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
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.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Cans into Cash in the Philly 'Burbs
While Upper Merion Township itself doesn't have a specific bottle buyback center, don't let those empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles go to waste! Pennsylvania has a state program that lets you redeem many beverage containers for 5 cents each. You can often find redemption centers at local grocery stores or dedicated recycling facilities throughout the wider Montgomery County area. It's a great way to add a little extra to your pocket while keeping recyclables out of the landfill. For scrap metal, you'll want to look for dedicated scrap yards in the Norristown or King of Prussia vicinity. They'll pay you by weight for things like old appliances (if they're empty and clean) or scrap metal pieces you might have lying around.
Giving Your Goods a Second Life Near the King of Prussia Mall
Before you toss something that's still in decent shape, think about donating it! There are some fantastic options right here in the heart of Montgomery County. Habitat for Humanity ReStores are always looking for gently used furniture, building materials, and home goods. There's a ReStore in nearby Norristown that's super convenient. You can also explore local thrift stores; many churches and community organizations run them and they help support great causes. Check out places like the Salvation Army or Goodwill locations in the King of Prussia area for clothing, household items, and small electronics. It's a win-win: you declutter, and someone else gets a bargain while supporting local initiatives.
Keeping Our Township Looking Spiffy: Tackling Dumping
Let's keep Upper Merion Township beautiful! While the township doesn't regularly host specific hazardous waste collection days, they do have information available on how to properly dispose of things like electronics, paint, and batteries. You'll want to check the township's official website for any designated drop-off locations or special collection events they might announce. If you ever see illegal dumping – furniture left on the side of the road, or bags of trash in a park – please report it! Contacting the Upper Merion Township Public Works department is the best way to get it cleaned up quickly and help prevent it from happening again. They want to keep our neighborhoods clean and safe for everyone.
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.