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Residential Refuse Regulations
  Household Refuse
  Special (Non-Combustible) Collections
  Branches Collection
  Unacceptable Items
  Tires and Batteries
  Household Hazardous Waste Collection
 

 

Oversized Refuse Cans
The growing popularity of oversized, wheeled trash cans has created a safety problem for Public Works crews. When full, these 50- to 96-gallon containers can exceed 100 pounds, which far exceeds the Township’s limit of 60 pounds. The weight limit was established to protect crews from lifting injuries. To accommodate residents with oversized containers, the Township has modified the policy to allow residents to put the refuse into bags before placing the bags in the container. That way crews can remove the bags by hand without having to lift the oversized can.

 

 

Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Call 610-278-3618 lfor the more information on the next Montgomery County Household Hazardous Waste Collections for items such as:

  • pesticides, herbicides and poisons

  • paints, varnishes and paint removers

  • flea powders and pet sprays

  • polishes and lacquers

  • many household cleaning products.

 

 

Automotive Tires and Batteries
Residents can drop off old vehicle tires and batteries at the Public Works Facility, 8101 Old York Road in Elkins Park. A $1 disposal fee will be charged for each tire, which must be off the rims. Only four tires are accepted per visit. Vehicle batteries are accepted free of charge.

The facility is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and most Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. except scheduled holidays.

 

Cheltenham Township collects refuse and recycling from single residences, duplexes and triplexes every week. Refuse is generally collected on the days indicated below, but may be delayed one day due to scheduled holidays.

All multi-family dwellings that contain more than three living units and most businesses must arrange for private refuse and recycling collection. Owners of mixed-use properties should call the Public Works Department at 215-887-6200, ext. 330, to learn if they are eligible for Township collection.

Note: Recycling is mandatory for all residents, businesses and institutions in Cheltenham. Please refer to Mandatory Recycling.

Household Refuse

NOTE: Leaves, grass, branches and garden debris WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED with Household Refuse, per state law.  Leaves, grass and garden debris must be recycled in biodegradable paper bags during scheduled collections.  Branches must be removed by arranging a special branch collection.

WHAT: Regular household waste, including drained and wrapped garbage.

HOW MUCH: No more than:

  • six 20-gallon containers (maximum 60 lbs. each (see Oversized Refuse Cans) with tight lids, or
  • 10 polyethylene bags (maximum 30 lbs. each). Bags may be purchased at the Township Building.

WHERE: At the curb.

  • Do not obstruct street parking or pedestrian sidewalk traffic.
  • Do not place refuse (or recycling) at the curb more than 12 hours before collection, and remove containers within 12 hours after collection.

WHEN: Once weekly, beginning at 7:30 a.m. daily. Consult the refuse collection route map or call 887-1000, ext. 230 to learn your regular collection day.

Non-Combustibles (Special Collections)

HOW: Pickup by appointment on most Fridays (except scheduled holidays), for a base fee of $15. Additional charges may include $3.50 for each large appliance.

  • Call 215-887-1000, ext. 330 before placing material at the curb to schedule a pickup appointment.
  • Do not obstruct street or sidewalk.

   or

  • Drop off weekdays (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and most Saturdays (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) at the Public Works Facility, 8101 Old York Road in Elkins Park, for a $10 base fee, plus additional charges for each large appliance. Certain holidays are excluded.

WHAT: Unusual, large items like:

  • furniture
  • televisions
  • carpeting and padding
  • large appliances (i.e., washers, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, etc.). Note: Appliances already drained of Freon will not be accepted.
  • refuse amounts greater than allowed under Household Refuse.

HOW MUCH: No more than one pile 4 ft. x 3 ft. x 3 ft., which may include:

  • up to four 30-gallon containers
  • boards, poles, planks, decking, fencing (without concrete attached) etc., under 3 ft. in length and 4 inches in diameter
  • two large non-combustible items (excluding appliances)
  • large appliances, which entail an additional $3.50 fee per appliance.

Anything exceeding the previous description requires a special arrangement and possibly entails additional charges.

Branches

Note: Other garden debris, including grass and leaves, must be recycled.

WHAT: Branches for a minimum $10 charge:

  • large branches -- maximum 8 ft. long and 4 in. diameter, one pile not exceeding 4 ft. x 4 ft. x 8 ft.
  • small branches -- eight tied bundles of small branches and twigs not to total over 4 ft. long and 2 ft. in diameter
  • unacceptable -- logs, firewood, railroad ties, bushes or tree stumps.

If materials exceed the above limits, the highway superintendent will affix additional charges, increasing in $10 increments.

Note: Branches may not be discarded with regular household refuse.

WHERE: At the curb.

  • Do not obstruct street or sidewalk.

WHEN: By appointment, same as Non-Combustibles.

Unacceptable Materials:

  • motor vehicle parts
  • computer components
  • central air conditioning units
  • plumbing fixtures, toilet, sinks, tubs, boilers, heater units or radiators
  • gas or air tanks (fuel, oil, propane, acetylene, oxygen, etc.)
  • video, pinball or vending machines
  • paint or paint remover
  • musical instruments and equipment
  • metal cabinets or drums
  • boards, poles, planks, decking, fencing, etc., over 3 foot long or 4 inches in diameter
  • any poisonous materials
  • all materials resulting from demolition, excavation, construction, plastering, paperhanging, roofing or carpentry.
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