Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Reading
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week, Monday through Thursday, depending on your neighborhood route.
Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as your regular trash pickup.
Yard Waste
Seasonal collection runs Monday through Wednesday by zone (Monday: Northeast Reading; Tuesday: South/East Reading; Wednesday: Northwest Reading) when scheduled in advance via 311 or the Streets Division.
Set Out Time
After 5:00 PM the evening before collection or by 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash and recycling service fees are included directly on your monthly Reading Area Water Authority (RAWA) utility bill.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
A 50% waste collection fee discount is available for qualifying seniors aged 65 and older who own and reside in a single-family home and meet household income limits.
Any standard color bin or heavy-duty trash bags Bin (Trash)
Limit of four (4) 55-gallon bags per week. Bags must be securely tied. Place out after 5:00 PM the night before pickup. Bins must be removed from the curb and cannot be stored in the front yard.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging and wrappers
City-issued bins Bin (Recycling)
Reading uses an All-in-One single-stream recycling program. Bins are the property of the city and must remain with the assigned address. Do not bag your recyclables.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper and flattened cardboard
- ✓Plastic containers, jugs, and bottles
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (rinsed)
- ✓Metal and aluminum cans
- ✓Food and beverage cartons
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags (do not bag recyclables)
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Household hazardous waste
Yard Waste Bin
You must schedule pickup in advance via phone or the Reading 311 app. Must be placed in brown biodegradable lawn bags or bundled (branches under 3 inches thick). No plastic bags. Grass clippings are rejected.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Hedge trimmings
- ✓Leafy plants
- ✓Small sticks and twigs (bundled)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One item per week (set out with regular trash)
Placement
Place your single allowed bulk item at the curb after 5:00 PM the evening before your standard collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches and upholstered furniture
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (MUST be plastic-wrapped and set out on different weeks)
- ✓ Small amounts of bundled construction debris (max 70 lbs and 3 feet in length)
- ✓ Carpet rolls (cut to 3 feet and tied)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Refrigerators, freezers, or AC units (unless tagged by a certified technician confirming Freon removal)
- ✕ Excessively heavy items requiring special lifts
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals and wet paint
- ✕ Loose construction debris
Bulk pickup is included in the monthly solid waste fee (billed via the RAWA water bill). Electronics and tires are also free but require an advance appointment.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a major observed holiday falls on a weekday, trash and recycling collection routes are typically delayed by one day for the remainder of that specific week.
Yard Waste Exception
If a holiday falls on your designated zone's yard waste collection day, there will be absolutely no yard waste collection for that zone until the following week.
Download the Recycle Coach app or the Reading 311 app for automated push notifications regarding sudden holiday or weather-related collection delays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October to DecemberPublic Works crews begin a specialized curbside loose leaf vacuuming program throughout the city starting in October. Do not mix any brush, grass, or debris into these loose leaf piles, as it damages the vacuum equipment.
Winter
December and JanuaryFor safe post-holiday disposal, the city does not collect Christmas trees curbside. Instead, completely undecorated holiday trees must be dropped off at designated sites in City Park and Schlegel Park between late December and late January.
Spring and Summer
March to SeptemberThe on-demand yard waste collection season officially ramps up in late March. Remember to download the Reading 311 app to request a specific pickup day based on your neighborhood's designated zone (Monday for NE Reading, Tuesday for South of Penn, Wednesday for NW Reading).
Local Tips & Community Info
Reading City Trash and Recycling Overview
Navigating the local waste management system in Reading, Pennsylvania, is straightforward once you know the basics. The city operates a comprehensive household waste collection program that covers both standard refuse and single-stream recycling. If you live in a residential property with up to six units, you are automatically enrolled in this city-wide service. Conveniently, your sanitation fees are bundled directly into your Reading Area Water Authority (RAWA) monthly bill, eliminating the need to juggle multiple utility accounts.
Weekly Trash Limits and Guidelines
To keep neighborhoods clean and ensure efficient pickup, the City of Reading has established clear weekly limits. Each residential household is allowed to set out a maximum of four 55-gallon trash bags per week. It is crucial that all bags are manufactured from durable plastic and securely tied to prevent tearing and littering. While you are not legally required to place these bags inside a rigid trash can, using a container with a tight-fitting lid is highly recommended to keep pests away and protect your waste from the elements.
Single-Stream Recycling Simplified
Reading makes eco-friendly disposal simple with a single-stream recycling program, meaning you do not have to separate your paper, plastics, and glass into different containers. The city provides specialized recycling bins to each residential address. These bins remain the property of the municipality, so if you happen to move out, you must leave the receptacle behind for the next tenant. Remember to rinse out your recyclables and never mix household garbage with your recycling, as contaminated loads may be rejected at the sorting facility.
Disposing of Bulk Items and Metal
Upgrading your furniture or cleaning out the garage? Standard trash collection will not pick up oversized items like mattresses or couches without prior authorization. Residents need to purchase specific bulk tags from the local borough or city hall before placing large objects on the curb. For large appliances and scrap metal, special free pickups occur on Mondays. However, you must call the municipal office by the preceding Friday afternoon to secure your spot on the collection route.
Yard Waste Collection Rules
Maintaining your lawn during the Pennsylvania spring and summer means you will eventually have yard waste to dispose of. Seasonal yard clippings, leaves, and small branches should never be stuffed into your regular trash bags. Instead, Reading residents can utilize designated yard waste drop-off sites, such as the Borough Garage, during specific weekday hours. Special weekend drop-off times are also typically available on the first Saturday of the month from April through November, making it easier for homeowners to manage weekend landscaping projects.
Holiday Schedule Adjustments
Sanitation workers observe several major national holidays, which can affect your regular collection day. Holidays such as New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas generally cause a one-day delay in service. For example, if Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday, Thursday routes will be collected on Friday, and Friday routes will shift to Saturday. Always check the official city calendar or local utility mobile apps for real-time alerts regarding weather delays or holiday schedule changes.
Drop-off Facilities
Berks County Solid Waste Authority Recycling Center
1316 Hilltop Road, Leesport, PA 19533
Materials Accepted
City Park and Schlegel Park Drop-Offs (Seasonal Only)
City Park & Schlegel Park, Reading, PA
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bags of garbage can I throw away each week?
Reading residents can place up to four 55-gallon bags of household refuse on the curb per week. Make sure all bags are heavily tied and strong enough to withstand lifting.
Do I need to buy my own recycling container?
No, the city issues official recycling bins to every eligible address. Because they are municipal property, they must remain at the residence even if you decide to move.
How do I get rid of an old refrigerator or couch?
For large furniture, you must purchase a bulk tag from the city. Metal appliances can be picked up for free on Mondays, but you must call to schedule an appointment by Friday afternoon.