Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Upper Darby
Trash Day
Collected once per week by area: Monday (Areas 4 & 6), Tuesday (Area 2), Thursday (Areas 3 & 5), and Friday (Area 1). During summer (June through early September), pickup runs twice weekly (Monday & Thursday for Areas 3–6; Tuesday & Friday for Areas 1–2).
Recycling
Collected weekly on designated days: Monday (Area 3), Tuesday (Area 5), Wednesday (Areas 1 & 2), Thursday (Area 4), and Friday (Area 6).
Yard Waste
Collected weekly on your regular recycling day from early April through late October.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and sewer fees are billed annually through the Upper Darby Tax Office and must be paid in full by May 31 to avoid penalty fees.
Billing Cycle
Annual
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Qualifying homeowners enrolled in the Pennsylvania Property Tax Rebate (PA-1000) for seniors age 65+, widows/widowers age 50+, or individuals with disabilities age 18+ are eligible for a $100 trash fee rebate.
Any standard color (provided by resident) Bin (Trash)
Maximum of 5 containers. Bins must be 32 gallons or smaller and weigh under 40 pounds each. Bins with attached lids are completely prohibited. Must be at the curb by 7:00 AM.
Accepted Items
- ✓Regular household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
- ✓Small non-hazardous household items
Standard recycling bin Bin (Recycling)
Upper Darby uses a single-stream recycling program. All items must be placed loosely in the bin. Do not bag recyclables in plastic.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Clean cardboard and paper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags of any kind
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Pizza boxes
- ✕Items with food residue
Yard Waste Bin
Collected on your recycling day. Must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or loose in an open trash can. Plastic bags are banned. Branches must be tied in bundles weighing under 40 lbs.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Tree trimmings (bundled to 3 feet)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly (collected on your normal trash day)
Placement
Place your allowed bulk item at the curb before 7:00 AM on your normal collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Televisions (limit 1 per trash day)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (must be sealed in plastic)
- ✓ Large metal appliances
- ✓ Carpeting (cut to 3 feet in length, rolled, and tied into bundles under 40 lbs)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Rain-soaked heavy carpet rolls
- ✕ Construction debris and hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Unwrapped mattresses
Bulk pickup is included as part of the municipal sanitation service at no extra cost, provided residents stay within the 1-item per pickup limit.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Upper Darby uses a unique shift system rather than a standard one-day delay. For example, when a holiday falls on a Monday, Monday's trash/recycling route will be collected on Wednesday. Wednesday recycling routes for certain sections will be pushed to Tuesday or Friday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collection follows the same unique holiday shifts as your designated recycling day.
Because the holiday adjustments are complex and vary by neighborhood (Section 1 vs Section 2), always consult the Township's Holiday FAQ webpage for exact alternate collection days.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer
June 1 to September 4The Township switches to a highly anticipated Summer Trash Schedule. During these months, all residential areas receive trash collection twice a week instead of once a week to help control odors and heat-related sanitation issues.
Fall
October to DecemberThe Highway Street Cleaning Division manages a specialized leaf collection program to keep local storm drains clear. Ensure leaves are packed into biodegradable paper bags or piled according to the Township's seasonal newsletter instructions.
Winter
JanuaryPublic Works offers designated curbside pickup for post-holiday Christmas trees. The exact dates are published annually in the Township Newsletter. Trees must be completely stripped of all decorations, lights, and stands.
Local Tips & Community Info
Upper Darby Township Sanitation Guidelines
Managing household waste efficiently in Upper Darby Township requires residents to adhere strictly to the guidelines set by the local Department of Public Works. The township provides dependable, routine trash and recycling collection services to keep the community sanitary and visually appealing. All acceptable refuse should be placed at the curb the evening before your scheduled collection day. It is essential for property owners to remain aware of local regulations to prevent missed pickups and maintain a clean neighborhood environment year-round.
Weight Limits and Trash Receptacles
To protect the physical safety of sanitation workers, Upper Darby enforces strict weight boundaries for residential garbage. A single trash can or securely tied bag must never exceed 40 pounds. Furthermore, the total combined weight of all refuse for one household on a single collection day is capped at a maximum of 200 pounds. Residents are encouraged to use durable containers with detachable lids, as cans larger than 32 gallons or those equipped with permanently attached lids might not be completely emptied due to handling difficulties.
Sorting Your Recycling the Right Way
The township is highly committed to environmental sustainability through its comprehensive single-stream recycling program. Recyclable materials are collected weekly, but there is one critical restriction: never place your recyclables inside plastic shopping bags. Plastic bags entangle the processing machinery and will result in your collection being rejected at the curb. If you have recently moved into the area or need a replacement recycling bin, you can easily request an official container by contacting the township office or submitting a request form directly through the municipal website.
Yard Waste and Branch Bundling Rules
Seasonal yard maintenance produces grass clippings, leaves, and pruned branches that require proper municipal disposal. Starting in the spring, typically around early April, Upper Darby collects yard waste on your designated recycling day. Grass clippings should be placed inside a bag within your standard trash can. If you are disposing of tree branches or shrubbery, they must be cut down to a maximum of three feet in length and tied securely into small bundles. Just like standard trash, each yard waste bundle cannot weigh more than 40 pounds.
Scheduling Bulk Trash Pickups
Disposing of bulky household items, such as metal appliances, dishwashers, and hot water heaters, requires special coordination with the Department of Public Works. Upper Darby classifies these specific large objects as bulk trash and currently charges a $20 fee per item for removal. Residents must submit a formal request online or by mail and pay the fee before the item will be collected. Note that certain large furniture items, like sleeper sofas, may not qualify under the standard bulk appliance program, so always verify your item with the township first.
Drop-off Facilities
Delco Mulch (Yard Waste Alternative)
1720 State Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082
Materials Accepted
Delaware County Solid Waste Authority (Household Hazardous Waste Events)
Various locations across Delaware County
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weight limit for a single trash can in Upper Darby?
Each individual trash container or tied bag must weigh 40 pounds or less. Additionally, the township enforces a maximum limit of 200 pounds of total trash per household per collection day.
How do I dispose of tree branches and shrubbery?
Branches must be trimmed down to three feet in length and tied into manageable bundles. Each bundle must not exceed 40 pounds to ensure safe and efficient lifting by the sanitation crews.
Can I put my household recycling in a plastic grocery bag?
No. Upper Darby strictly prohibits placing recyclables inside plastic bags. Items should be placed loosely inside an official township recycling bin to prevent damage to the sorting facility's machinery.