Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Silver Spring Township
Trash Day
Trash is collected once weekly, Monday through Friday, depending on your neighborhood route.
Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as your regular trash pickup.
Yard Waste
Curbside yard waste is collected three times per year (designated weeks in spring and fall), along with one Christmas tree pickup in January. Year-round drop-off is also available at the Joint Compost Facility with an annual access card.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and stormwater fees are billed quarterly by the Township. Setting up automatic direct ACH debit through the Township office avoids the $2.85 online payment portal convenience fee.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (Direct ACH), Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
A discounted Low Volume rate is available for households that opt for a smaller 35-gallon trash cart instead of the standard 96-gallon cart.
Penn Waste Mobile Cart Bin (Trash)
All waste must be inside the mobile cart provided by Penn Waste with the lid completely closed. Containers must not exceed 60 lbs. Place curbside by 6:00 AM the evening before or morning of collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-hazardous waste
- ✓Food waste
Large 65-gallon or Small 35-gallon Penn Waste Cart Bin (Recycling)
Single-stream recycling. Keep all recyclable items loose inside the cart. Do not bag your recyclables. Flatten all cardboard boxes before placement.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard and paperboard
- ✓Newspaper, magazines, and junk mail
- ✓Aluminum, tin, and steel cans
- ✓Clean glass bottles and jars
- ✓Rigid plastic bottles and jugs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam packaging
- ✕Electronics and batteries
- ✕Propane cylinders or pressurized tanks
Yard Waste Bin
Collected on three designated seasonal dates per calendar year, plus a post-holiday Christmas tree collection. Grass clippings are not accepted curbside.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Garden trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once per week, by appointment only.
Placement
Place your scheduled bulk item curbside the evening before collection day alongside your standard containers.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large household goods
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and remodeling debris
- ✕ Items too heavy to be lifted by two people
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
- ✕ Hazardous waste
The standard weekly bulk item collection is included under your contract tier, but you must call Penn Waste at 717-767-4456 at least 48 hours prior to schedule it.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Collection days that fall on or after an observed holiday will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that service week.
Yard Waste Exception
If a designated yard waste or bulk collection date coincides with a holiday week shift, adjustments will be noted on the official annual calendar.
Exception: If a holiday lands on a Saturday or a Sunday, there is zero change in service prior to or after the holiday.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
JanuaryPenn Waste provides a dedicated curbside Christmas tree collection once a year on a scheduled date. Trees must be completely free of lights, tinsel, stands, and plastic disposal bags.
Spring through Fall
April to NovemberThe Township self-service recycling and yard waste facility operates daily during extended daylight hours, requiring an annual $30 resident access card to drop off excess brush and organic materials.
Winter
December to FebruaryDuring major Cumberland County winter storms, collection schedules may be adjusted for road safety. Monitor Penn Waste E-News updates for sudden weather delay announcements.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Those Cans into Cold Cash Around Silver Spring?
While Silver Spring Township doesn't have its own specific buyback centers for bottles and cans, Pennsylvania does have a bottle deposit law for many beverages. This means you can get a few cents back for every soda, beer, and water bottle or can you return to participating retailers. Keep an eye out for the redemption centers at larger grocery stores in the wider Cumberland County area – it's a small way to make a difference and get a little reward for being green!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in the Neighborhood
Before you toss out those furniture pieces or clothes that are still in decent shape, think about donating them! While I couldn't pinpoint a specific donation center right *in* Silver Spring Township itself, the nearby areas in Cumberland County offer great options. Places like the Goodwill in Mechanicsburg or even local church outreach programs often welcome donations of clothing, household goods, and sometimes even furniture. It's a wonderful way to help out other folks in our community and keep good items out of the landfill.
Keeping Silver Spring Sparkling: What to Do About Litterbugs
Seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be is a bummer for everyone. If you ever spot illegal dumping happening in or around Silver Spring Township, it's best to report it to the township directly. They can help investigate and ensure it's cleaned up properly. Sometimes, community clean-up days pop up too, which are fantastic opportunities to pitch in and make our shared spaces look even better. Keep an eye on the township's official announcements for any upcoming events or specific reporting procedures.
Drop-off Facilities
Silver Spring Township Resident Recycling & Yard Waste Facility
Silver Spring Township, PA (Contact Township for exact gate location)
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use the orange trash bags in Silver Spring Township?
No. The orange bag system was permanently discontinued as of January 1, 2024. All household refuse must now be placed inside the automated mobile cart provided by Penn Waste.
How do I schedule a pickup for a large piece of furniture?
You are allowed one bulk item per week, but you must contact Penn Waste's customer service team at 717-767-4456 at least 48 hours prior to your collection day. They dispatch a separate truck specifically for bulk items.
Who do I contact if my trash cart was missed on collection day?
For missed pickups, service issues, or to report damaged carts, contact Penn Waste directly at 717-767-4456 and press option 1 for residential customer service. For billing inquiries, contact the Township office at 717-766-0178.
Can I temporarily pause my trash service if I am away from home?
Yes. Participation in the weekly trash pickup can be paused for a maximum of one full quarter (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th quarter) per calendar year. You must contact the Township Administration Office or email [email protected] to request an exemption.