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The Philadelphia guide to recycling during the holidays

Your guide to holiday recycling in Philadelphia: What goes in your blue bin, what to leave out, where to get free bins, and tips for managing holiday waste responsibly.

Coated paper such as glittery or metallic gift wrap shouldn't be mixed with plain paper for recycling.
Coated paper such as glittery or metallic gift wrap shouldn't be mixed with plain paper for recycling.Read moreCraig Hudson / Craig Hudson/For the Washington Post
    by Sam Ruland
    Published 

The holidays are here, and while you’re busy wrapping gifts and sipping hot cocoa, don’t forget to recycle responsibly. With the extra packaging, gift wrap, and holiday leftovers, it’s easy for recycling bins to get overwhelmed. Philadelphia’s Department of Sanitation collects 80,000 tons of recycling annually, and every item counts in keeping the process efficient and eco-friendly.

The Philadelphia Streets Department has outlined what can — and can’t — be recycled this holiday season. So let’s get into it.

What you can recycle

Irrespective of the material, be sure to rinse, empty, and dry all recyclable items before tossing them in the blue bin.

Paper

  1. Plain paper gift wrap and gift bags (no glitter)

  2. Greeting cards (nonmetallic)

  3. Newspapers, magazines, brochures, and catalogs

  4. Junk mail, envelopes, and writing paper

  5. Paperback books (no hardcovers)

  6. Scrap paper

Plastics

  1. Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs

  2. Hard plastic takeout containers

  3. Detergent, shampoo, pump, and spray bottles

Cardboard

  1. Flattened shipping and gift boxes

  2. Wrapping paper rolls

  3. Clean (nongreasy) pizza boxes

  4. Dry food boxes, paper towel rolls, and cardboard egg cartons

Metals

  1. Aluminum, steel, and tin cans

  2. Empty paint and aerosol cans

  3. Aluminum or steel baking trays/dishes

Glass

  1. All bottles and jars (lids and caps on)

Cartons

  1. Milk, juice, soup, and wine cartons (rinsed and emptied)

What you can’t recycle

Some holiday materials can’t be recycled. Keep these out of your blue bin to avoid contamination:

  1. Glittery or embellished wrapping paper

  2. Styrofoam and plastic bags

  3. Food or food-soiled items

  4. Tissues, paper towels, and napkins

  5. Batteries, electronics, and Christmas lights

  6. Disposable plates, cups, and utensils

  7. Pots, pans, ceramics, and candles

Recycling tips for the holidays

  1. Think before you bin: When in doubt, leave it out. Non-recyclables can contaminate the entire batch, sending it all to the landfill.

  2. Avoid plastic bags: Do not bag recyclables. Plastic bags jam machinery at sorting facilities. Recycle them at designated grocery store drop-offs.

  3. Flatten Boxes: Breaking down cardboard boxes saves space in your bin and on collection trucks.

Free recycling bins and drop-off locations

Philadelphia residents can pick up free recycling bins at any of the six Sanitation Convenience Centers. You’ll need proof of address, like a photo ID or utility bill, to get up to two bins annually.

Sanitation Convenience Center locations:

  1. Southwest Philadelphia: 📍3033 S. 63rd St., near Passyunk Ave., 📞 215-685-4290

  2. Strawberry Mansion: 📍2601 W. Glenwood Ave., 📞 215-685-3981

  3. Northwest Philadelphia: 📍300 block Domino Lane, near Umbria St., 📞 215-685-2502

  4. West Philadelphia: 📍5100 Grays Ave., 📞 215-685-2600

  5. Port Richmond: 📍3901 Delaware Ave., 📞 215-685-1358

  6. Northeast Philadelphia: 📍State Rd. & Ashburner St., 📞 215-685-8072

Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.— 6 p.m.

Holiday waste management tips

  1. Reuse Before Recycling: Save ribbons, bows, and gently used gift wrap for next year.

  2. Donate Old Electronics: Many local charities accept electronics and other gently used items.

  3. Proper Disposal: If an item isn’t recyclable, check phila.gov/recycle for special drop-off locations.