Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Susquehanna Township
Trash Day
Trash is collected Monday through Friday depending on your neighborhood zone. Residents can check their designated pickup day using the Township's online Trash & Recycling Collection Look-Up tool.
Recycling
Collected weekly on the same day as your regular trash collection.
Yard Waste
Monthly curbside yard waste collection on designated dates from spring through fall, plus seasonal fall leaf pickup the day after your trash collection.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling services are contracted township-wide with Penn Waste and billed quarterly, while township sewer and stormwater fees are billed separately by the Susquehanna Township Authority.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone
Typically green or black (Mobile Cart) Bin (Trash)
All trash must fit inside the mobile cart. No loose bags permitted outside the cart starting in 2026. Weight limit is typically 60 lbs.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Styrofoam
Typically designated mobile cart with colored lid Bin (Recycling)
Items must be empty, clean, and dry. Do not bag recyclables; place them loosely inside the cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean corrugated cardboard
- ✓Paper and junk mail
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Metal cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food or liquid waste
- ✕Garden hoses
- ✕Medical waste
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Diapers
Yard Waste Bin
Use biodegradable bags or bundle and tie with twine (max 30 lbs per bundle). No grass clippings or dirt permitted.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Branches (max 4 feet in length, 6 inches in diameter)
- ✓Twigs
- ✓Shrub trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One bulk item per week
Placement
Place your scheduled bulk item at the curb by 6:00 AM on your collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses (must be completely sealed in disposable plastic)
- ✓ Box springs
- ✓ Carpet (cut to 48 inches maximum and tied)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Electronics
- ✕ Hazardous liquids
- ✕ Items too heavy for two people to safely lift
One standard bulk item per week is included at no extra charge. Appliances containing Freon (like refrigerators) require a specialized metal truck pickup on Tuesdays, which also must be scheduled with Penn Waste.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a major holiday falls on a weekday on or before your scheduled pickup, collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collections are scheduled on specific dates; check the township calendar to see if holiday weeks impact your scheduled organics pickup.
If an observed holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there is no change to the weekday curbside collection schedule.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring & Summer
March - AugustYard waste collection resumes in March. Remember that grass clippings are not accepted in the yard waste stream—consider mulching them into your lawn to feed the soil.
Autumn
September - NovemberLeaf drop season peaks across Dauphin County. Ensure all leaves are packed into compostable paper bags rather than plastic, and take advantage of the yard waste program before it pauses in late November.
Winter
December - FebruaryCentral PA winter storms can severely impact road safety. During heavy snow events, check the Penn Waste website or Susquehanna Township e-news alerts for potential one-day service delays.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Pennies into Dollars: Where to Cash In Your Cans Near Susquehanna Township!
Did you know you can actually get a little cash back for those aluminum cans and glass bottles you're recycling? While Pennsylvania has a bottle deposit program for certain beverages, there might be local scrap yards in or around Dauphin County that pay for other metals too. It's always worth checking with places like those metal recycling centers you might see advertised – they're often happy to take your aluminum, copper, and other scrap for a small payment. A quick search for "Dauphin County scrap metal recycling" can point you in the right direction for turning your recyclable treasures into a few extra bucks!
Give Your Old Stuff a New Life: Great Donation Spots Around Our Township
Before you toss out furniture that's still in decent shape or clothes that just aren't your style anymore, think about giving them a second chance! There are some wonderful places in the Harrisburg area that would love your pre-loved items. Organizations like the Salvation Army or Goodwill are always accepting donations and help support local programs. For larger items or furniture, you might also find that Habitat for Humanity ReStores in nearby areas are looking for contributions. It's a fantastic way to declutter your home and help out a neighbor at the same time.
Keeping Our Streets Clean: What to Do About Those Nasty Illegal Dumpsites
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be! If you happen to spot an illegal dumping situation in or around Susquehanna Township, it's really important to let the right people know. The best bet is to contact the Susquehanna Township Public Works department or your local code enforcement office. They have specific procedures for handling these kinds of situations, which often involve investigation and cleanup. Keeping our community looking its best is a team effort, and reporting these issues helps a lot!
Drop-off Facilities
Dauphin County Recycling Center
1625 South Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave extra trash bags next to my cart in Susquehanna Township?
No. Following the transition to automated collection in early 2026, Penn Waste strictly enforces a 'Carts Only' policy. Any garbage bags left outside the mobile cart will not be collected by the automated trucks.
How do I throw away an old refrigerator or air conditioning unit?
Appliances containing Freon must be collected by a specialized Metal Goods truck to safely capture the refrigerant. You must call Penn Waste at 717-767-4456 to schedule this removal, which typically happens on Tuesdays.
Are grass clippings allowed in the yard waste bags?
No, grass clippings are specifically banned from Susquehanna Township's yard waste program. You should leave them on your lawn as natural mulch or place small amounts directly in your regular trash cart.
Where can I legally dispose of my old television or computer?
Electronic waste is legally banned from Pennsylvania curbside trash collections. You can drop off electronics safely at the Dauphin County Recycling Center, located at 1625 South Cameron Street in Harrisburg.