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Category Archives: Recycling

Collection Update: Memorial Day 2023

Posted May 23, 2023

Collection Update: Memorial Day 2023 – During the week of the Memorial Day Holiday (5/29), all Residential Penn Waste collections will be delayed one (1) day. Monday (5/29) customers will be collected on Tuesday (5/30). Tuesday customers will be collected on Wednesday and so on for the remainder of the week through Saturday.

The following municipalities’ yard waste collection will be delayed by one week, occurring on 6/10/23, due to the holiday:

• Carroll Township
• Conewago Township
• East Pennsboro Township
• Fairview Township
• Newberry Township
• Susquehanna Township

Penn Waste wishes all of our customers a safe and happy holiday!

To stay up to date on recycling tips and collection updates, consider following us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Clean & Green – Safe Spring Cleaning Tips

Posted March 14, 2021

Warmer weather is right around the corner. We’re just as excited as you are! During this time, many people like to do some spring cleaning. We’ve compiled a list of resources for you to check out before you place everything in the trash.

Many items can be recycled, reused, or donated to a local non-profit. More dangerous items, such as household hazardous waste items, pose a serious safety risk for our employees so you cannot place them in your curbside trash and recycling bins.

Please review the below tips and follow your own municipality’s guidelines when spring cleaning. Click here to view our Municipality Resource Page and select your municipality for more specific information regarding your guidelines.

Items You Can Recycle

Penn Waste accepts the following items through your curbside recycling program:

1. Clean and empty plastic bottles and containers with #s 1, 2 and 5 on the bottom.
2. Clean and empty glass bottles and jars.
3. Clean and empty milk cartons.
4. Clean and flattened cardboard.
5. Clean and dry newspaper.
6. Clean and dry steel and aluminum cans.

These are the ONLY items that should go in your curbside recycling container.

*If you live in Lancaster County, please follow Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority’s BIG 4 Recycling Guidelines.

How to Properly Dispose of Electronic Waste

In Pennsylvania, certain electronics are restricted by law from being disposed of in the trash due to the toxic metals they contain. As a result, electronic waste cannot be collected curbside by Penn Waste. Please contact your county Solid Waste Authority to see if they have a drop-off program.

Some examples of electronic waste are: computers, computer peripherals (keyboards, mouse, printer, etc.), computer monitors, and televisions.

How to Properly Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste

Household hazardous waste is considered any products that are flammable, can react, or explode under certain circumstances. For this reason, they cannot go in your curbside trash and recycling bins. We experience countless truck fires every year due to hazardous waste NOT being properly disposed of. For this reason, please contact your county Solid Waste Authority to see if they have a drop-off program.

Examples of household hazardous waste are: Driveway sealant, flammable materials, fluorescent bulbs, tube lights and lighting ballasts, garden chemicals, household cleaners, mercury containing devices and liquid mercury, photographic chemicals, pool chemicals, rechargeable batteries and vehicle fluids.

Appliances & Appliances Containing Freon

Appliances that do not contain Freon can be placed with your curbside trash. If the appliance does not fit in your trash container, it will be considered a bulk item. Please check your municipality resource page to see if bulk item collection is a service you have. All bulk items must be able to be lifted by two people. Items that are too heavy to be lifted by two people will not be collected.

Please call Penn Waste at 717-767-4456 to schedule removal of any appliances containing Freon. Some examples are: refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and water coolers.

Paint Cans

Empty paint cans should be placed in your bagged trash, then placed in your trash container, due to the amount of paint residue that will be on them. If you’re not sure how to dispose of your half-empty paint cans, we recommend the following:

1. Consider donating your paint to a community center, charity, place of worship, local theater or Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They’re often working on projects with a limited budget and could use the extra supplies.
2. Harden the paint by adding equal parts cat litter to the paint in the can. Stir the cat litter into the paint until it thickens and won’t spill. Allow the mixture to sit for one hour before placing in your bagged trash. ***There are weight limits on your trash container and they vary by municipality. A good rule of thumb is your trash container should never weigh more than 50 lbs. Keep this in mind since hardened paint becomes very heavy.

Clothing

Clothing should never be placed in your curbside recycling bin. The materials get wrapped around the processing equipment at our recycling facility, causing it to jam up and break. Many non-profits such as Salvation Army, Goodwill, and consignment shops accept used clothing for donation. As a last resort, clothing can be placed in your curbside trash container.

Additional Resources

If you have something else that does not fit into the above categories, we recommend checking the website Earth911.com for additional resources for disposal. You can also check with your county solid waste authority or the vendor you originally purchased the item from.

Lastly, before you throw something in the trash, take a moment to consider if there’s anyone else in your community who might be able to use what you’re about to throw away. Many non-profits accept donated household goods, clothing, appliances, furniture, and more.

Happy Spring Cleaning!

Do NOT Place Pool Chemicals in Your Trash & Recycling Bins!

Posted August 29, 2019

Penn Waste would like to issue a reminder to residents in south central Pennsylvania that pool chemicals should NOT be disposed of in your curbside trash and recycling bins. Pool chemicals are considered hazardous waste and need to be disposed of properly. Scroll down to learn more.

The Problem

As noted by the EPA, pool chemicals are hazardous because when they mix with a small quantity of water or are improperly mixed, such as with other chemicals or reactive materials, they can ignite causing fires. They can also cause skin irritation and release toxic vapors.

Many pool chemicals are highly reactive and capable of generating high temperatures which will start fires. Reactivity may be triggered by water wetting the chemical or by the inadvertent mixing of pool chemicals with an incompatible material.

When pool chemicals are disposed of in the trash or recycling, there is a high risk of them reacting because they will come in contact with other liquids in our trucks. Rain, high humidity, and other general liquids disposed of in your trash and recycling can cause the pool chemicals to react when they get collected by our truck resulting in a truck fire (as seen in the above photo).

The Solution
Do not place pool chemicals in your trash and recycling! Here are several options for getting rid of pool chemicals:

1. Take them to a facility that handles hazardous waste. Make sure you check with your local solid waste authority to see if they accept pool chemicals prior to arriving.

• York County Solid Waste Authority – Click here
• Lancaster County Solid Waste Authority – Click here
• Dauphin County Solid Waste Authority – Click here 
• Cumberland County Solid Waste Authority – Click here

1. Check with the pool store you originally bought them from to see if they have a disposal method.

1. Donate them to a community pool or your neighbors who have pools.
2. Shock your pool by dumping the left over pool chemicals in before you close it for the season.

We appreciate your help in keeping our team members safe!

Recycling Basics

Posted April 22, 2019

To celebrate #EarthDay, we would like to remind everyone how to properly recycle with Penn Waste. Check out our latest video, “Recycling Basics” to learn more.

(***If you are a Lancaster County resident, please follow their recycling guidelines which can be found here – https://www.lcswma.org/recycling/)

TRANSCRIPT:

Recycling is an important part of a sustainable lifestyle and for preserving the resources used by society. Penn Waste can help you become a better recycler by following these Recycling Basics:

#1 – Know What to Recycle

Aluminum and steel cans. Plastic bottles and jugs with numbers 1,2 and 5 on the bottom.

Newspaper. Glass bottles and jars. Food and beverage cartons.

And corrugated cardboard.

You should never place the following items in your curbside recycling bin:

No packaging such as Styrofoam, bubble wrap, or packing pillows.

No medical waste…. No clothing or linens…no wood or building products…..and no electronics.

Also, never place plastic bags or tanglers – such as garden hoses and extension cords – in your recycling bin. These items get wrapped around the recycling equipment. Our team members must then crawl into the equipment and cut it off of the machinery.

Remember – Just because an item has the recycle symbol on it, doesn’t mean it can be recycled through your curbside recycling program.

You should always check our list – NOT the label.

#2 – Make sure your recyclables are empty, clean, and dry before placing them in your recycling bin. If you place this half empty ketchup bottle in your recycle bin, it can ruin other recyclables in the truck.

#3– Never bag your recyclables. As we just stated, plastic bags jam up our recycling equipment. As a result, recyclable items should always be placed individually into your recycling bin. This ensures all materials get recycled efficiently and can be turned into new products.

By following these 3 easy steps, you’ll help eliminate contamination and streamline the recycling process.

How to Properly Dispose of Pool Chemicals

Posted August 19, 2018

As summer comes to an end, Penn Waste would like to remind everyone that pool chemicals should not be disposed of in your trash or recycling.

Chemicals such as chlorine, muriatic acid, and sulfuric acid are used to balance and disinfect pools, while other chemicals are used to “shock” the pool. These chemicals are extremely combustible and can cause fires in the back of our trucks, putting our employees’ safety at risk.

Here are a couple suggestions on how to properly dispose of pool chemicals:

1. Check with the store you bought your pool chemicals to see if they have any suggestions
2. Donate extra pool chemicals to local pools around the area
3. Check with your local Solid Waste Authority to see if they accept pool chemicals
   1. York County Solid Waste Authority
   2. Lancaster County Solid Waste Authority
   3. Cumberland County Solid Waste Authority
   4. Dauphin County Solid Waste Authority
4. Check with your neighbors who have pools to see if they can use them.

