Commercial-Recycling Commercial Recycling

page Description

In 1988, Pennsylvania passed Act 101, Municipal Waste Planning Recycling and Waste Reduction Act. The Act requires recycling programs for municipalities with a population of 10,000 or more, or for municipalities with a population of between 5,000 and 10,000 people and a density of 300 people per square mile.

Non-residential establishments are required to recycle. Non-residential is defined as commercial, municipal, or institutional. Included in this are apartment buildings with four or more units.  Fines for not recycling can reach $1,000 per day and per occurrence.

Act 101, Section 1501 (c) (iii)
  Municipal implementation of recycling programs shall include, at a minimum, the following elements:
            • High grade office paper 
            • Aluminum 
            • Corrugated paper 
            • Leaf waste
            • And other materials deemed appropriate by the municipality generated at commercial, municipal or institutional establishments.

The State requires all commercial, institutional and municipal entities to provide written documentation as to the type and weight of materials recycled annually.  Reporting forms are mailed to businesses at the end of the year.  Completed reports are due back to your municipality by January 30th.  

Business Disposal & Recycling Guide
Commercial Recycling Resources
Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center
Solid Waste & Recycling Haulers servicing Northampton County

EPA's Managing Hazardous Waste: Small Business Guide
EPA's Restaurant Guide: Reducing Food Waste & Packaging

​Commercial Recycling Program Requirements:
As part of your recycling program you will need to supply collection containers with clear instructions as well as educate your employees, tenants, contractors, janitorial staff, and anyone else responsible for ensuring trash and recycling are disposed of properly.  The goal of the commercial recycling program is to reduce waste and increase recycling but recycling is about more than just compliance. Your participation will contribute to building a healthier, cleaner, and stronger community.

Who must comply?
All offices, restaurants, grocery stores, manufacturing facilities, processing facilities, institutions, retail shops, garages, service shops, schools, churches, civic groups and apartment buildings with four or more units.

How does an establishment comply?
Each calendar year, a business is required to report how much you recycled and the items you recycled by January 31st.  Forms will be sent to the businesses by the municipality in which the business location resides.  The business's hauler will be able to provide the tonnage recycled for that year.  

​A waste reduction program combines waste prevention with recycling efforts.  Waste reduction programs can reduce waste disposal costs; and in addition to financial advantages, waste prevention programs benefit the environment, society, and demonstrate a commitment to environmental protection.  View this guide for tips and suggestions to get your program started.

Instructions on Conducting a Waste Assessment
Workplace Composting Guide