Recycling

Recycling Law

Recycling is mandatory in Schuylkill Township, but did you know that every time you recycle you contribute money to running the township and holding down taxes? Since 2001, through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Recycling Performance Grants programs (Act 904), the township has received a total of $398,843! These grants are based on the total tons of recycled materials collected and reported within the township. Every waste hauler in our township is required to collect your recyclables and report to the township what and how much was collected, and these figures are reported to the Department of Environmental Protection annually.

By township ordinance (see Chapter 303 of the township code) there are penalties for not recycling - anywhere from a fine ($100 to $1,000 plus court/legal fees) up to imprisonment for 30 days. Each violation is a separate offense each and every day the violation continues, and penalties will be imposed for each and every separate offense. See Township Code Section 303-21. Haulers in Schuylkill Township are required to offer a recycling program to residents in accordance with township code Section 303-5.

Recyclable Materials

Residents must separate recyclable materials from municipal waste and place them for pickup in a separate, reusable metal or plastic container which clearly identifies the contents as recyclable materials. Your waste hauler should provide a recycling container. Recycle bins are also available for purchase at the township building from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm for $10 each.

What Can / Cannot be Recycled

Recyclables are commodities. Dirty or contaminated, they are worthless. Clean and properly prepared recyclables have value and may be turned into new products.  Most haulers in Schuylkill Township use the “single-stream” recyclables collection method.  Single-stream (also known as “fully commingled” or “single-sort”) recycling refers to a system in which all paper fibers, plastics, metals, and other containers are mixed in a collection truck, instead of being sorted by the depositor into separate commodities. In single-stream, both the collection and processing systems are designed to handle this fully commingled mixture of recyclables, with materials being separated for reuse at a materials recovery facility.

  1. What Can Be Recycled
  2. What Cannot Be Recycled

Recyclable Materials

  • Cans - Aluminum (i.e. soda), Tin (steel) cans; all food cans (i.e. vegetables, fruits, pet food, juice, coffee, etc., including large economy size), aluminum pie tins and foil. All items must be rinsed and cleaned. No pots, pans, wire hangers, can lids or covers.
  • Glass - Empty bottles and jars made of clear and colored glass. Excluded are non-container glass, mirrors, automobile glass, plate/window glass, dishware, light bulbs, crystal, porcelain and ceramic products.
  • Paper - Newspaper, magazines, catalogues, junk mail, office paper and computer paper. No waxed paper, coated paper or tissue paper.
  • Plastic Numbers 1 Through 7 - Bottle and jar containers (i.e. milk, water, soda, detergent, shampoo.). Rinse and crush. Excluded are bottle caps/lids, motor oil bottles, plastic cups, flowers, pens, toys, and plastic wrap.
  • Cardboard - Schuylkill Township accepts cardboard at the Municipal Complex located at 111 Valley Park Road, Phoenixville. The containers for use by Schuylkill Township residents are located in the upper parking lot of the complex. All cardboard is accepted with the exception of wax-coated cardboard (for example milk cartons). Boxes should be broken down and all cardboard flattened before placing in the bins. No Commercial Dumping is allowed in these bins.

Recycling Performance Grants

Schuylkill Township receives recycling performance grants based on how much of these materials our residents recycle. The more you recycle, the greater the grant!

Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) products may be recycled at specific sites. Events for HHW collection are staged by Chester County. Check for dates at the Chester County Solid Waste Authority's website.