New Recycle Guidelines

Posted July 9, 2018

Effective July 1, 2018, Penn Waste is implementing new recycle guidelines. The new recycle guidelines are a result of the current recycling crisis created by China. Back in the fall, the largest buyer of recyclable material in the world, China, set unachievable contamination limits on the recyclable material they receive resulting in the recycling markets crashing. Previously, bales were allowed to have around 5% contamination in them which equates to 92lbs of contamination in a 1,850lb paper bale . At the beginning of 2018, China imposed a 0.5% contamination limit on imported recyclables from any country which equates to only 9lbs of contamination in a 1,850lb bale of paper. This is an impossible level of contamination for recycling companies to achieve.

Subsequently, Penn Waste has taken a “Back to Basics” approach in an attempt to try and meet the new contamination limits.  Please see below for our new recycle guidelines.

If it is not listed below, do not place it in your recycle bin. 

 

Change in China Recycling Policy Driving Costs in the Midstate

Posted June 15, 2018

Written by Rachel McDevitt | WITF News, Jun 14, 2018 6:51 PM

Source – http://www.witf.org/news/2018/06/change-in-china-recycling-policy-driving-costs-in-midstate.php

(Harrisburg) — The cost of recycling will likely go up for many midstate communities over the next few years.

A change of standards in China is causing recycling processors in the U.S. to recalculate.

China is the largest importer of U.S. recyclables. At the beginning of this year, the country enacted a ban on some materials and strictly limited the contamination allowed in shipments of others, from five percent to half a percent.

That’s driving up costs for processors like Penn Waste, which collects recycling from 70 municipalities in the region.

Marketing director Amanda Davidson said 35 percent of the material they collect as recycling is garbage that then needs to be disposed of.

A big problem is “hopeful recycling,” which means people will put things in recycling bins they want to be recyclable but should really be thrown out.

“So diapers, car parts, hoses, electrical cords, medical waste, clothing, mattresses. We’ve gotten deer carcasses. Deer season is a horrible time of year at our recycle center,” Davidson said as she gave examples.

She said now there’s added pressure to get these sometimes-hazardous items out of the waste stream.

Penn Waste has been investing in labor and equipment to reduce contamination.

The company is now charging a sustainability fee for commercial and private subscription customers.

Davidson said they are approaching municipalities now to see if they can renegotiate waste contracts to add a sustainability fee.

“Even if we don’t get a small increase now, everyone’s going to see a large increase later to make up for the impact that the recycling crisis is having,” she said.

The company plans to release new guidelines next month that should make it easier for customers to understand what’s recyclable and what’s not.

Recycling Industry Crisis

Posted April 20, 2018

 

In preparation for Earth Day on Sunday, April 22nd, we feel it’s important to update our customers on some catastrophic changes that are severely impacting the recycling industry.

Chinese Restrictions on Imports Creating Recycling Industry Crisis
The United States generates more recyclable material than any other country in the world and China is the world’s largest buyer of recyclable material. The Chinese government recently imposed new rules severely restricting the levels of contamination allowed in the recyclable material they accept. These changes have had catastrophic consequences on the US recycling industry.

What is contamination?
Contamination is any non-recyclable item (aka trash) that gets mixed into a bale of recyclable material. When bales of recyclables arrive in China, they are cut open and sorted through. Items such as plastic bags, clothing, medical waste, Christmas lights and any other non-recyclable items are considered “contamination.”

Previously, bales were allowed to have around 5% contamination in them, or 92 lbs of trash, in a 1,850 lb bale of recycled paper. Beginning in 2018, China changed those restrictions to a 0.5% contamination rate, or 9lbs of trash in a 1,850 lb bale of recycled paper. This is an unrealistic number that recycling companies cannot meet.

The Good News
Many of our customers are enthusiastic recyclers and want to make sure they’re doing it properly. Recycling continues to be the future of the waste industry but it will come at a cost if there is no market for recyclable material. We need our customers’ help in making sure they’re not throwing trash in with their recycling so that we can try to meet China’s new contamination limits.

How Can You Help?
We encourage all of our customers to do the following:

Educate yourself on what items Penn Waste is able to recycle. Here’s a link to an English / Spanish version of WHAT IS and IS NOT recyclable – https://www.pennwaste.com/wp-content/uploads/2018-Penn-Waste-Recycling-Guidelines.pdf

Do not throw items in the recycle bin unless you know for sure it is recyclable. When In Doubt, Throw It Out!

Make sure you properly sort your materials, making sure that wet, non-recyclable items are tossed in the garbage.

Stay tuned for more updates about the recycling crisis over the next few weeks.

Penn Waste’s “Naughty List”

Posted December 13, 2017

During this busy time of year, we’d like to remind all of our customers which items fall on Penn Waste’s “Naughty List” and should NOT be placed in your recycling bin.

