Whether you’re a new resident to Philadelphia, have recently moved to a new apartment or have been putting out your recycling in paper bags for years, there’s a great perk of being a Philadelphia resident.

You can get a FREE recycling bin!

Where to Get a Recycling Bin in Philadelphia

Recycling bins are FREE to city residents! Pick them up (easy peasy) Monday – Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM at the following Sanitation Convenience Centers (Just call before you go to make sure they’re stocked):

• Southwest Philadelphia, 3033 S. 63rd St., near Passyunk Ave. 215-685-4290 
• Northwest Philadelphia, 300 block Domino Lane, near Umbria St. 215-685-2502
• Northeast Philadelphia, State Rd. & Ashburner St., 215-685-8072
• Port Richmond, 3901 Delaware Ave.
  215-685-1358
• Strawberry Mansion, 2601 W. Glenwood Ave. 215-685-3955

• West Philadelphia (TEMPORARILY CLOSED), 5100 Grays Ave. 
  215-685-2600

Neighborhood CDCs & Other Places to pick up FREE bins:

Neighborhood CDCs & other locations in Philadelphia frequently have free recycling bins.

*Always call before you go.

• SOSNA (South of South Neighbors Association), 1901 Christian St.., 215-732-8446
• NLNA (Northern Liberties Neighbors Association), 700 N. 3^rd St., 215-627-6562
• HACE (Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises), 2708 North 5^th Street.

Map of FREE recycling bins in Philadelphia:

Click the map points for pickup locations of free recycling bins. Always call before you go to make sure they’re in stock.

Red is community centers; green is convenience center, blue is a recycling site.

Map: Philadelphia Streets

DIY: Recycling Bin

You do not HAVE to use Philadelphia’s blue recycling bins to recycle.

If you prefer, you can use any rigid (AKA metal or sturdy plastic) household container (no larger than 32 gallons) but must write “RECYCLING” on it. Also, don’t use paper bags, plastic bags, cardboard boxes, etc. as recycling containers. (Cardboard boxes end up wet, split open & make a huge mess on your sidewalk.)

Unsure of what to recycle in Philadelphia? Download our free printable guide for the do’s & don’ts:

Our one-page printable guide shares what items you can and can’t recycle in Philadelphia.

Get a Trash & Recycling Refresher

Do you know when your trash day is? Know what you can put your trash and recycling bin? You can get fines from the City of Philadelphia if you violate the rules.

Get Recycling Rewards

Make sure to sign up for Philadelphia’s Recycling Rewards Program when you get your blue bin, too!

Philadelphia Recycling Rewards are now Philacycle, where you can get points for recycling, volunteering, recruiting neighbors, learning online and mobile check-ins.

Request a Recycling Bin from the Streets Department

The Streets Department website allows you to request a bin before you visit a Sanitation Convenience Center.

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher