Understanding trash and recycling rules is essential for Pittsburgh renters. Following the correct procedures not only keeps your neighborhood clean but also helps you avoid fines and ensures your waste is collected on time. The rules can vary depending on whether you live within the City of Pittsburgh limits or in a surrounding municipality. This guide covers the key requirements for city residents, with a note on how to find information for other areas.

The Basic Rules for City of Pittsburgh Residents

If you live within the city limits, the Department of Public Works Environmental Services handles your trash and recycling collection. The rules are straightforward, but they are strictly enforced.

Set-Out Times

To ensure your waste is collected, you must follow these timing rules:

• When to put it out: You can place your bins at the curb no earlier than 6:00 PM on the night before your scheduled collection day.
• Deadline: Your trash and recycling must be at the curb by 6:00 AM on your collection day.
• When to bring it in: All empty containers must be removed from the curb and stored out of public view by 10:00 PM on the day of collection. Leaving bins out late can result in a citation.

Container Rules

• Size and Weight: Your trash and recycling containers must not exceed 35 gallons in size and must not weigh more than 35 pounds when full.
• Trash Bins: Waste must be placed in substantial, leak-proof bags inside a durable container, or in a sturdy bag alone that won’t rip. Bins need a close-fitting lid.
• Recycling Bins: Recyclables should be placed loosely in a blue container that is no larger than 35 gallons, or in a city-issued recycling bin. Do not put recyclables in plastic bags inside the bin.
• Placement: Place bins within five feet of the street, but make sure they do not block sidewalks, curb ramps, driveways, or the street itself.

Collection Frequency

• Trash: Collected weekly on a designated day for your neighborhood.
• Recycling: Collected every other week. You can find your specific collection week and day using the city’s online tool.
• Yard Waste: The City provides special yard waste collection twice a year.

What Items Are Not Accepted at the Curb

The City will not pick up certain items because they are hazardous, regulated, or require special disposal. Common unaccepted materials include:

• Electronics (E-Waste): TVs, computers, monitors, and other electronic devices are banned from landfills in Pennsylvania. The City has a program for e-waste disposal.
• Household Hazardous Waste: This includes paints, chemicals, batteries, and light bulbs.
• Freon Appliances: Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners contain Freon and require special handling.
• Construction and Demolition Debris: Materials like bricks, cement, and carpet installed by a professional are not accepted.
• Car Parts and Tires: These are not collected curbside.

Bulk Waste and Special Pickups

You can have two bulk items picked up per week at no charge. Bulk items include large furniture like sofas, mattresses, tables, and appliances like stoves and washers.

• How to Prepare: Bulk items follow the same set-out rules as regular trash. Place them at the curb by 6:00 AM on your collection day.
• Excessive Bulk: If you exceed two items, there is a fee. You can call the DPW to arrange a special pickup.
• Unacceptable Bulk Items: The same restrictions apply. Do not put electronics, Freon appliances, or hazardous materials out for bulk pickup.
• Infested Items: If you are disposing of mattresses or furniture infested with bedbugs or cockroaches, they must be sealed in plastic bags or wrapped in plastic.

What Happens if You Don’t Follow the Rules?

Pittsburgh has a “Quality of Life” ticketing program for trash and recycling violations. Fines are issued for improper storage or setting out trash at the wrong time.

• Who is Responsible: The citation is issued to both the owner and the occupant of the building. For a rental property, the owner is responsible unless they can prove they provided the tenant with a signed copy of the City’s Waste & Recycling Fact Sheet as a lease addendum.
• Fine Amounts:
  • First violation: $35
  • Second violation in the same calendar year: $50
  • Third violation in the same calendar year: $100

Renters’ Rights and Responsibilities

• Landlord’s Obligation: Your landlord is required to provide you with the City’s Waste & Recycling Fact Sheet as a lease addendum. Both you and your landlord must sign it. This document outlines the rules and protects the landlord from liability for your violations.
• Right to Recycling: Under Pittsburgh law, you are entitled to recycling services at your residence. If you live in a building with five units or fewer, the City provides recycling collection. If you live in a building with six or more units, your landlord must hire a private hauler for both trash and recycling.

