Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Upper Merion Township
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.
Varies by Private Hauler Bin (Trash)
Residents must maintain an active weekly collection subscription with a legally operating municipal waste collector. Do not place recyclables or yard waste in the municipal trash bin.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household refuse
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Varies (Must be clearly marked as recycling) Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be placed in separate, reusable metal or plastic containers which clearly identify the contents as recyclables. Bins may be provided by your hauler or purchased independently.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum, steel, and bimetal cans
- ✓Clear and colored glass bottles and jars
- ✓Newsprint and high-grade office paper
- ✓Corrugated paper and cardboard
- ✓Plastics #1 and #2
Do NOT Include
- ✕Porcelain and ceramic products
- ✕Plastics #3 through #7
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Electronic waste
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Burning leaf waste is strictly prohibited by Township Code. Collection methods, schedules, and accepted types of yard waste depend entirely on the specific private hauler contracted by the homeowner.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Brush and tree trimmings (Dependent on hauler)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Varies based on your private hauler subscription.
Placement
Follow the exact curbside placement and timing guidelines provided by your specific private hauler when scheduling a bulk pickup.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and mattresses (Varies by hauler)
- ✓ Standard household appliances (Varies by hauler)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Electronic waste (Use retrievr service instead)
- ✕ Hazardous household chemicals
- ✕ Wet paint and liquid solvents
Fees for bulk items depend on the terms of your individual contract with the private hauler. E-waste collected via Retrievr has set fees: $10 for microwaves, $35 for standard TVs, and $100 for extra-large/projection TVs.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because Upper Merion utilizes an open-market system, holiday delays are entirely dependent on your contracted private hauler. Most commercial haulers observe a one-day delay following major holidays.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste delays follow the schedule set by your individual private hauler.
Always check directly with your chosen waste company for their specific holiday operating schedules and customer service alerts.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Check Your Plastic Numbers
Upper Merion Township code specifically designates Number 1 (PET) and Number 2 (HDPE) plastics for recycling. This generally includes water bottles and milk jugs. Do not place yogurt tubs, clamshell takeout containers, or plastic bags in your recycling bin.
No Porcelain or Ceramics
While clear and colored glass bottles and jars are highly encouraged in the recycling stream, porcelain and ceramic products are strictly excluded. A broken coffee mug or dinner plate must be thrown into your standard municipal waste bin.
Never Cross-Contaminate Bins
The Township ordinance clearly states that no person shall place municipal waste in containers used for recyclables, and vice versa. Keep your waste streams entirely separate to ensure your private hauler does not reject your bins at the curb.
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October - DecemberDuring the heavy leaf-drop season, ensure you check with your specific private hauler regarding their autumn leaf and yard waste collection protocols. Remember, burning leaf piles is illegal in Upper Merion Township.
Winter
December - MarchSevere winter snowstorms in Montgomery County can disrupt private hauler routes. Keep an eye on your specific hauler's website or app for weather-related delays, and ensure a clear path is shoveled for your bins.
Year-Round
January - DecemberSpring cleaning often turns up old electronics. Do not hide them in your trash bags. Utilize the Township's partnership with 'retrievr' to schedule an at-door pickup for old clothing, televisions, and computers any time of the year.
About Upper Merion Township Waste Management
Navigating Upper Merion's Open Market Waste System
Unlike neighboring municipalities with a single contracted waste fleet, Upper Merion Township operates under an open-market subscription system. Homeowners and property managers in King of Prussia and surrounding neighborhoods must independently contract with a licensed private hauler of their choice. The township code strictly mandates that all residential and commercial properties arrange for municipal waste collection at least once a week to maintain sanitary conditions.
Mandatory Source-Separated Recycling
Even though trash is collected by various private haulers, Upper Merion Township enforces a unified, strict municipal recycling ordinance. All residents are legally required to separate recyclable materials from their standard municipal waste. Your private hauler must provide collection for specific items, including clear and colored glass, aluminum and steel cans, high-grade office paper, corrugated cardboard, and #1 and #2 plastics.
At-Door E-Waste Solutions with Retrievr
Pennsylvania state law prohibits the disposal of electronic waste in standard landfills. To make compliance convenient, Upper Merion has partnered with Montgomery County and the service 'retrievr' to provide an at-door collection program for electronics and clothing. While most household electronics are collected for free, specific items like microwaves and CRT or projection televisions incur a moderate fee to ensure their hazardous internal components are processed safely.
Strict Bans on Burning Leaf and Municipal Waste
Upper Merion Township explicitly prohibits the burning of any municipal waste, recyclables, or leaf waste. While many private haulers offer specialized yard waste pickups, it is the resident's responsibility to verify that their chosen contractor manages organic debris properly. Residents must never attempt to burn fall leaves or excess cardboard as a disposal method.
Drop-off Facilities
Montgomery County Household Hazardous Waste Events
Various rotating locations across Montgomery County
Materials Accepted
Retrievr E-Waste & Clothing Service
At-Door Collection for Upper Merion Residents
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides trash and recycling collection in Upper Merion?
Upper Merion Township operates an open-market system and does not provide municipal trash collection. Residents and business owners must independently hire a licensed private hauler to service their property at least once a week.
What items are legally required to be recycled in the township?
Per Township Code, recycling is mandatory. You must separate corrugated cardboard, newsprint, high-grade office paper, aluminum and steel cans, clear and colored glass bottles, and #1 and #2 plastic containers from your regular trash.
How do I dispose of a television, computer, or microwave?
You cannot throw electronics in the trash. Montgomery County has partnered with retrievr for at-door electronic waste pickup. You can schedule a pickup online. Note that while most items are free, there is a $10 fee for microwaves and a $35 to $100 fee for televisions.
Am I allowed to burn my fall leaves or excess cardboard?
Absolutely not. The Upper Merion Township Code strictly prohibits the burning of any municipal waste, recyclable materials, or leaf waste. You must bag or bundle yard waste according to your private hauler's specifications.