Check out our most recent video below:

The following items are NOT accepted at our recycling facility:

1. Plastic Packing Materials & Styrofoam – Plastic air pillows, bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and Styrofoam are not items that we accept at our recycle center. Either reuse them or place them in your trash.
2. Plastic Bags – Plastic bags are not acceptable at our recycle center. These get wrapped around our equipment and someone must manually cut off each one. Do NOT place these in the recycle bin. You can either check with a local grocery store to see if they recycle plastic bags or we encourage you to just reuse them.
3. Medical Waste – Medical waste should never be placed in the recycle bin. To see how to properly dispose of medical waste – check out the following blog post on this subject. https://www.pennwaste.com/waste-management-resources/blog/medical-waste-disposal/
4. Clothing – Clothing is not an item we accept at our recycle center. There are many local non-profits who accept used clothing and would appreciate your donations. We suggest checking with Lifepath Christian Ministries, the Salvation Army, your local Goodwill or Purple Heart to name a few.
5. Christmas Lights – Christmas lights are not recyclable. They get wrapped around our equipment causing major issues for us. Please make sure you place them in your trash.

For a full list of what items are and are NOT recyclable, you can download a brochure here.

How to Properly Place Your Cart at the Curb

Posted December 7, 2017

In 2017, Penn Waste took the initiative to invest in Single Operator Vehicles – or “SOVs” as we like to call them- adding 16 SOVs to our fleet.

The SOVs are used in residential neighborhoods to collect trash and recycling.

They are solely operated by one employee – the driver.

Safety is the #1 priority for Penn Waste so investing in these vehicles was a no-brainer.

The SOVs do not require a loader to ride on the back of the truck so there is no risk of injury or dealing with inclement weather conditions.

In addition, the SOVs make the collection process more efficient so we can get your trash and recycling picked up faster – IF YOUR CARTS ARE PROPERLY PLACED AT THE CURB.

The SOVs have a mechanical arm that comes out, lifts up your cart, and empties it into the truck.

There are 4 important points for you to remember to make sure the SOV is able to safely access your cart:

1.      Make sure your cart opening is facing the ROAD. This ensures all recyclables are emptied from your recycling cart.

2.      The cart needs to be placed 3 feet away from any other object on either side. This ensures accessibility and decreases the risk of property damage.

3.      All recyclables go in the same recycling bin. You do not need to separate your recyclables.

4.      Don’t stuff your recycling container full. If you shove cardboard into your recycle bin, we will have trouble getting it back out. If you have additional cardboard that won’t fit in your recycle bin, just bundle it with some twine and sit it beside your recycle cart.

Please take a moment to watch this educational video regarding proper cart placement.

 

Independence Day Recycling

Posted June 23, 2017

It’s almost time for America to celebrate its independence. With this holiday, barbecues and picnics come to mind. You may not have realized that many of the items that you use when you have a barbecue or picnic are recyclable. Continue reading to learn more about what you should be tossing in your recycle bin on your next gathering. (more…)

Happy Earth Day! 2017

Posted April 21, 2017

Earth Day is a day that is meant to highlight all of the initiatives and efforts in place to make our Earth a better place. It is meant to raise awareness for all of these different efforts and these efforts should become a part of our daily routine. Penn Waste focuses on recycling every day of the year. In order to remind you of the different materials that you may recycle, please take a look at our Know Before You Throw piece. Consider downloading the PDF file and printing it off for display around your recycling bin.

We wish all of our customers a Happy Earth Day!

Wanted: Cardboard

Posted April 7, 2017

Cardboard comes in all shapes and sizes. Penn Waste accepts all cardboard of any size and quantity.

Most people think of shipping boxes when they hear the word “cardboard,” however cardboard is so much more than just boxes.

Cardboard found on the inside of paper towel and toilet paper rolls is recyclable. The cardboard packaging that your garbage bags come in is recyclable. The cardboard from your tissue boxes is recyclable. To sum it up, if it is cardboard, it is recyclable.

We ask our customers to keep in mind three easy steps when it comes time to recycle your cardboard.

• Remove all packaging inside the box (such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap, etc).
• Flatten ALL boxes. If your box does not fit in your recycle bin or mobile cart, please tie them together with string to prevent them from blowing away.
• Check the weather. If the weather calls for high winds or rain, keep your recycling inside until the following week, if possible. Wet cardboard products are more difficult to process.

Aside from cardboard, Penn Waste accepts paperboard and paper products as part of the recyclables we collect. For example, junk mail, newspapers, magazines, newspaper inserts, and envelopes are all considered recyclables.

For a full list of what Penn Waste does and does not accept, please check out our recycle guidelines!

Back to School Recycling

Posted August 24, 2016

A new school year is upon us! And along with alarms, homework, and pop quizzes, are school supplies and packed lunches. Believe it or not, there is a way to go green as you prepare for the year ahead.

A large way in which we can go green is by reducing the amount of waste that is created. In order to reduce, remember to reuse. Many folders and binders available today are durable, and can be used for more than just one school year. This applies to pens and pencils as well.

