About Commercial Recycling

Penn Waste offers complete commercial recycling programs for businesses in South Central PA.

Using an innovative “single stream” recycling process, Penn Waste’s commercial recycling services are easy to incorporate into your business, saving time and money in helping your business and employees play a critical role in creating green communities together.

Single-stream commercial recycling is a convenience process which allows your business to combine all acceptable materials in one container – eliminating the need to separate paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, metals and other recyclable materials.

Recycling Can Save Your Business Money

We can help your business decrease your trash bill by recycling more materials. Click here to learn more.

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Learn more about Penn Waste’s innovative recycling facility. Take a Tour


Recyclables and How To Prepare Them

Below is an overview of the materials that may be recycled.

You may also download a printable version of our single stream recycling guidelines (PDF).


CARDBOARD

Corrugated Cardboard and Shipping Boxes Only

HOW TO PREPARE CARDBOARD

  • Remove all packaging inside the box (such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap, etc)
  • Flatten ALL boxes
  • 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.

PAPER

Newspapers Only

HOW TO PREPARE PAPER

  • Cover loose papers with heavier items in the container 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 paper products are more difficult to process.

PLASTIC BOTTLES

  • Plastic Water, Juice & Soda Bottles
  • Plastic Containers & Bottles #1, #2 & #5: This may include items such as shampoo bottles, liquid detergent containers, condiment bottles, etc. Please check the container to find the designated number.
  • The neck of the bottle should be smaller than the base.

HOW TO PREPARE PLASTICS

  • Remove caps or lids
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue
  • Labels and neck rings do not need to be removed from containers

METAL & ALUMINUM

Aluminum Cans, Steel Cans and Food Containers

  • Aluminum Cans
  • Steel Cans and Food Containers

HOW TO PREPARE METALS & ALUMINUM

  • Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue
  • Remove any plastic caps or tops unless they are part of the can
  • Labels do not need to be removed from cans

CARTONS

Cartons are defined as a type of packaging that food and beverage products come in that you can purchase at the store. There are two types of cartons:

  • Shelf-stable cartons — include juice, milk, soy milk, soup and broth, and wine cartons. These are cartons that do not need to be kept cold.
  • Refrigerated cartons — include milk, juice, cream and egg substitute cartons. These items must be kept cold.

HOW TO PREPARE CARTONS

  • Be sure to remove straws.
  • Make sure the carton is empty and rinsed out.
  • Cartons may be placed in your bin along with all other recyclables.

GLASS

Food & Beverage Glass Only

  • Clear, brown, blue and green glass food and beverage containers.

HOW TO PREPARE GLASS

  • Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue
  • Remove any plastic caps or tops
  • Note: Labels do not need to be removed from bottles or containers

UNACCEPTABLE MATERIALS

The following items are NOT recyclable.

  • Food-Soiled Materials
  • Needles and Medical Waste
  • Broken Glass
  • Windows, Mirrors, Ceramics
  • Drinking Glasses
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Scrap Metal
  • Plastic Tableware (Knives, Forks, etc.)
  • Plastic Bags (Including Grocery Bags)
  • Light Bulbs
  • Solvents, Oil and/or Chemical Containers
  • Soaked and/or Wet Papers or Cardboard
  • Waxy Cardboard
  • Plastic Food Wrappers
  • Used Paper Towels or Tissues
  • Christmas Lights
  • Hoses
  • Propane Tanks
  • Shredded Paper

Ready to Recycle?

We can help your business decrease your trash bill by recycling more materials. Click here to learn more.