How to Start a Recycling Program in Pennsylvania

Recycling is no longer just an environmental ideal—it’s a practical necessity. In Pennsylvania, where landfills are nearing capacity and municipal waste costs continue to rise, establishing a structured recycling program is both a civic responsibility and a smart economic decision. Whether you’re a school administrator, a business owner, a community leader, or a local government official, launching a recycling initiative can reduce waste disposal expenses, conserve natural resources, and foster a culture of sustainability. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step needed to start a successful recycling program in Pennsylvania, from initial planning to long-term maintenance. With state-specific regulations, regional challenges, and proven local models in mind, this tutorial is tailored to help you build a program that works for your community.

Step-by-Step Guide

Assess Your Community’s Waste Profile

Before you can design a recycling program, you must understand what you’re trying to manage. Begin by analyzing the types and volumes of waste generated in your target area—whether it’s a school, office building, apartment complex, or entire municipality. Contact your local waste hauler or municipal solid waste authority to request waste composition reports. These reports typically break down the percentage of paper, plastics, metals, organics, and other materials in the waste stream.

In Pennsylvania, residential and commercial waste often contains over 30% recyclable materials, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Paper and cardboard alone account for nearly 25% of landfill waste in many counties. Identifying these high-volume materials allows you to prioritize collection efforts and target the most impactful recycling streams first.

Conduct a waste audit if official data is unavailable. For one week, sort through representative waste bins and categorize contents by material type. Record weights and volumes. This hands-on approach provides concrete data to justify funding, secure stakeholder buy-in, and design efficient collection logistics.

Understand Pennsylvania’s Recycling Laws and Regulations

Pennsylvania has some of the most comprehensive recycling mandates in the Northeast. Act 101, passed in 1988, requires municipalities with populations over 10,000 to implement recycling programs. Smaller communities are encouraged but not mandated. Additionally, Act 101 mandates that certain materials—paper, glass, metals, and plastics labeled

1 and #2—must be collected for recycling in covered jurisdictions.

Commercial entities generating more than 120 cubic yards of waste per month are also required to recycle paper, glass, metals, and plastics under Act 101. Failure to comply can result in fines, so understanding these obligations is critical. Even if your organization isn’t legally required to recycle, aligning with state standards builds credibility and streamlines compliance.

Check your county’s specific rules. Some counties, like Allegheny and Montgomery, have adopted stricter ordinances, including mandatory composting for food service businesses or restrictions on single-use plastics. Visit the DEP’s website or contact your county’s waste management office to confirm local requirements. Non-compliance isn’t just a legal risk—it can damage your organization’s reputation and public trust.

Form a Recycling Committee

Successful recycling programs don’t happen in isolation. Build a dedicated team with diverse representation. Include staff, students, residents, or volunteers who are passionate about sustainability. Assign roles such as program coordinator, outreach lead, data tracker, and logistics manager.

In schools, involve teachers, custodial staff, and student environmental clubs. In businesses, include facilities managers, HR, and operations teams. In municipalities, partner with public works, zoning, and economic development departments. A cross-functional team ensures that all operational perspectives are considered—from bin placement to budgeting to education.

Hold an initial planning meeting to define goals. Ask: What do we want to achieve in six months? One year? Five years? Set measurable targets, such as “Reduce landfill waste by 40% in 12 months” or “Achieve 70% participation among employees.” Document these goals and revisit them quarterly to track progress.

Choose the Right Recycling Streams

Not all materials are equally viable to recycle. Start with the most common, highest-value, and easiest-to-collect materials:

• Cardboard and paper – High volume, easy to sort, strong market demand
• Plastics

  1 and #2 – Bottles and containers accepted statewide under Act 101

• Aluminum and steel cans – High recycling value, lightweight, easy to collect
• Glass – Accepted in most programs, though heavier and more fragile

Consider adding organics (food scraps and yard waste) later, especially if your area has access to composting facilities. Pennsylvania has over 50 active composting sites, many of which accept food waste from institutions. The DEP’s Composting and Organics Recycling Program provides guidance for those interested in expanding beyond traditional materials.

Avoid including contaminated items like greasy pizza boxes, plastic bags, or styrofoam unless your local processor explicitly accepts them. Contamination is the leading cause of recycling rejection. Focus on clean, sorted materials to ensure your program’s success.