If you find that you do need to make a new purchase, consider purchasing long lasting materials. Mechanical pencils for example, can be used indefinitely, and many are made of bio-degradable plastic barrels. Also, look for products that are made from recycled materials, these can include pencils, paper and even backpacks. 

Along with reducing and reusing, comes recycling. Make a conscious effort to recycle all paper. Whether it be used notebook paper or school hand-outs, see that they find their home in the recycling bin.

Remember that reusing and recycling can apply to lunch time as well. Packing a lunch in a reusable lunch bag is always a green choice. Also, buying in bulk and packing in reusable containers rather than packing individually wrapped snacks is another way to stay green. Lastly, always remember to recycle plastic bottles, aluminum cans, cartons, and any other recyclable containers that are used during lunch time.

All of these are ways in which we can create a green community for both present and future generations.

Green Gatherings

Posted July 1, 2016

June 20 marks the first day of SUMMER and along with summer comes a wide variety of picnics and parties.  Although you may not have realized it, many of the containers that hold summer’s favorite refreshments are in fact, recyclable.

Be on the lookout for these at your next gathering, making sure to have a designated area for both your trash and recyclables:

• Food and beverage cartons
• Metal drink cans
• Plastic food and beverage containers and bottles (with numbers 1-7 listed on the bottom inside the recycle symbol)
• Condiment bottles such as empty ketchup and mustard bottles
• Aerosol cans such as empty sunscreen or bug spray cans
• Clear, brown, blue, and green glass in the form of food and beverage containers such as condiment jars and drink bottles

Remember, caps and straws should be removed and the recyclables should be rinsed out in order to remove any residue.

Thanks to your conscious effort to recycle, these same items will become:

• New Aluminum Cans
• New Plastic Bottles
• Plastic Buckets & Containers
• Plastic Lumber
• Paper Towels, Napkins & Tissues

Some other tips to consider during the summer months are to use reusable dishware. This is a green alternative to paper and plastic products. Reusable dishware is a sustainable option at both meal time as well as packing snacks on the go.  This will help reduce waste.  Also, instead of purchasing water bottles consider using a water filter and refilling reusable bottles.  All of these are ways in which you can better the earth both today and every day.

Penn Waste to hold a Live Q&A Session on Facebook 6/23

Posted June 16, 2016

Topics of Q&A Session

• What items can and cannot be recycled?
• Recycling Best Practices
• Recycling Facility – How does Penn Waste process all the recyclables, etc.

How to Participate

• Log into your Facebook account at 2PM on June 23.
• Make sure you are following Penn Waste on Facebook.
• Go to your newsfeed. Make sure you are viewing the most recent posts, see how here.
• Penn Waste’s Live Q&A should appear in your news feed.
• Make sure the volume on your device is turned up.
• You can ask your questions just like you would comment on a post and Penn Waste will respond live to your questions.

Happy Earth Week from Rutter’s and Penn Waste

Posted April 18, 2016

Penn Waste has been South Central PA’s premier choice for recycling services ever since the company was founded 16 years ago. At Penn Waste, our goal is to partner with our neighbors to create a green community together. And it’s working. Penn Waste processed more than 95,000 tons of recyclable material in 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

This Earth Day, we want to say a special “thank you” to our friends at Rutter’s, for all they do to promote recycling at each of their 62 stores. Rutter’s was the first convenience store to start a voluntary recycling program in 2008, making recycling bins available for customers, employees and the surrounding community.

 

For more information on how to recycle, where to recycle and how recycling benefits the planet, visit www.RecycleMorePA.com. We will be giving away Earth Day totes all week. Stop by any of the following Rutter’s to get yours!

 

• 1520 Pennsylvania Ave., York, PA 17404
• 910 South Richland Ave, York PA 17403
• 8210 Derry St., Hummelstown, PA 17036
• 2800 Vine St., Middletown, PA 17057
• 370 West Main St., Leola, PA 17540
• 3849 Hempland Rd., Mountville, PA 17554

 

Rutter’s and Penn Waste. Two local companies working together to make a big difference.

America Recycles Day 2015

Posted November 14, 2015

Tomorrow is America Recycles Day!

Penn Waste has been leading in recycling efforts since 2002. We are proud to be a part of America Recycles Day.

If you would like to learn more about recycling, please visit our recycling page. We also have posted our Residential Recycling Guidelines for a complete list of our Acceptable Materials and Unacceptable Materials.

Thank you for partnering with us to create a green community together.

Are You Recycling At Your Tailgate?