How to Find Your Collection Day

The City provides an easy way to find your collection schedule. Enter your address, and you will find your exact collection days for garbage, recycling week, and upcoming collection dates.

What If Your Trash or Recycling is Missed?

If you properly set out your waste and it was not picked up:

1. Wait until the end of your service day, as collection routes can run late, especially in winter.
2. Report the missed pickup to the City of Pittsburgh’s 311 service line. You can call 412-255-2626, use the online portal, or use the 311 mobile app.
3. You should report improper set-out for a service that was legitimately missed.

A Note for Renters in Other Municipalities

If you live in a borough or township outside of the City of Pittsburgh, the rules, collection days, and service providers are different. In Allegheny County, many municipalities offer a curbside recycling program. Many municipalities contract with private haulers such as Waste Management, Republic Services, or Valley Waste, each with its own rules and schedules.

For renters in Pittsburgh, choosing an internet provider is one of the first decisions to make when setting up a new apartment. The city offers a mix of fiber, cable, and fixed wireless options, with availability and installation requirements varying by building and neighborhood.

This guide compares the main internet providers in Pittsburgh and explains what to expect for installation.

Main Internet Providers in Pittsburgh

Verizon Fios

Verizon Fios is widely considered the best internet provider in Pittsburgh, thanks to its fiber-optic network that delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds. For remote workers or households with multiple users, the fiber connection is a significant advantage.

Fios plans start at $50 per month for 300 Mbps service. The 1 Gig plan offers speeds up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload. Equipment is included in the monthly price, data is unlimited, and there are no contracts. Verizon Wireless customers can save up to $25 per month.

Installation for Fios typically requires a technician visit for fiber connection setup, though some buildings may be pre-wired. The process can take a few hours.

Xfinity

Xfinity (Comcast) is widely available throughout Pittsburgh, serving many apartment buildings with its cable network. Some apartment complexes have agreements with Xfinity, so check with your building management to confirm whether service is pre-installed.

Xfinity offers a range of plans with download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps in some areas. Pricing varies, with introductory offers available. Low-income households may qualify for a reduced-price plan that includes unlimited data and equipment.

Installation can often be done by the tenant using the Xfinity app for self-setup, though a technician visit may be required depending on the building’s wiring.

T-Mobile Home Internet

T-Mobile offers fixed wireless internet using its 5G network. Plans start at $50 per month, with the price locked in for at least two years. The service does not require a contract, and self-setup is straightforward.

Installation is self-service. T-Mobile sends a gateway device that you plug in yourself. No technician visit is needed. Availability depends on 5G coverage at your address.

AT&T Internet Air

AT&T provides wireless home internet in Pittsburgh using its 5G network. Plans include self-setup and no annual contract. Customers can bundle with AT&T wireless service for a discount.

Installation is self-setup. AT&T sends an All-Fi Hub that you plug in yourself; the device connects to AT&T’s 5G network.

Green Light Wireless

Green Light Wireless offers fixed wireless internet for apartments in specific Pittsburgh zip codes. The service is priced at a flat rate with no contracts. A one-time setup and equipment fee applies.

The service is available in many East End neighborhoods including Oakland, Shadyside, and other parts of the city. Once the building has equipment installed, new residents can be connected remotely with little additional building access.

Installation requires a technician visit to install equipment and align the wireless connection.

Installation Requirements for Renters

Before signing up for service, check the following:

Check building approval. Some apartment buildings have exclusive agreements with specific providers. Confirm with your landlord or property manager which services are available and whether you are required to use a particular provider.

Ask about pre-wiring. Some buildings are already wired for certain services. This can simplify installation and reduce costs.

Confirm self-installation options. Xfinity, T-Mobile, and AT&T offer self-setup options. If you choose this route, make sure you know where the equipment should be placed for the best signal.

Coordinate with the landlord. If a technician visit is required, your landlord may need to provide building access. Schedule installation during normal business hours.

Plan early. Begin the process at least a week before your move-in date to allow time for scheduling, especially if a technician visit is needed.

Key Takeaways

Before selecting a provider, confirm availability at your specific address and ask your landlord about any building requirements.

