Recycling

All of the recycle loads from Upper Providence go back to the A.J. Blosenski yard and are then shipped out to Penn Waste in trailers because Blosenski does not have the capability to sort single stream at their facility. Penn Waste is one of the largest single-stream recycling centers in the country. Here is the link to their facility tour:  Penn Waste

After the materials are sorted and baled, they are sold to refineries that break the material down to be reprocessed into new products.

What is Recyclable?

Have you ever thought about what products in your trash are recyclable before you even purchase them? Your buying habits and product choices made at the grocery store directly affect the amount of waste ends up in our landfills.

Choose products that have the least amount of waste packaging or are contained in packaging that is recyclable.

Recycling pile at Penn Waste

For example, you can make the choice to purchase spring water in gallon jugs rather than individual bottles. Pour your water into a reusable water bottle and reduce the amount of plastic containers that need to be recycled.

Penn Waste’s single-stream recycling process eliminates sorting and allows you to include all acceptable materials in one container.

Recyclables & How To Prepare Them

Below is an overview of the materials that may be recycled.

You may also download a printable version of our single-stream recycling guidelines (PDF). 

Cardboard

Corrugated Cardboard and Shipping Boxes Only

How to Prepare Cardboard

  • Remove all packaging inside the box (such as packing peanuts, bubble wrap, etc)
  • Flatten all boxes
  • Check the weather. If the weather calls for high winds or rain, keep your recycling inside until the following week, if possible. Wet cardboard products are more difficult to process.

Paper

How to Prepare Paper

  • Cover loose papers with heavier items in the container to prevent them from blowing away
  • Check the weather. If the weather calls for high winds or rain, keep your recycling inside until the following week, if possible. Wet paper products are more difficult to process.

Plastic Bottles

  • Plastic Water, Juice & Soda Bottles
  • Plastic Containers & Bottles #1, #2 & #5: This may include items such as shampoo bottles, liquid detergent containers, condiment bottles, etc. Please check the container to find the designated number.
  • The neck of the bottle should be smaller than the base.

How to Prepare Plastics

  • Remove caps or lids
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue
  • Labels and neck rings do not need to be removed from containers

Metal & Aluminum

  • Aluminum Cans, Steel Cans and Food Containers

How to Prepare Metals & Aluminum

  • Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue
  • Remove any plastic caps or tops unless they are part of the can
  • Labels do not need to be removed from cans

Cartons

Cartons are defined as a type of packaging that food and beverage products come in that you can purchase at the store. There are two types of cartons:

  • Shelf-stable cartons - include juice, milk, soy milk, soup and broth, and wine cartons. These are cartons that do not need to be kept cold.
  • Refrigerated cartons - include milk, juice, cream, and egg substitute cartons. These items must be kept cold.

How to Prepare Cartons

  • Be sure to remove straws.
  • Make sure the carton is empty and rinsed out.
  • Cartons may be placed in your bin along with all other recyclables.

Glass

  • Food and Beverage Glass Only
  • Clear, brown, blue, and green glass food and beverage containers.

How to Prepare Glass

  • Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue
  • Remove any plastic caps or tops
  • Note: Labels do not need to be removed from bottles or containers

Unacceptable Materials

The following items are not recyclable:

  • Aluminum Foil
  • Broken Glass
  • Christmas Lights
  • Drinking Glasses
  • Food-Soiled Materials
  • Hoses
  • Light Bulbs
  • Needles and Medical Waste
  • Plastic Bags (Including Grocery Bags)
  • Plastic Food Wrappers
  • Plastic Tableware (Knives, Forks, etc.)
  • Propane Tanks
  • Scrap Metal
  • Shredded Paper
  • Soaked and/or Wet Papers or Cardboard
  • Solvents, Oil and/or Chemical Containers
  • Used Paper Towels or Tissues
  • Waxy Cardboard
  • Windows, Mirrors, Ceramics

Questions?

If you have any questions about acceptable materials or would like to learn more about increasing the amount of materials you are recycling, call the Penn Waste Customer Service team at 717-767-4456 or Contact Us.

Preparing Your Materials

Penn Waste’s single-stream recycling facility allows you to place all of your recyclables in one container for collection. No sorting is needed. Below are a few tips to ensure the items you recycle are able to be processed after pickup. These steps help ensure that your recycling efforts are contributing to a greener future.

Cleaning & Preparing Your Materials

Rinsing containers to remove food or product residue helps ensure the materials you recycle are able to be processed after pickup. This can also help reduce odor and insects around the area in your home where your recycling container is stored.

Products heavily damaged or soiled may not be recycled and should instead be placed in your waste container.

Tips To Get Ready for Pickup

Placing your bin in the appropriate area for pickup and following the simple steps below will help ensure your materials are collected on your designated pickup days:

  • Check the weather. If the weather forecast calls for high winds or rain, keep your recycling inside until the following week, if possible. Wet paper is more difficult to process.
  • Place your bin out on the scheduled pickup day.
  • Pickup dates and times vary for each community. To locate your pickup schedule, visit the Resources for Your Municipality page and select your township or borough to learn more.
  • Ensure any loose paper or light cardboard is covered with heavier materials. This will help ensure your materials do not blow out of the bin
  • Bundle any large or loose pieces of cardboard that will not fit inside your recycling bin.
  • Collect your recycling container as soon as possible after pickup to prevent it from blowing away.

Questions?

If you have any questions about Penn Waste’s residential recycling services, call 717-767-4456 or Contact Us.

Thought-Provoking Recycling Stats

Aluminum

Recycling 1 pound of steel or aluminum saves enough energy for a 60 watt light bulb to run for over 1 day. This equates to enough energy to heat and light 18 million homes in 1 year.

Plastic

Americans use 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour! Recycling plastic saves twice as much energy as burning it in an incinerator.

Glass

The energy saved from recycling 1 glass bottle can run a compact fluorescent bulb for 20 hours. Recycling also results in 20% less air pollution and 50% less water pollution than making a new bottle from raw materials.

Paper

Each ton of recycled paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatts of energy, and 7,000 gallons of water. This represents an energy savings of 64%, water savings of 58%, and 60 pounds less of air pollution.