Posted October 28, 2015

Football season is well underway, and along with football comes tailgating. Tailgating is a great way to get fans pumped for the game, but with that energy, trash follows. Luckily, many of the products used during tailgating are recyclable. Check out these helpful hints on how to recycle properly at your next tailgate. (more…)

Labor Day Recycling Tips

Posted September 3, 2015

With Labor Day just around the corner, ever wonder how you could do more to create a green community while hosting guests for a barbecue or picnic? You may not realize that a lot of the containers for the products you use for these types of events are recyclable and should be placed in your recycling bin. Aside from recycling, there are other ways to make your cookout more eco-friendly, such as reusing utensils and plates. If you are interested in learning more about what you can do to make your next picnic a green event, keep reading. (more…)

Penn Waste Opens One of the Largest Recycle Facilities in the Nation

Posted June 3, 2015

The new recycle facility will be the most progressive of its kind in south central PA

Penn Waste, a locally-owned and operated waste and recycling company, is pleased to announce the opening of our new 96,000 square foot state-of —the-art recycling facility in Manchester, PA. The new center expanded Penn Waste’s recycling capabilities, cementing Penn Waste’s position as a cutting-edge leader in the waste and recycle industry in Pennsylvania. The new recycling facility is one of the largest in the nation. (more…)

Grasscycling 101

Posted May 6, 2015

Now that spring is here, you may have needed to mow your lawn at least once so far. Did you know that you can actually recycle your grass? It is a technique called “grasscycling”.

Grass clippings and other yard debris account for a large percentage of solid waste in landfills. Although we do not utilize any landfills, we encourage customers to divert as much solid waste as possible from the waste stream. By developing practices such as grasscycling, recycling and composting, you can lower the amount of waste you place at the curb weekly. (more…)

Yard Waste Collection Tips

Posted April 7, 2015

Spring is in the air and it is time to begin the spring cleaning projects you’ve been putting off all winter. Yard work may be at the top of your priority list now that it is getting warmer out. A by-product of these outdoor projects is yard waste. Yard waste is material such as tree trimmings, shrubbery and other organic landscape vegetation. Please continue reading to learn more information on how you can dispose of this material. (more…)

Frequently Asked Questions About Cartons

Posted January 30, 2015

In January, we announced that we will begin taking cartons as an acceptable recyclable item. Many households use cartons on a daily basis. Removing them from the waste stream and allowing these items to be recyclable will have a great impact on the environment.

With any new recyclable material, there may be some questions. In order to provide all of our customers with as much information as possible, we created a flyer on Frequently Asked Questions about Cartons. Topics covered include what a carton is, what are they made from and how to recycle cartons. Please keep reading for more information on carton recycling. (more…)

Penn Waste Now Accepts Cartons!

Posted December 31, 2014

Beginning January 1, 2015, Penn Waste will begin accepting cartons as part of our residential and commercial recycling programs.

At Penn Waste, we are constantly striving to come up with innovative ways to pull more materials out of the waste stream and recycle them instead. We are proud to announce the addition of cartons to our recycling program and residents can begin recycling them immediately. (more…)

Are You Recycling This Holiday Season?

Posted December 16, 2014

Did you know that household waste increases by more than 25% from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day? During this time, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons all contribute to this increase in waste. Many of these items that increase during this time of year are actually recyclable. Are you doing your part to recycle these items this holiday season? Continue reading for tips to do your part this year.

(more…)

Are You Recycling This Cyber Monday?

Posted December 1, 2014

With the holidays just around the corner, you may have already begun your gift purchasing conquest. Today is Cyber Monday, one of the biggest online retail days of the year. As your packages arrive, keep in mind that some of that material is recyclable. Many of the packages that arrive at your doorstep or come from a retailer may be tossed in your recycling bin. (more…)

Calling All Cans!

Posted October 17, 2014

When it comes to recycling, the list of acceptable materials is expanding. It may be hard to keep track of what is accepted in your curbside recycling program and what should be tossed in the trash. Regarding metals, there are many different types that are used in everyday products. Here is what you can put in your recycling bin the next time you use the entire product.

(more…)

Stay Green While Prepping for School This Year!

Posted August 18, 2014

For most students, school is beginning either this week or next week. Have you done your part to actively stay green when prepping for the first day of class? Here are some tips to keep in mind while you prepare for the upcoming school year. (more…)

Penn Waste’s Commitment to Recycling Education

Posted July 29, 2014

Penn Waste was recently featured in the Pennsylvania Recycler, a publication created as a recycling resource by the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania.

Below, you will find a portion of the article. Be sure to keep reading! (more…)

Happy Earth Day 2014

Posted April 22, 2014

Happy Earth Day from your friends at Penn Waste!

While today is a great day to bring awareness to all of the great green activities and strategies to sustain our planet, it is important to remember that you can do your part every day of the year.

One of the best ways to do your part every day is to recycle via your curbside recycling program. Are you recycling every last item you can? Take a moment to check your municipality’s requirements if you are not sure.

Aside from recycling, there are many other ways to do your part to positively impact the environment. Here are some tips: (more…)

Penn Waste Mobile Website Launched

Posted April 15, 2014

Penn Waste launches Mobile Website!

