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.
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- 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:
- Wait until the end of your service day, as collection routes can run late, especially in winter.
- 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.
- 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.
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