Recycling Drop-Off Locations
As the City of Pittsburgh is working to reduce contamination at our drop-off centers, please follow some simple best practices and guidelines below:
- Place items loosely in the containers (dumpsters/roll-offs). This means no plastic bags! However, shredded paper must be contained in a paper bag and placed into a dumpster marked for "mixed paper" at one of the drop-off centers listed below.
- Flatten all cardboard before placing it into the recycling dumpster.
- Follow the clearly marked signs on each dumpster instructing what we accept.
- Do not place any loose plastic or metal lids or caps of any kind into our recycling dumpsters.
In order to reduce contamination at our drop-off centers, only the following items are accepted:
- Cardboard
- Glass bottles, jars, and jugs - please use the green dumpsters
- Aluminum and steel cans
- Mixed paper (newspaper, junk mail, magazines, high-grade office paper, shredded paper and paper board)
- The City of Pittsburgh no longer has dedicated drop-off bins for shredded paper. If you wish to recycle shredded paper, it will need to be placed in a paper bag and placed in a bin marked for "mixed paper".
- Empty bottles, jugs, and jars
Recycling Contamination, and Why It Matters?
One of the biggest challenges facing recycling right now is contamination by wishful recycling or “wish-cycling”. This happens when non-recyclable objects are placed in the recycling bin with the wish it will be recycled. Additionally, recycling contamination occurs when food residue, liquids, and unacceptable materials (such as batteries, sharps, extra plastic bags, food waste, and greasy pizza boxes), are placed into the recycling can. Contaminants not only degrade the materials, boosting costs, but they can potentially cause harm to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and city employees.
- Bagged recyclables
- Plastic bags
- Plastic films
- Plastic packaging
- Electronics
- Hazardous waste
- Styrofoam
- Greasy pizza boxes
- Food waste
- Durable goods
While these items are not accepted at the drop-offs, please click here for waste disposal resources.
Recycling Drop-Off Locations
Notice!
Beltzhoover/Knoxville recycling drop-off location has been closed due to persistent illegal dumping.
Only three locations, at the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th divisions, accept yard debris, tires, and scrap metal. Only two (2) tires are allowed per day, per resident, for drop off and must have rims removed beforehand.
For yard debris, there is a $22.00 fee for cars, SUVs, pick-ups and vans with trailer. A $54.00 fee for Dump Trucks or Large Box Vans and prior approval from DPW Director is required. Payments must be made by check or money order only (no cash accepted). Checks are to be made out to Treasurer, City of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh residents are encouraged to bring their glass bottles, jugs, and jars of 3 gallons or less to the Strip-District or Construction Junction drop-off locations. The Strip District & Construction Junction drop-offs do not accept yard debris, tires, and scrap metal.
East End (Dept. of Public Works - 2nd Division)
- Address: 6814 Hamilton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
- Phone: 412-665-3610
- Drop-Off Hours:
- Monday - Saturday: 8 AM - 1:30 PM
- Materials Accepted:
- Curbside Recyclables
- Yard Waste
- Christmas Trees
- Tires
- Scrap Metal
Hazelwood (Dept. of Public Works - 3rd Division)
- Address: 40 Melanchton St, Pittsburgh, PA 15207
- Phone: 412-422-6545
- Drop-Off Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 1:30 PM
- Materials Accepted:
- Curbside Recyclables
- Yard Waste
- Christmas Trees
- Tires
- Scrap Metal
West End (Dept. of Public Works - 5th Division)
- Address: 1330 Hassler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Phone: 412-937-3054
- Drop-Off Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 2 PM
- Saturday: 7 AM - 3 PM
-
Materials Accepted:
- Curbside Recyclables
- Yard Waste
- Christmas Trees
- Tires
- Scrap Metal
Strip District (Dept. of Public Works - Environmental Services)
North Point Breeze (Construction Junction)