Pennsylvania Solid Waste Disposal

Pennsylvania Solid Waste Disposal

Source reduction, reuse and recycling are preferred methods of handling and reducing the amount of solid waste generated. Unfortunately in certain areas and communities, these methods of handling materials are not always available or economic, which makes it difficult for citizens to “do the right thing” for the environment.
First and foremost, everyone is encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle all materials wherever and whenever possible. For items that cannot be reduced, reused and recycled, local disposal facilities are necessary. To be used as a last resort, landfills and transfer stations provide centralized collection of solid waste and help reduce illegal dumping of materials in local communities.

Helpful Tips:

Here are some helpful tips from the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) for finding and using local disposal facilities.

• To find out more about recycling, disposal, and collection options in your community, please contact your county recycling coordinator.
• Before visiting a disposal facility, please call first! Due to waste flow ordinances, some disposal facilities are restricted to accepting waste from certain geographic areas.
• When calling for information, ask the disposal facility personnel about tipping fees. For a general idea of fees, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection web site.
• For local disposal transportation needs, please contact your municipality for a list of licensed waste haulers.
• To report broken links or misinformation, please contact Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) or PA CleanWays.