Secure Bin Placement and Collection Logistics

Effective recycling requires accessible, well-placed collection points. Place clearly labeled bins in high-traffic areas: break rooms, entryways, cafeterias, near printers, and in common spaces. Use color-coded bins—blue for recycling, black for trash—and include pictograms to reduce confusion.

Work with your waste hauler to schedule regular pickups. Many haulers offer free or discounted recycling collection for institutions that commit to consistent participation. Some even provide bins at no cost. Negotiate collection frequency based on volume—weekly for offices, daily for schools or restaurants.

For larger facilities or municipalities, consider centralized drop-off locations with secure, locked containers to prevent littering or illegal dumping. If you’re in a rural area, coordinate with neighboring communities to share collection resources and reduce costs.

Always confirm that your hauler is licensed by the DEP and follows state regulations. Unlicensed haulers may illegally dump waste, exposing you to legal and reputational risk.

Develop an Education and Outreach Plan

Even the best-designed recycling program fails without participation. People won’t recycle if they don’t know how, why, or what goes where.

Create simple, visual signage for each bin. Include examples of accepted and non-accepted items. Use icons, not just text, to overcome language barriers. For example: “Bottles & Cans → Yes | Plastic Bags → No.”

Launch a multi-channel awareness campaign:

• Post flyers in common areas
• Send email newsletters with recycling tips
• Host a “Recycling Kickoff Day” with free reusable bags or water bottles
• Train staff or student ambassadors to answer questions
• Share monthly progress reports: “Last month, we diverted 2.5 tons of paper from landfills!”

In schools, integrate recycling into science or civics curricula. In workplaces, recognize departments with the highest participation rates. Positive reinforcement drives long-term behavior change.

Track, Measure, and Report Progress

Without data, you can’t prove success or justify continued investment. Track the weight or volume of materials collected each week or month. Use a simple spreadsheet or free digital tools like Google Sheets or recycling management software.

Compare your recycling volume to total waste generated. Calculate your diversion rate: (Recycled weight ÷ Total waste weight) × 100. A 50%+ diversion rate is excellent for most organizations.

Report results internally and publicly. Share achievements with stakeholders, local media, and government officials. Public recognition builds momentum and encourages others to follow your lead. Many Pennsylvania municipalities offer “Green Business” or “Sustainable School” certifications—apply for these to validate your efforts.

Secure Funding and Budgeting

Startup costs include bins, signage, training materials, and possibly new hauling contracts. Many programs can be launched with minimal expense by leveraging existing resources.

Explore funding options:

• Apply for DEP’s Recycling Market Development Fund grants
• Seek sponsorships from local businesses or environmental nonprofits
• Use savings from reduced trash hauling fees to fund recycling
• Apply for state or federal environmental education grants

For example, a school that reduces its trash pickup from twice a week to once a week can save hundreds of dollars monthly—money that can be redirected to recycling bins or educational materials.

Always budget for ongoing costs: bin maintenance, replacement signage, educational events, and staff time. A sustainable program is an ongoing investment, not a one-time project.

Partner with Local Recycling Facilities

Not all recyclables are processed the same way. Contact your regional materials recovery facility (MRF) to understand what they accept and how they sort materials. Some MRFs require pre-sorted streams; others accept single-stream recycling.

Ask about drop-off hours, contamination thresholds, and reporting requirements. Some facilities offer tours or educational materials you can use for your outreach. Building a direct relationship ensures your materials are handled properly and reduces the risk of rejection.

Use the DEP’s Recycling Directory to locate certified recyclers near you. Verify their credentials and ask for references from other clients.

Best Practices

Start Small, Scale Smart

Don’t try to recycle everything on day one. Launch with paper and plastic bottles—materials with high participation rates and low contamination. Once your team is comfortable, add glass, aluminum, and eventually organics. Gradual expansion reduces overwhelm and increases long-term success.

Design for Clarity, Not Complexity

Confusion kills recycling. Use simple, universal symbols. Avoid technical terms like “HDPE” or “PET.” Instead, write “Plastic Bottles” or “Cans.” Place bins where people naturally dispose of waste—near trash cans, not across the building.

