If you've got a car or a rented truck and a few things to get rid of, Philadelphia's sanitation convenience centers are free for residents. Here's how to use them without getting turned away at the gate.
The basics
- Six locations around the city, including Northeast Philadelphia on State Road, Port Richmond on Delaware Avenue, Northwest Philadelphia on Domino Lane, and Southwest Philadelphia on South 63rd Street. Use the city's recycling and donation finder for the one closest to you.
- Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They're closed on City holidays and on Sundays.
- Bring proof you live in Philadelphia. No proof, no drop-off.
- Vehicle limit: Personal or commercial vehicles are fine, but the total vehicle weight has to be under 6,000 pounds. Commercial contractors and vehicles carrying commercial loads can't use the centers.
- Frequency: Regular household items once a day, and oversized items once a week.
What they accept
- Household trash: up to six containers or 12 bags
- Bulk items, large metal household items, or appliances with refrigerant: two per day
- Mattresses and box springs, unwrapped (no bag needed here)
- Automotive tires: four per day
- Electronics, including computers, monitors, and TVs
- Latex or water-based paint, only if solidified first with kitty litter or newspaper
- Recycling, and yard waste in paper bags only
- Fluorescent bulbs, plus lithium, rechargeable, and lead-acid batteries
- Christmas trees
What they don't accept
Construction debris is the big one. Bricks, block, drywall, and renovation scraps have to go to a private facility, and you'll pay a fee. Hazardous waste like oil-based paint, solvents, and pesticides goes to the city's household hazardous waste events.
Tips before you load up
- Sort your load before you go. It's faster at the gate when recycling, electronics, and trash are separated.
- Count your bulk items. At two a day, a basement full of furniture is a lot of trips.
- Secure the load. Tarp and tie it down. Stuff that flies off your truck on I-95 is its own kind of illegal dumping.
- Go early. Saturdays get busy.
When DIY stops making sense
If you'd need a rental truck, several trips, or a friend with a strong back, compare that against a quote from a hauler. Renting, loading, driving, unloading, and returning the truck eats a full day. We handle all of it in one visit. Get a free quote.
Whatever you do, don't leave it in an alley or a vacant lot. Philadelphia's fines for dumping are steep. We break them down in our illegal dumping guide.