Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Penn
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.
Varies by hauler Bin (Trash)
Must be placed curbside according to the specific schedule and weight limits provided by your privately contracted hauler.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food waste
Typically green or blue (provided by hauler) Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be clean, rinsed, dry, and placed loosely in the bin. Never bundle recyclables inside plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Office paper and newspaper
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Plastic film and grocery bags
- ✕Glass (check with specific hauler)
- ✕Hazardous waste
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste collection is generally not included in standard private service. Residents should compost on their property or verify add-on options with their hauler.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small brush
- ✓Grass clippings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Varies by private hauler contract
Placement
Place bulk items at the curb only on the date agreed upon with your private hauler.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large household items (if approved by hauler)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Electronics and TVs (State Law)
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Freon appliances (unless properly tagged)
Additional fees typically apply for bulk items, depending on your hauler's service terms.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Most private haulers operate on a one-day delay if a recognized major holiday falls on a weekday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste schedules, if offered, are determined by your individual hauler's seasonal calendar.
Always verify the specific holiday schedule directly with your chosen private hauler, as corporate policies may vary.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Plastic Bags Out
Never bag your recyclables. Thin plastic grocery bags and films wrap around the mechanical gears at the sorting facility, causing equipment damage and safety hazards.
Empty, Clean, and Dry
A half-full soda can or an unrinsed peanut butter jar can ruin a whole batch of clean paper. Give your plastic and metal containers a quick rinse and shake before tossing them in the bin.
When in Doubt, Throw it Out
'Wish-cycling'—guessing that an item like a greasy pizza box or a plastic toy is recyclable—does more harm than good. If it is not explicitly accepted by your hauler, put it in the trash.
Seasonal Information
Spring
April - MaySpring cleaning often results in extra waste. Since Penn operates on a private hauler system, contact your provider in advance if you anticipate exceeding your standard weekly bag limit to avoid rejected pickups.
Fall
October - NovemberFor autumn leaf disposal, backyard composting is highly recommended in the borough. If you require curbside pickup, check if your hauler offers seasonal yard waste bags for an extra fee.
Winter
December - FebruaryDuring heavy Western Pennsylvania snowstorms, private haulers may suspend service for safety. Keep your bins accessible and out of the direct path of municipal snowplows.
About Penn Waste Management
Private Refuse Subscriptions in Penn Borough
In the Borough of Penn, residents are responsible for setting up their own trash collection by selecting a private hauler that services Westmoreland County. This open-market approach allows you to choose the container sizes and service frequency that best match your household's output, whether you need a basic bag pickup plan or a large rolling cart.
Navigating the PA Electronics Ban
Pennsylvania law strictly forbids dumping electronics in landfills, meaning your private curbside hauler will leave old televisions and computers at the curb. To dispose of these items legally, Penn residents must utilize the Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center, which accepts most e-waste to keep toxic heavy metals out of the soil and water supply.
The Glass Recycling Dilemma
While single-stream curbside recycling is offered by many regional haulers, glass is increasingly being rejected. Broken glass contaminates valuable paper bales at sorting facilities. Homeowners should verify their specific hauler's glass policy or opt to take glass containers directly to specialized local drop-off bins provided by Westmoreland Cleanways.
Scrap Metal and Freon Appliance Disposal
Getting rid of an old refrigerator or air conditioner requires special care due to Freon gas. Instead of paying hefty private hauler surcharges, Penn residents can transport these appliances to the Westmoreland Cleanways facility in Latrobe, where Freon units are accepted for a nominal processing fee and general scrap metal is taken at no charge.
Drop-off Facilities
Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling Center
113 Innovative Lane (Building F), Latrobe, PA 15650
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start trash and recycling service in Penn, PA?
Because the borough operates on an open-market system, you must independently contact a private waste management company that services Westmoreland County (such as Waste Management or a local provider) to establish your residential account.
Why didn't my hauler pick up my old television?
The Pennsylvania Covered Device Recycling Act strictly prohibits haulers from collecting electronics with standard household trash. You must transport your TVs, computers, and peripherals to an authorized e-waste drop-off site like Westmoreland Cleanways.
Can I put plastic grocery bags in my curbside recycling bin?
No. Plastic film and grocery bags cause severe damage to the sorting equipment at recycling plants. Instead of placing them in your curbside bin, return them to the specialized drop-off bins located at local grocery stores.
Where can I safely dispose of household hazardous waste?
Items like paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, and strong cleaners cannot be thrown in your regular trash. You will need to hold onto these materials for the annual Household Hazardous Waste collection events hosted by Westmoreland County.