Commercial Recycling

Since 1995, PA Act 101 and Cheltenham Ordinance 1820-95 have required all commercial and institutional entities to recycle high-grade office paper, aluminum cans, corrugated paper and leaf wastes.  However, the Township Ordinance also requires these entities to submit reports detailing the tonnage they recycle to William Ferrari, Refuse Superintendent, Cheltenham Township, 8230 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA  19027. The report must appear on the recycling hauler’s letterhead, as required by the state.   

Recycling is not only the law. It’s also a valuable boon to the environment since it reduces pollution while preserving natural resources. 

For more information, contact the Public Works Department.

Pick up Two Free Recycling Containers.

Where to Recycle Used Oil

Good Reasons to Recycle ...
… Recycling reduces the trash that gluts our landfills.
… Recycling preserves our natural resources.
… Recycling lowers landfill expenses &  brings in revenue from recyclable material sales.
… Recycling improves the environment.
… Recycling is mandatory per State & Township laws.

These mandatory recycling guidelines apply to all Cheltenham residents who have Township trash collection. Apartment and condominium residents should contact the property’s owner or manager for details about their recycling programs.   

Recycling Guidelines

¨       Rinse glass, cans and plastic containers to remove residue, but labels may remain.

¨       Glass, cans and plastic items may be recycled together; paper and cardboard may be recycled together but must be separate from glass, cans and plastic.

¨       Place recycling containers – which must be rigid and durable with open tops (not bags or cardboard boxes) – at the curb no more than 12 hours before the scheduled collection day and remove them within 12 hours after collection. Recycling is collected on the same day as household refuse.

Plastics

·        Include only plastic bottles stamped with a number “1” or “2” on the bottom. Do not recycle plastics with other codes or those without any codes.

·        Flatten plastic containers whenever possible. Township crews can collect more flattened containers than full-sized ones, making the program more efficient and economical.

·        Discard lids with regular refuse.

·        Do not include plastic grocery bags, TV dinner trays or spray gun tops.

 Glass

·        Include only clear, green and brown bottles and jars.

·        Remove and discard metal rings and lids.

·        Do not include broken glass, windowpanes, mirrors, light bulbs or drinking glasses.

 Cans

·        Include tin, steel, bimetallic and aluminum cans.

·        Do not include aluminum foil, cooking plates, plumbing fixtures or car fixtures.

 Paper

·        Includes the following paper:

§         Newspapers

§         Magazines – all glossy publications, telephone books with covers and newspaper inserts.

§         Junk mail – fliers and envelopes, including window envelopes.

§         Books – paperback and telephone books.

§         Office paper – stationery, letterhead, photocopier paper, computer paper and carbonless forms.

·        Tie in bundles with string or place in paper bags. For best results, place bundled or bagged papers into a rectangular recycling container along with any cardboard. Due to weight, do not stack magazines in piles over 12" high.

·        Do not include books or any type of food carton.

Cardboard

·        Include all cardboard without lamination or wax coating. Acceptable cardboard includes pizza boxes, shoeboxes, egg cartons, corrugated boxes, cereal boxes and gift boxes. Unaccepted cardboard includes milk and orange juice cartons, frozen food boxes and ice cream cartons.

·        Remove all non-cardboard contents and any plastic or metal strapping. Staples, tape and mailing labels may remain.

·   Place cardboard into a rectangular recycling container along with any paper. For best results, bundle cardboard with string or place in a paper bag.

·        Cardboard too large to fit within a rectangular recycling container must be cut down or dropped off at the following locations and times:

* Waverly Road Compost Facility, Waverly Road between Church Road and Cheltenham Avenue, Laverock

* Public Works Facility, 8101 Old York Road, Elkins Park

Hours:  Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 4PM & Saturday, 10AM – 2PM, unless affected by a holiday. Dumping materials when the facilities are closed is prohibited.

Refuse & Recycling Collection Schedule 

Route A is usually collected on Monday, Route B on Tuesday, Route C on Wednesday and Route D on Thursday. However, the schedule may be delayed one day due to a holiday. All holiday collection schedules are listed in the Township’s Annual Report and Calendar.

Recycling Containers

Households that participate in the Township’s recycling program may pick up a free 6-gallon recycling bucket and 14-gallon rectangular container at the Township Administration Building, located at 8230 Old York Road in Elkins Park. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM. Other containers, including plastic trash cans, egg crates or buckets, may also be used for recycling. However, the containers must be rigid and durable with open tops; bags or cardboard boxes are not acceptable.