Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for South Whitehall
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.
Township-issued Toter Bin (Trash)
Residents may set out up to two (2) 96-gallon Toter-style collection carts for trash. Toters must be placed 4 feet apart at the curb by 6:00 AM (or 5:00 AM during winter storms/Route 309 corridor).
Accepted Items
- ✓Household refuse
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
Township-issued Toter Bin (Recycling)
Residents may set out up to two (2) 96-gallon Toter-style collection carts. Place at least 4 feet away from the trash toter.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum and bi-metallic cans
- ✓Clear, brown, and green glass
- ✓Corrugated and high-grade office paper
- ✓Pet food bags
- ✓Ziploc and food storage bags
- ✓Baby food pouches
- ✓Cereal bags
- ✓Shopping bags
- ✓Paper towel overwraps
Do NOT Include
- ✕Used or new diapers
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Household garbage
- ✕Construction debris
Yard Waste Bin
Grass clippings are collected at the curb (one 35-gallon container limit without extra stickers) from April through November. Other yard waste requires registration for the Township Drop Off Site.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Yard debris
- ✓Garden waste
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly
Placement
Place your single bulk item alongside your toters by 6:00 AM on your regular collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Construction and demolition refuse
- ✓ Tires (dismounted from wheels/rims)
- ✓ Automobile parts (all fluids completely removed)
- ✓ White goods (stoves, washers, dryers)
- ✓ Metal bulk items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Items containing Freon
- ✕ Items displaying a 'FREE' sign
- ✕ Hazardous waste
The first bulk item per week is collected for free. Any additional bulk items placed out in the same week require a $58.00 one-time use Bulk Item Sticker purchased in advance at the Township Municipal Building.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
During a holiday week, all trash and recycling days that fall on or after a holiday will be picked up one (1) day later than normal. If the holiday falls on a Friday, Friday collection will occur on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste drop-off site hours may vary around holidays; check the township website for specific closures.
When there is a weather-related emergency (snow/ice) and trucks are unable to pick up, services are also pushed to the following day.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Freon Appliances Out
While South Whitehall permits weekly bulk pickups for most white goods (like stoves or washing machines), any appliance containing Freon, such as a refrigerator, freezer, or air conditioner, is strictly prohibited from standard curbside collection.
Remove 'Free' Signs From Bulk Items
If you place a bulk piece of furniture at the curb but attach a 'FREE' sign to it hoping a neighbor will take it, the hauler will assume it is not trash and intentionally leave it behind. You must remove all signs before collection day.
Empty Your Flexible Plastics
Although South Whitehall uniquely accepts soft packaging like salad bags, diaper wrappers (no diapers), and detergent pouches, you must ensure they are completely empty and free of food residue to avoid contaminating the paper products in your bin.
Seasonal Information
Spring to Fall
April - NovemberCurbside collection of grass clippings is active from the first full week of April through the last full week of November. Limit your grass to a single 35-gallon container unless you have purchased additional grass stickers from the township.
Winter
December - MarchDuring anticipated snow or ice events, collection trucks are permitted to start their routes as early as 5:00 AM. Always place your toters out the night before a winter storm to ensure you do not miss the plow-adjusted schedule.
Post-Holiday
JanuaryFirst-quarter trash and recycling bills are mailed the first week of January. Residents have the option of paying for the entire year by January 31 to streamline their utility management, or they can pay in quarterly installments.
About South Whitehall Waste Management
South Whitehall Township's Flexible Trash Services
South Whitehall Township has contracted J.P. Mascaro & Sons to handle all residential solid waste needs through 2026. Residents benefit from a highly accommodating weekly automated curbside pickup program. The township allows up to two large 96-gallon toters for household refuse and another two 96-gallon toters for recycling. This generous volume limit makes household waste management largely stress-free, even for larger families. Because route times can vary, officials strongly recommend placing your carts at the curb the night before your scheduled collection.
An Exceptionally Rare Soft Plastics Recycling Program
One of the most remarkable features of South Whitehall's waste management program is the ability to recycle flexible soft plastics directly in your curbside bin. While most American municipalities strictly ban plastic bags, South Whitehall's hauler actively accepts items like Ziploc bags, pet food bags, cereal liners, paper towel overwraps, and baby food pouches in the recycling toter. This progressive recycling initiative significantly reduces the volume of household waste sent to local landfills.
Weekly Bulk Item Convenience at No Extra Charge
Unlike many neighboring Lehigh County communities that restrict large item disposal to specific seasonal cleanups or require costly scheduled pickups, South Whitehall allows one bulk item every single week at no extra charge. Whether you have a dismounted tire, drained auto parts, or a non-Freon home appliance, you can simply place one qualifying bulky piece next to your bins on your normal trash day. If you are cleaning out a house and need to toss more than one item, additional bulk stickers are readily available for a flat fee at the Township Municipal Building.
Navigating Yard Waste and Grass Clippings
Maintaining a beautiful lawn in South Whitehall is supported by dedicated seasonal programs. Curbside grass clipping collection runs specifically from the first full week of April through the last full week of November, allowing one 35-gallon container per household each week. For heavier landscaping projects involving brush or branches, the township maintains a dedicated Yard Waste Drop Off Site. Residents must complete a mandatory registration application and secure a sticker before utilizing this facility.
Winter Weather and Collection Adjustments
Pennsylvania winters frequently disrupt municipal services, but South Whitehall Township employs a well-defined snow and ice policy. If trucks cannot safely navigate roads due to severe winter weather, collections are automatically pushed to the following day. To get ahead of forecasted storms, J.P. Mascaro & Sons is authorized to begin their routes as early as 5:00 AM. This early start time makes it crucial to have your toters stationed at the curb the evening prior to any anticipated snowfall.
Drop-off Facilities
South Whitehall Yard Waste Drop Off Site
Check with Township Complex (4444 Walbert Ave, Allentown, PA 18104) for physical site directions
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I replace a damaged trash or recycling toter in South Whitehall?
If your toter was damaged by the hauler, complete a Damaged Toter Claim Form and email it along with photos to [email protected]. If approved by the township, J.P. Mascaro will deliver a replacement. You should then place the broken bin at the curb on your collection day with a note indicating it needs removal.
Does South Whitehall Township collect large bulk items for free?
Yes, residents are permitted to place one bulk item at the curb every week alongside their regular trash at no extra cost. If you need to dispose of multiple bulk items in a single week, you must purchase a $58.00 Bulk Item Sticker from the Township Municipal Building to attach to the extra items.
Can I recycle plastic grocery and Ziploc bags in my curbside bin?
Yes! South Whitehall has a unique recycling contract that accepts soft plastics. You can safely place clean grocery bags, Ziploc bags, pet food bags, and empty food pouches directly into your curbside recycling toter.
What happens to my trash collection if it snows?
If a winter storm prevents trucks from safely navigating the township roads, collection will be delayed by one day. To get ahead of storms, the hauler is allowed to start routes as early as 5:00 AM, so it is highly recommended to set your bins out the night before any forecasted winter weather.