dropping off trimmings at the Compost Center, never use plastic bags. All grass and leaves must be housed in biodegradable Kraft paper bags or rigid, reusable containers.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to FebruaryThe Lower Macungie Yard Waste Center on Indian Creek Road stays open year-round, but operates on heavily restricted winter hours—typically only on weekends from noon to 5:00 p.m. In the event of severe snowstorms, WM will announce trash delays on WFMZ Channel 69 under 'WM-Kutztown.'
Spring
March to MayAs spring cleaning gets underway, remember that household hazardous waste cannot go into your bins. Utilize the 'WM At Your Door' service to dispose of old paint, pool chemicals, and fertilizers safely from your home.
Fall
October to NovemberAutumn leaves and seasonal yard trimmings can overwhelm your curbside limits. Take advantage of the extended fall hours at the Yard Waste / Compost Center to drop off excess leaves and branches for processing.
About Lower Macungie Waste Management
Navigating the 96-Gallon Cart Requirement
Lower Macungie Township operates an automated trash collection program serviced by Waste Management (WM). Every eligible residential property is provided with a large 96-gallon cart. It is mandatory that all of your household trash fits entirely inside this specific cart with the lid closed. Any additional garbage bags or refuse items left on the ground next to or on top of the bin will simply not be collected.
Handling Weekly Bulk Items Propery
Residents are allowed to dispose of one bulk item per week on their regular collection day. While scheduling is not strictly mandatory, the Township highly recommends submitting an online request via the 'Trash and Recycling Form' so WM can dispatch a separate bulk truck. Keep in mind that cardboard is no longer considered a bulk item—it must be cut down and placed into your recycling bin. Additionally, extra trash bags do not qualify as bulk items.
Disposing of E-Waste and HHW from Your Doorstep
Pennsylvania state law prohibits electronic waste (like TVs and computers) and household hazardous waste (like paints, automotive fluids, and pesticides) from being tossed in regular curbside trash. To make compliance easy, Lower Macungie participates in the 'WM At Your Door' program. Residents can safely dispose of these toxic materials by calling 1-800-449-7587 to schedule a direct home pickup.
Township Yard Waste and Compost Guidelines
During the growing season, Waste Management provides curbside collection for yard debris. Grass clippings must be placed in biodegradable Kraft bags, while branches should be bundled. For larger amounts of organic waste, residents can utilize the Lower Macungie Yard Waste and Compost Center on Indian Creek Road, which offers seasonal drop-off hours and strictly forbids dumping in plastic bags.
Drop-off Facilities
Lower Macungie Yard Waste / Compost Center
5536 Indian Creek Road, Macungie, PA 18062
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Waste Management pick up extra trash bags left next to my cart in Lower Macungie?
No. Lower Macungie Township uses an automated collection system. All household trash must fit completely inside your provided 96-gallon cart. Extra bags placed on the ground, or piled so high the lid cannot close, will not be collected.
How do I throw away an old television or computer?
By state law, you cannot put electronics in your curbside trash or recycling bins. Instead, residents can schedule a free home pickup for e-waste and household hazardous chemicals through the 'WM At Your Door' program by calling 1-800-449-7587.
Do I need to schedule my weekly bulk item pickup?
A bulk item does not strictly need to be scheduled; you can place one item at the curb each week. However, the Township recommends filling out their online 'Trash and Recycling Form' so they can notify Waste Management to send a specialized bulk collection truck.
Can I put large cardboard boxes out as my weekly bulk item?
No. Cardboard is no longer considered a bulk item in Lower Macungie. You must flatten and cut all cardboard boxes so they fit entirely inside your designated recycling cart.