If you have been browsing our website on your phone recently, you may have noticed a big change: our website now has mobile functionality.

The mobile site provides increased convenience by giving you direct links to contact us via email and phone, and facilitating payment of residential bills on your phone via your mobile browser.

The mobile page allows for functionality on Apple and Android products, so be sure to take some time to explore the different sections of the mobile site!

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Do you want to ensure that you receive the most up to date information from Penn Waste? (more…)

Don’t Be Fooled By Aluminum

Posted April 1, 2014

When it comes to recyclable material, it is easy to be fooled by which materials are recyclable and which are not. One of the easiest types of recyclable material to cause a hang up is aluminum. Please keep reading for more information on aluminum recycling. (more…)

Inclement Weather Tips

Posted February 4, 2014

With all of the inclement weather that our crews have been facing on a regular basis this winter, we wanted to let our customers in on some tips to help move the process along. Collections in inclement weather will take longer and crews may begin work as early as 5 or 6 am.

What you can do to help? (more…)

Get Green with Penn Waste – More Than You Know

Posted January 6, 2014

There are many items around your house that you may not know are recyclable. Many plastics and metal containers that you may have throughout your house can be tossed in your recycle bin. To ensure that your recyclables are in the best condition, please make sure that they are clean of contaminants. Consider running water through the empty containers to ensure that they are clean. Once clean, be sure to toss them in your recycling bin. Here is this month’s Get Green tip: (more…)

Santa’s Naughty and Nice List

Posted December 13, 2013

Christmas is right around the corner. Only 12 days until the big day and Santa wanted us to let you know that he has a naughty and nice list for recyclables. When you are prepping for the Christmas holiday, take into account Santa’s Naughty or Nice list. (more…)

Cyber Monday and Cardboard Recycling

Posted December 2, 2013

Did you know that Fedex is estimating that they will ship 85 million packages this week? On Cyber Monday alone, they expect to ship more than 22 million packages. So your package arrives and you open it to make sure all of your order is accounted for. What do you do with your cardboard box? Be sure to recycle it this year!

Here at Penn Waste, we accept any size and any quantity of cardboard. Aside from this we accept an unlimited amount of recyclables curbside. Here are some tips to ensure that you are recycling cardboard to your fullest potential: (more…)

Get Green With Penn Waste – Holiday Recycling

Posted

It is officially the holiday season, and there are many items that you may not know are recyclable. In order to ensure you get all of the information, be sure to check out our recent Get Green segment for December here:

Want more tips on recycling? Check out our Facebook and Twitter pages and sign up for our E-News Updates!

Holiday Cooking & Recycling – Metals

Posted November 25, 2013

It’s almost here. Thanksgiving is Thursday! Have you begun your shopping yet? If you have, did you know that there are plenty of packaging products that may be recycled? If you haven’t already completed your shopping, be sure to look out for some of the products listed below! For more information on recycling with your holiday cooking, keep reading! (more…)

Holiday Cooking & Recycling – Plastics

Posted November 14, 2013

We are all getting ready for the big day, Thanksgiving. Whether you are just now shopping or you are planning out what you want to buy in a week or two, be sure to think about what you are going to do with the packaging of those products. There are so many of these items that are actually recyclable, and we are going to help you distinguish which ones are recyclable and which ones are not. This week we are focusing on plastics used during your holiday cooking, so keep reading for more information! (more…)

Holiday Cooking & Recycling – Paper Products

Posted November 4, 2013

With the Thanksgiving holiday just around the corner, it is almost time for you to start shopping and preparing for the big day! Although everyone’s preparation and meals may vary, it is important to remember one thing that everyone can take part in: recycling! For more information on how to recycle this Thanksgiving, keep reading! (more…)

Get Green with Penn Waste – Recycling & Holiday Baking

Posted October 30, 2013

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and in order to prepare for the holidays, we are providing you with tips on recycling when you are baking and cooking. Check out November’s Get Green segment below:

Want more tips on recycling? Check out our Facebook and Twitter pages and sign up for our E-News Updates!