Minimize Contamination at All Costs

One contaminated bin can cause an entire truckload to be sent to landfill. Train everyone to rinse containers and remove food residue. Never include plastic bags, hoses, or electronics in recycling bins—these are “tanglers” that damage sorting equipment.

Engage Leadership

Leadership buy-in is non-negotiable. When principals, CEOs, or mayors publicly support recycling, participation increases by up to 60%. Include recycling goals in annual reports, performance reviews, or strategic plans.

Make It Rewarding

People respond to recognition. Create a “Recycling Champion” award. Share monthly leaderboards. Offer small incentives like extra break time, branded water bottles, or donations to a local environmental cause in your group’s name.

Build Community Partnerships

Collaborate with local environmental groups, Rotary Clubs, Scouts, or high school clubs. They can help with outreach, collection events, or educational workshops. Partnerships extend your reach without increasing your workload.

Stay Updated on Market Changes

Recycling markets fluctuate. China’s 2018 ban on imported plastics, for example, disrupted global recycling systems. Pennsylvania’s MRFs have adapted, but materials like mixed plastics and low-grade paper may now have limited buyers. Regularly check with your hauler or the DEP for updates on accepted materials.

Plan for Long-Term Sustainability

Design your program to outlast staff turnover. Document procedures. Create a “Recycling Handbook” with contact info, schedules, and protocols. Store digital copies in shared drives. Train multiple people in key roles. A program tied to individuals will fade. A program tied to systems will endure.

Tools and Resources

State and Local Government Resources

• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) – The primary authority for recycling regulations. Offers free guides, grant applications, and compliance checklists. Visit dep.pa.gov/recycling.
• Pennsylvania Recycling Market Development Fund – Provides grants up to $100,000 for projects that increase recycling or create markets for recycled materials. Applications open annually.
• County Recycling Coordinators – Every Pennsylvania county has a designated coordinator who can assist with program design, funding, and regulatory questions. Find yours through the DEP website.

Free Educational Materials

• Recycle Across America – Offers free, standardized recycling labels that comply with U.S. recycling standards. Download and print high-quality signs for bins.
• Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful – Provides free educational toolkits for schools and communities, including posters, lesson plans, and recycling pledge cards.
• EPA’s WasteWise Program – Offers tools for tracking waste reduction and benchmarking against peer organizations.

Technology and Software

• RecycleTrack Systems (RTS) – Cloud-based waste and recycling tracking software used by municipalities and large institutions. Offers reporting, bin monitoring, and hauler coordination.
• WasteZero – Helps organizations implement pay-as-you-throw programs and track diversion rates.
• Google Forms and Sheets – Free tools to create simple waste audit logs, participation surveys, and monthly tracking dashboards.

Training and Certification

• Penn State Extension – Offers workshops on waste reduction, composting, and community engagement.
• National Recycling Coalition – Provides webinars and certification courses for recycling professionals.
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) – Offers LEED and TRUE Zero Waste certifications for organizations seeking formal recognition.

Community Engagement Platforms

• Nextdoor – Use to share recycling tips and success stories with neighbors.
• Facebook Groups – Join local sustainability groups to learn from others and promote your program.
• Instagram and TikTok – Create short videos showing “What Goes Where?” or “A Day in Our Recycling Program.” Visual content drives engagement.

Real Examples

Case Study: Bethlehem Area School District

In 2019, the Bethlehem Area School District launched a district-wide recycling initiative after a student-led waste audit revealed that 60% of cafeteria waste was recyclable. The district partnered with the local MRF and secured a DEP grant to purchase 200 color-coded bins.

Each school appointed a “Green Team” of students and staff to monitor bins and educate peers. Signage was designed with student artwork. Within 18 months, the district increased its recycling rate from 12% to 58% and reduced trash hauling costs by $35,000 annually.

The program now includes composting for food waste and has become a model for other Pennsylvania school districts.

Case Study: The West Chester Borough Recycling Program

West Chester, a mid-sized town in Chester County, faced rising landfill fees and public complaints about overflowing bins. In 2020, the borough implemented a mandatory single-stream recycling program for all residents and businesses.