Pittsburgh winters are no joke. With average snowfall exceeding 40 inches annually and temperatures frequently dipping into the 20s, heating costs can quickly strain a renter’s budget. This is especially true in older buildings, where single-pane windows, drafty doors, and inadequate insulation are common.

The good news is that you don’t need to be a landlord or a contractor to reduce your heating bills. Here are practical, renter-friendly strategies to stay warm without breaking the bank.

1. Seal Air Leaks (The Highest Impact, Lowest Cost Fix)

In older Pittsburgh apartments, cold air often enters through gaps around windows, doors, and even electrical outlets. Cold air infiltration is one of the most common contributors to high heating bills in the area, particularly in older construction. When cold air enters freely, your heating system runs more frequently, consuming more energy.

What you can do:

• Apply weatherstripping around doors and windows. Foam tape and V-strip weatherstripping are inexpensive and easy to install.
• Use door sweeps to block drafts at the bottom of exterior doors.
• Install window film (plastic shrink film). This creates an insulating air gap between the glass and the room, significantly reducing heat loss. Kits are available at hardware stores for $10 to $20 per package.
• Use foam gaskets behind outlet and switch covers on exterior walls to reduce air infiltration.
• Seal gaps with caulk around window frames and any visible cracks.

If your apartment has a fireplace, ensure the damper is firmly closed when not in use. An open damper is a significant source of heat loss that is easy to overlook.

2. Use Your Thermostat Strategically

Your heating habits have a direct impact on your utility bill. Dropping your thermostat by approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit during the hours your home is empty can reduce your heating costs by up to 10 percent per month.

What you can do:

• Lower the thermostat at night and when you are away from home. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this effortless, allowing you to set a schedule and remotely control the temperature.
• Set a target temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and lower it at night or when you’re out.
• If you don’t have a smart thermostat, simply manually adjusting the temperature before you leave or go to sleep can also yield significant savings.

3. Maximize Insulation (Where You Can)

While you may not be able to add insulation to your walls, there are still ways to keep heat from escaping.

What you can do:

• Hang thermal curtains or heavy drapes over windows. They provide an extra layer of insulation and keep cold air out.
• Check for cold spots. If you notice that an interior wall or ceiling feels significantly colder than others, heat may be escaping through the building envelope. This is something you can bring to your landlord’s attention. Insulation is the foundation of an efficiently heated home, and inadequate insulation allows heat to escape continuously.
• Use rugs on hardwood floors. Area rugs add insulation and make rooms feel warmer.

4. Use Ceiling Fans Effectively

Ceiling fans have a winter setting that can help distribute heat more evenly. Most fans have a switch on the motor housing that reverses the blade direction. By running the fan clockwise on a low speed, it pushes warm air that has accumulated near the ceiling back down into the living space. This costs nothing and can make a noticeable difference in how evenly your home is heated.

5. Maintain Your Heating System

While major HVAC repairs are your landlord’s responsibility, there are small maintenance tasks you can do to ensure your system runs efficiently.

What you can do:

• Replace or clean the air filter every few months. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing the system to work harder and consume more energy.
• Ensure vents and radiators are not blocked by furniture, curtains, or other obstructions. Clear airflow allows the heat to circulate properly.
• Close exhaust vents in kitchens and bathrooms when not in use. These vents are designed to move air outside, and leaving them open during heating season works against your furnace.

6. Get Smart with Smart Home Technology

If your landlord allows minor modifications, consider investing in smart home technology.

What you can do:

• Smart plugs can help control energy consumption for appliances and lighting, allowing you to manage them remotely or set schedules to avoid waste.
• Programmable thermostats are a low-cost, high-return investment. They allow you to automate temperature adjustments, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.

7. Lower Water Heater Temperature

Water heating accounts for a significant portion of energy bills. If you have access to your water heater, you can adjust the temperature.

What you can do:

• Check the temperature setting on your water heater. Many are factory-set higher than necessary. Reducing the setting to 120 degrees Fahrenheit is adequate for most households and lowers the energy required to maintain that temperature.

