Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Muhlenberg Township
Trash Day
Trash collection occurs once weekly. Households west of Route 61 are collected on Thursdays, and households east of Route 61 are collected on Fridays.
Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as your scheduled trash pickup (Thursdays for west of Route 61, Fridays for east of Route 61).
Yard Waste
Curbside leaf collection is provided each fall from late October through early December. Brush and shrub trimmings can be taken to the township drop-off facility on Reading Crest Avenue.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day (items may be set out after 6:00 PM the night before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash fees are billed directly by Muhlenberg Township twice a year (mailed in February and July). Water and sewer services are billed separately by the Muhlenberg Township Authority.
Billing Cycle
Semi-Annually
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, 24/7 Drop Box, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
A senior discount is available for qualifying residents aged 65 and older who complete a one-time application with the Township.
Resident provided Bin (Trash)
You may place up to eight plastic or metal containers (maximum 30 gallons each) or plastic trash bags at the curb. Do not use grocery bags or cardboard boxes as trash containers. Place bins out after 6:00 PM the night before collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Small bundled tree limbs (max 4 feet)
Township-provided recycling bin Bin (Recycling)
Single-stream recycling is collected on your designated trash day. Ensure all recyclables are loose inside the bin and free of heavy food residue.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics
- ✓Clear and colored glass
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Aseptic cartons
- ✓Cardboard and mixed paper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Electronic waste
- ✕Hazardous chemicals
Yard Waste Bin
Leaves are collected curbside in the fall. All other brush must be dropped off at the Reading Crest Avenue facility. Grass clippings are strictly prohibited from the drop-off site and must be mulched or disposed of in regular trash.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Shrubbery clippings
- ✓Tree trimmings (max 10 feet long, 18 inches diameter)
- ✓Tree stumps (dirt/rocks completely removed)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One item per week
Placement
Set your bulk item at the street's edge after 6:00 PM the night before your scheduled collection.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas, chairs, and tables
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (must be wrapped in plastic)
- ✓ Washers and dryers
- ✓ Tree limbs (larger than 3 inches in diameter, but max 36 inches long)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Items requiring more than two people to lift
- ✕ Appliances containing Freon (unless properly tagged/evacuated)
- ✕ Unwrapped mattresses
- ✕ Construction materials and pallets
Bulk collection is included in your semi-annual solid waste bill, provided you adhere to the one-item-per-week limit.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on or before your scheduled collection day, your pickup will be delayed by one day. For example, Thursday collections move to Friday, and Friday collections move to Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
The brush drop-off site remains electronically accessible to Key Fob holders from 8 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week, regardless of most holidays.
If the holiday falls on a weekend, your standard Thursday or Friday collection schedule will remain unaffected.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer
April - NovemberThe Reading Crest Avenue brush drop-off is manned and open to non-fob residents on the first and third Saturday of each month from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Proof of Muhlenberg residency is strictly required.
Fall
Late October - Early DecemberThe Public Works Department conducts sequential curbside leaf vacuuming. Rake leaves to the edge of your property line. Crews aim to pass each home every 7 to 10 days depending on weather patterns.
Winter
December - MarchDuring snow events, keep all trash and recycling containers clear of the street so plows can navigate safely. Ensure bins are not buried in snowbanks where J.P. Mascaro & Sons crews cannot reach them.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash In On Cans & Bottles Right Here in Berks County!
While Muhlenberg Township might not have its own buyback center, you're in luck because Berks County does! Many Redemption Centers around the county will take your empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles for cash. It's a great way to make a little extra money while doing your part for the environment. Just do a quick search for "bottle redemption center Berks County PA" to find the closest spot to turn those empties into earnings. Remember to rinse them out before you go!
Giving Your Good Stuff a Second Life in the Muhlenberg Area
Before you toss those gently used items, think about donating them! Habitat for Humanity ReStores are fantastic options, and there's one in Reading. They accept furniture, appliances, and building materials that are still in good shape. Also, keep an eye out for local thrift stores like the Opportunities Without Limits Thrift Store, also in Reading. Donating means your items get a new home and help support great causes in our community.
Keeping Muhlenberg Township Beautiful: Tackling Tricky Trash
Got bulky items or special waste? Muhlenberg Township has specific rules, and it's good to know them to avoid issues. For things like old appliances or furniture that aren't part of your regular pickup, check with the township office about scheduling a special pick-up. And if you ever see illegal dumping happening, it's super important to report it. You can usually contact the Muhlenberg Township Public Works Department to let them know the location and details. Keeping our township clean is a team effort!
Drop-off Facilities
Reading Crest Avenue Brush Drop-Off
3105 Reading Crest Ave, Reading, PA 19605 (Right off Rt. 61)
Materials Accepted
Berks County Solid Waste Authority
1316 Hilltop Rd, Leesport, PA 19533
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How much trash am I allowed to put out each week in Muhlenberg Township?
You are permitted a generous limit of up to eight containers of trash per week. Each container or bag must not exceed 30 gallons in capacity. 55-gallon drums are strictly prohibited.
Can I throw away an old mattress with my regular garbage?
Yes, you can dispose of a mattress as your one weekly bulk item. However, the mattress and box spring MUST be completely wrapped in plastic before being placed at the curb, otherwise J.P. Mascaro & Sons will refuse to collect it.
How do I get access to the Brush Drop-Off facility?
Muhlenberg residents can access the Reading Crest Avenue brush drop-off site seven days a week (8 AM to 8 PM) by applying for a Key Fob at the Township Customer Service department. The fob requires proof of residency and a refundable $10 deposit.
Where can I recycle my old TV or computer in the Township?
Muhlenberg Township offers free electronic recycling for its residents. You can recycle computers, laptops, fluorescent bulbs, and up to two televisions per vehicle per day at the designated electronic recycling drop-off. Check the Township website for specific drop-off instructions.