Metal Recycling In Your Garage

Posted October 28, 2013

When it comes to recycling metal products, your efforts are influential on the environment, and here is the proof: twenty recycled cans can be made with the energy needed to produce one can using virgin ore. By conserving precious resources and recycling the resources already in use, we can save energy. We have already covered products in your kitchen, bathroom and cleaning closet so far this month. In order to get more of the metals already in use into the recycling stream, please check out this post on metal recycling in your garage. (more…)

Aluminum & Steel Recycling In Your Cleaning Closet

Posted October 21, 2013

Did you know that making new aluminum cans from used cans takes 95 percent less energy than using virgin materials? There are so many aluminum containers that you use on a daily basis that you may not realize are actually recyclable. So far this month, we have covered aluminum and steel products in your kitchen and bathroom, now we are going to cover the aluminum and steel products you may find in your cleaning closet. Keep reading for more details! (more…)

Aluminum Recycling in the Bathroom

Posted October 14, 2013

According to the EPA, only 50.7 percent of aluminum was recycled in 2009. There is so much more that can be recycled throughout your house. This week, we are going to focus on the aluminum and steel recyclables that can be found in your bathroom. Keep reading for more information! (more…)

Aluminum and Steel Recycling in the Kitchen

Posted October 7, 2013

If you have had the opportunity to check out our recent recycling segment on TV, you may have noticed that it highlights aluminum and steel recyclables. You may not have known that so many everyday products come in aluminum or steel containers, and are recyclable. For the month of October, we are going to highlight a different room of your house each week and show you what aluminum and steel products are recyclable in these rooms. For aluminum and steel recycling in your kitchen, keep reading! (more…)

Time for an Office Clean Up!

Posted September 23, 2013

Have you ever looked around your office and thought: “I really need to get rid of some of this junk”? We all have had those moments when your desk appears cluttered, and in order to be more productive, it may be time to get rid of a few unnecessary items. Rather than throwing all of these items in your trash can, why not find out if they are recyclable? You may be surprised at some of the items that you have around that are actually recyclable; keep reading to find out more! (more…)

Single Stream Recycling

Posted September 9, 2013

Did you know that Penn Waste accepts all of your recycling in one bin? If it is recyclable, you are able to put all of these items in one collection container. These items include:

• Metal
• Glass
• Plastic
• Paper, Paperboard and Cardboard

For more information on the different types of items that are recyclable, please look through our Recycle Guidelines. Included is a full list of the types of recyclable material, as well as tips to maximize your recycle bin space and how to minimize the amount of contaminated recyclables in your recycle bin.

We recently released a segment on WGAL and Fox 43 that highlights how our single stream recycling works. Please check out the video below.

For any other questions or recycling tips, please be sure to brows our website, www.pennwaste.com.

Be sure to like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all of things recycling!

Back to School Recycling 2013

Posted August 5, 2013

For some of you, it may be hard to believe, but it is time to start thinking about going back to school. With the school year fast approaching, it is time to start preparing for classes for yourself or your children. What better way to prepare than getting green with your school shopping list. We can help you prepare for the school way in a self-sustainable way by helping you pick out items that are recyclable and purchasing items that can be reused. (more…)

Recycling on Vacation

Posted July 19, 2013

It’s the time of year to pack up the family and head to your vacation destination. While preparing you may bring a lot of things with you, but just toss the waste at the end of your trip. It’s important to remember that many of the things you may bring with you on your vacation are actually recyclable. Regardless of your destination, please remember to recycle during your trip. Please check out our segment that aired on Fox 43 News at 10pm! (more…)

Township Recycling Education

Posted July 2, 2013

When it comes to recycling, it is important that everyone does their part in the process. It’s also important that even if it is not collected through your curbside recycling program, there are other options to help have an impact on your community. (more…)

Recycling at a Cookout

Posted June 21, 2013

It’s the time of year for cookouts and family gatherings. Summer is the ideal time to gather the family and friends and enjoy each other’s company during a cookout. One thing that is important to keep in mind is recycling! There are a lot of items that you bring to cookouts that are not trash and can be placed in your recycling bin. (more…)

Get Green: Aluminum

Posted June 10, 2013

When it comes to recycling, it has been second nature to throw in cleaned aluminum cans in your recycling bins. Items such as food and beverage cans have routinely been tossed in the recycling bin, but there are many more products that can be recycled. (more…)

Simply Green Tip of the Month – Unlimited Cardboard, Paper, & Paperboard Recycling

Posted August 14, 2012

Cardboard comes in all shapes and sizes. We ask all of our customers to please flatten and bundle their cardboard before sitting it out for our team members to collect. (more…)

TIPS FOR REDUCING WASTE

Posted July 2, 2012

Did you know? The average American produces 1,609 pounds of trash per year.

Unfortunately, most of this is sent to landfills, incinerated, or otherwise improperly disposed of. This causes damage to the environment in which we live. Out of sight, out of mind does not apply to our waste. After something is thrown into the garbage, it can still have profound effects on you and your community! (more…)

Recyclables: Which Are Naughty And Which Are Nice

Posted December 13, 2011

Penn Waste is making a list, checking it twice, and wants their customers to know which holiday decorations and packaging are naughty or nice!

Penn Waste, a leader in the waste and recycling industries in South Central Pennsylvania which focuses on innovative, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly practices, suggests the holidays are not the time to slack off recycling. Here is a friendly reminder for everyone regarding which materials are and are not acceptable recyclables. (more…)