8. Understand Your Apartment’s Energy Efficiency

Knowing what you’re dealing with can help you set realistic expectations and prioritize your efforts. Older Pittsburgh apartments often lack modern energy-efficient features. Newer constructions are built with better insulation, thicker walls, and windows with low-e glass to help with heat loss. In older buildings, you will likely need to rely more on the strategies outlined above to compensate for the lack of such features.

Additionally, the City of Pittsburgh requires rental properties to meet basic safety and habitability standards under the Residential Housing Rental Permit Program, which includes inspections for functioning heat, electricity, and proper insulation. If you suspect your apartment is not meeting these standards, you can contact the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections.

Summary

By taking these practical steps, you can significantly lower your heating bills and stay comfortable throughout Pittsburgh’s cold winter months without waiting for your landlord to make major upgrades.

For renters in Pittsburgh, utility costs can add significantly to monthly housing expenses. Understanding typical costs by unit size and season helps you budget accurately and compare rental options. This guide provides estimated monthly utility costs based on current rates for electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer services in the Pittsburgh area.

Total Estimated Monthly Utilities

For a typical apartment using 1,000 kWh of electricity and 5,000 gallons of water, total monthly utility costs in Pittsburgh average approximately $308 per month. This estimate includes electricity, water, sewer, and basic service charges. However, actual costs vary widely based on unit size, heating source, building efficiency, and seasonal usage patterns.

A broader estimate for basic utilities in an 85m² apartment (approximately 915 square feet) ranges from $219 to $300 per month, with an average of approximately $248. For a larger apartment, expect costs closer to $352 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage.

Electricity Costs

Average Electric Bills

The average monthly electric bill for a Duquesne Light customer in Pittsburgh is approximately $148 per month. For a one-bedroom apartment, the average bill is approximately $121 per month with average consumption of 690 kWh.

Electricity rates for Duquesne Light customers are approximately 14.14 cents per kilowatt hour. The generation portion of an average bill is approximately $85 per month.

Seasonal Variations

Electric bills are typically higher in summer due to air conditioning and in winter for electric heating. A customer living in an all-electric home can use more than 200% more electricity compared to a customer who uses non-electric heating. Average monthly bills have increased 55% over the past five years for Duquesne Light customers.

Budgeting Tips

Duquesne Light offers budget billing programs that spread annual costs evenly across 12 months, avoiding high seasonal bills. Customers can also choose competitive electric generation suppliers to potentially lower rates.

Natural Gas Costs

Average Gas Bills

For Pittsburgh homes using Peoples Natural Gas, average monthly bills range from $105 to $140 depending on usage and season. Natural gas prices in the region are currently low, with Peoples Gas charging approximately $3.08 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Seasonal Variations

Gas bills are significantly higher in winter months due to heating demand. A mild winter can result in lower bills.

Budgeting Tips

Peoples Gas offers budget billing to spread annual gas costs evenly across 12 months. This helps avoid high winter bills and makes monthly budgeting more predictable.

Water and Sewer Costs

Average Water Bills

The average residential customer of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority pays approximately $115 per month for water, wastewater conveyance, and stormwater services. For a typical single-family residence using 3,000 gallons per month, the average monthly bill is approximately $115.

For renters, a typical 1-bedroom apartment may have a flat utility fee of $60 to $70 per month for water and sewer.

Rate Structure

Water and sewer rates are based on usage with a minimum charge. For a typical 5/8 inch meter (common in apartments), the minimum monthly charge is approximately $42 for water and sewer combined. Additional usage over the minimum is charged at approximately $18.28 per 1,000 gallons for water and $7.32 per 1,000 gallons for sewer.

Income-Based Assistance

The PWSA offers a bill discount program for income-qualified households. Those with income below 50% of the federal poverty line pay an average of approximately $21 per month, while those between 50% and 100% of the poverty line pay approximately $43 per month.

Utility Allowance Estimates for Renters

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh publishes utility allowance schedules that provide helpful benchmarks for estimating utility costs.

Natural gas heating allowances range from $59 for a studio to $74 for a 3-bedroom unit. Electric heating allowances range from $38 for a studio to $72 for a 3-bedroom unit.