They distributed free 95-gallon recycling carts, launched a multilingual education campaign, and introduced a “Recycling Rewards” app that offered discounts at local businesses for consistent recycling.

Within two years, participation jumped from 55% to 89%, and landfill waste dropped by 42%. The program’s success led to state recognition and additional funding for expanded composting services.

Case Study: BNY Mellon’s Corporate Recycling Initiative

BNY Mellon’s Pittsburgh headquarters launched a zero-waste initiative in 2018. The company eliminated single-use plastics in cafeterias, installed 300 recycling stations, and partnered with a local recycler to process e-waste and textiles.

Employees received training and monthly recycling reports. A “Green Ambassador” program empowered staff to lead change. The company now diverts over 85% of its waste from landfills and has been named a Pennsylvania Green Business Leader three years running.

Case Study: The Mifflin County Community Center

A small rural community center in central Pennsylvania struggled with limited funding and no municipal recycling service. Staff partnered with a regional nonprofit to host monthly recycling drop-off events. Residents brought paper, cans, bottles, and electronics.

They used a donated trailer as a collection hub and promoted events via local radio and church bulletins. Within a year, they collected over 12 tons of recyclables and reduced the center’s waste disposal costs by 70%. The program has since become a county-wide initiative.

FAQs

Is recycling mandatory in Pennsylvania?

Under Act 101, municipalities with populations over 10,000 are required to provide recycling collection for paper, glass, metals, and plastics

1 and #2. Businesses generating more than 120 cubic yards of waste per month must also recycle these materials. Smaller communities are encouraged but not legally required to implement programs.

What happens if I put the wrong thing in the recycling bin?

Contaminated materials—like food-soiled containers, plastic bags, or electronics—can cause entire loads to be rejected and sent to landfill. This increases costs and undermines environmental efforts. Always rinse containers and check your local guidelines before recycling.

Can I recycle pizza boxes?

Only if they are clean and free of grease. Grease soaks into the cardboard and makes it unrecyclable. Tear off the clean top and recycle that; throw the greasy bottom in the trash.

Do I need to remove labels from bottles and cans?

No. Most modern recycling facilities can remove labels during processing. Just rinse the container to remove food residue.

Can I recycle plastic bags in my curbside bin?

No. Plastic bags tangle in sorting machinery and cause costly shutdowns. Instead, return them to designated drop-off bins at grocery stores or retailers like Walmart and Target.

How do I find a recycling center near me?

Visit the Pennsylvania DEP’s Recycling Directory at dep.pa.gov/recycling. You can search by material type and location to find certified facilities.

Can I get funding to start a recycling program?

Yes. The Pennsylvania Recycling Market Development Fund offers grants for recycling infrastructure, education, and market development. Nonprofits, schools, and municipalities are eligible to apply.

What if my waste hauler doesn’t offer recycling?

Contact your county’s recycling coordinator. They can help you find an alternative hauler or connect you with a regional MRF that accepts drop-offs. Some areas have public drop-off centers open to residents and businesses.

How do I get employees or students to participate?

Education, visibility, and incentives work best. Use clear signage, host training sessions, share progress reports, and recognize top participants. Make recycling easy, rewarding, and part of your culture.

Can I start a recycling program without a budget?

Absolutely. Many programs begin with donated bins, volunteer labor, and existing waste hauler partnerships. Use savings from reduced trash pickup to fund future expansion. Start with paper and bottles—low-cost, high-impact materials.

Conclusion

Starting a recycling program in Pennsylvania is not just about sorting cans and paper—it’s about building a culture of responsibility, innovation, and community resilience. With clear regulations, accessible resources, and proven models across the state, there’s never been a better time to take action. Whether you’re leading a small office, a rural school, or an entire municipality, your efforts matter. Every bottle recycled, every ton diverted, every person educated contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable Pennsylvania.

Begin with what you know. Start small. Engage your community. Track your progress. Celebrate your wins. And remember: recycling is not a one-time project—it’s an ongoing commitment to the environment, future generations, and the economic health of your region.

Use the tools, follow the steps, learn from the examples, and don’t wait for permission. The most successful recycling programs in Pennsylvania didn’t begin with big budgets or state mandates—they began with one person who asked, “What can I do?”

Now it’s your turn.