For cooking, natural gas costs range from $3 for a studio to $7 for a 3-bedroom unit, while electric cooking costs range from $7 for a studio to $15 for a 3-bedroom unit.

Summary: Estimated Monthly Utility Costs by Unit Size

Estimates based on utility allowances and average usage for typical apartments in Pittsburgh. Actual costs vary by building efficiency, seasonal usage, and individual consumption patterns.

Key Takeaways

• Total utilities average $308 per month for a typical apartment using 1,000 kWh electricity and 5,000 gallons water.
• Electric bills average $121-$148 per month depending on unit size and season.
• Natural gas bills average $105-$140 per month for heating and cooking.
• Water and sewer average $115 per month for a typical residential customer.
• Seasonal variations are significant. Winter heating and summer cooling can increase bills substantially.
• Budget billing programs are available from both Duquesne Light and Peoples Gas to smooth monthly costs.
• Income-based assistance is available for water, electric, and gas customers who qualify.

Before signing a lease, ask your landlord which utilities are included and request average monthly costs for the specific unit to budget accurately.

Understanding water and sewage billing in Pittsburgh rentals can be confusing because the arrangement depends on how your building is set up and what your lease says. The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) provides water service to the city, but how tenants pay for that service varies widely. This guide explains the different billing methods, your rights, and what to look for in your lease.

The Two Main Billing Scenarios

Individually Metered Units

If your apartment has its own water meter, your usage is measured separately from other units in the building. In this case, you can set up your own account directly with PWSA and receive bills in your name. This gives you the most control over your bill, as you pay only for what you use.

To open an account, you will need to complete an Application for Service with PWSA and provide proof of tenancy, such as a copy of your lease. Once your account is active, PWSA will bill you directly. If you are income-eligible, you can also apply directly to PWSA’s customer assistance programs, which offer bill discounts and hardship assistance.

Non-Individually Metered Units

Many older multi-unit buildings in Pittsburgh do not have separate water meters for each apartment. In these buildings, the landlord typically receives one master water bill for the entire property. The landlord then allocates the cost among tenants using one of two methods:

Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS). With RUBS, the landlord divides the total water and sewer bill among tenants based on a formula. Common allocation factors include the number of occupants in each unit, square footage, or number of bedrooms. The lease must clearly state that RUBS will be used and how the costs will be divided. For example, a lease might specify that water and sewer charges will be allocated based on a RUBS formula and added to your monthly rent.

Flat utility fee. Some landlords charge a flat monthly fee that covers water and sewer, regardless of usage. This provides predictability, but you may pay more or less than your actual consumption.

Submetering. Some landlords install their own submeters to track each unit’s usage. The landlord reads the meters and bills tenants for their consumption. Pennsylvania allows submetering and RUBS billing for water. However, with submetering, the landlord must still pay the master bill to PWSA and is responsible for ensuring the overall account is current.

Your Rights as a Tenant

Right to continue service. If your landlord fails to pay the PWSA bill and service is at risk of termination, you and other tenants have the right to prevent termination by paying the charges for the previous billing month. This right applies whether your unit is individually metered or not. If you pay to prevent termination, you can deduct the amount from your rent or seek reimbursement from the landlord.

Right to direct billing. If you have an individually metered unit and your lease makes you responsible for the water bill, you can sign up for direct billing with PWSA. You do not need your landlord’s permission to do this. This ensures you receive bills directly and have control over your account.

RUBS disclosure. Landlords must clearly disclose RUBS billing in the lease. If your lease does not mention RUBS or does not explain how the costs will be divided, the landlord may not be able to charge you for utilities this way.

Itemized bills. If you are charged through RUBS, you have the right to request a detailed breakdown of how your share was calculated. You can also ask for a copy of the master utility bill from the landlord.

What to Look for in Your Lease

Before signing a lease, read the utility section carefully and look for:

Who is responsible for water and sewer. The lease should state whether the tenant or landlord pays the water and sewer bill. If the tenant is responsible, it should specify how you will be billed (directly, through RUBS, or as a flat fee).

The billing method. If the landlord uses RUBS, the lease should explain the formula used to allocate costs. A vague statement like “utilities are allocated to tenants” is not sufficient. The method must be clearly described.

Any additional fees. Some leases include administrative fees for utility billing. Ask about these upfront.

When utilities are included. If water and sewer are included in the rent, the lease should state that clearly. In this case, you typically will not pay an additional water or sewer charge.

Common Billing Arrangements in Pittsburgh

Tenant responsible for water and sewer through RUBS. Many apartment leases state that water and sewer charges will remain in the landlord’s name and be allocated to the tenant based on a RUBS formula. You will pay these charges monthly in addition to your rent.

Flat utility fee covering water. Some properties charge a flat monthly utility fee that covers water, sewer, and sometimes other utilities.

Water included in rent. In some older buildings or smaller rentals, the landlord includes water and sewer in the rent. This simplifies your monthly budget, but you may not have a direct incentive to conserve water.

Tenant pays directly. If your unit is individually metered, you may have your own PWSA account and receive bills directly. This is less common in multi-unit buildings but is standard in single-family home rentals.

Key Takeaways

• Check your lease. The lease should clearly state who pays for water and sewer and how charges are calculated.
• RUBS is legal but must be disclosed. Landlords can use RUBS, but the method must be clearly described in the lease.
• Direct billing is an option for individually metered units. If your unit has its own meter, you can open your own PWSA account.
• You have rights if your landlord does not pay. You can pay to prevent termination and deduct the amount from your rent.
• Ask for itemization. If you are charged through RUBS, request a breakdown of how your share was calculated.

Understanding how water and sewage billing works in your building helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Before signing a lease, confirm the arrangement with your landlord and read the utility section carefully.

If your Pittsburgh rental uses natural gas for heating, hot water, or cooking, you will need to set up service with Peoples Natural Gas. As the primary gas provider for Western Pennsylvania, Peoples serves a wide area including Allegheny County and much of the surrounding region. Here is what you need to know about getting your gas service started.

When to Start the Process

Contact Peoples Natural Gas at least five business days before your move-in date to ensure service is connected by the time you arrive. Starting the process early helps avoid delays, especially if your unit has been vacant for a while and the gas has been shut off.

How to Set Up Service

Peoples offers several convenient ways to start your gas service:

1. Online (Recommended): You can start or modify service online through the Peoples e-Account portal. This is the fastest and most convenient method.
2. By Phone: Call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-764-0111, Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Representatives can guide you through the process and answer any questions.

Information You Will Need

Before you contact Peoples, gather the following:

• Your new street address, including apartment number
• Your Social Security number
• The date you want the service to start
• Your landlord’s name and contact information (if applicable)

Deposits and Credit Requirements

You may be required to pay a security deposit to establish service. The amount can vary based on your credit history.

How to avoid a deposit: Peoples may waive the security deposit if you meet certain criteria, such as participating in the Customer Assistance Program or qualifying for other assistance programs. Visit the Peoples website or call 800-764-0111 to learn about available assistance options.

Payment Options and Billing

Once your service is active, you have several payment options:

Automatic Bank Draft. This free program deducts your monthly gas bill directly from your checking or savings account. You can choose your payment date, anywhere from 11 to 21 days after billing. To enroll, complete a form and return it with a voided check to Peoples Natural Gas.

Online Payments. Through the Peoples e-Account portal, you can view your bill, pay online, and manage your account. The mobile app also allows you to pay bills and view usage history.

Budget Billing. Peoples offers budget billing, which spreads your annual gas costs evenly across 12 months. This helps avoid high winter bills and makes budgeting more predictable.

Assistance Programs. If you are struggling to pay your gas bill, Peoples offers Customer Assistance Programs and payment plans. Call 800-764-0111 or visit the Peoples website to learn more.

What to Do When You Move

When you move out, contact Peoples to stop service on your move-out date. If you do not close your account, you may remain responsible for gas charges at the property until the next tenant transfers service to their name. If you are moving within the Peoples service territory, you can transfer your service to your new address.

Summary of Steps

By planning ahead and understanding your options, you can set up your Peoples Natural Gas service without hassle and avoid unexpected delays or charges.