Trash & Recycling

This page and the related links will provide you with detailed interactive information regarding Muhlenberg Township’s residential and commercial trash and recycling program.

New Recycling Toters are on their way!

In 2021, Muhlenberg Township applied for and received a recycling grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection to purchase new 45 gallon recycling toters for every household in the Township. The delivery of these toters is set to begin in early October and every household that participates in the Township’s curb side collection program will receive a new toter.  Households that will not receive a new toter include rental properties that have 10 or more units in the building.  When the new toters are delivered the serial number on the toter will be registered and assigned to the household where it is delivered.  If you already have a recycling can issued by Muhlenberg Township you can keep the can and continue to use it for recycling or Mascaro can take the recycling can and send it through their recycling plant.  If you do not want the new toter, you will need to call the Muhlenberg Township office at 610-929-4727 and schedule a time to have the toter picked up.

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Does the new toter cost anything?
A: No, there is no cost to residents

Q: What do I do if I DON'T WANT the toter?
A: Contact Customer Service at 610-929-4727 or email info@muhlenbergtwp.com to arrange to have the toter returned.

Q: Who paid for this?
A: This program was funded by grant money from the PA Department of Environmental Protection

Q: I have a large property; can I get more than one (1) toter?
A: Each residential address is eligible for only one (1) toter.

Q: When will these be delivered?
A: Toters will be delivered in October of 2022.

Changes to your recent Trash Bill
Muhlenberg Township’s trash contract expired on 12/31/2020 and bids were submitted in mid-2020 for trash and recycling services. JP Mascaro was awarded the contract as state law mandates that the Township award to the lowest, responsible bidder. Fees associated with trash services have increased steadily over the past several years and the increase in price reflects those costs associated with the collection and disposal of refuse and recycling. Both the Township and JP Mascaro have worked to keep the increase to residents to a minimum, but the overall cost of the waste management industry has increased for everyone. Unfortunately, these factors have led to an increase in trash service fees for the Township and our residents. The new contract pricing per household is now $350/year, billed twice annually at $175. Senior Citizen pricing is $310/year (see next section).

Senior Citizen Trash Discount

If you are or turn 65 years of age during this calendar year you are entitled to a $40 discount for the year provided you complete a one-time application for the discount. Visit the Senior Citizen Trash discount page for more information.

Covid-19 Plastic Film Recycling
During this COVID-19 pandemic, we urge you to recycle your plastic bags, wraps, and other film packaging at drop-off locations ONLY WHEN AND WHERE POSSIBLE. For more information: https://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/

Trash & Recycling Basics
Trash & Recycling are collected once a week. Addresses west of Rt. 61 are collected on Thursday and East of Rt. 61 are collected on Friday.

Trash collection is billed twice a year with the 1st bill being mailed in the 1st quarter of the year and the 2nd bill in the 3rd quarter of the year.

Trash Collection - Collection begins at 6 am so place no more than 8 containers of trash, your one bulk item and your recycling container at the street’s edge anytime after 6 pm the night before your scheduled pick-up. All trash must be in plastic or metal containers (sorry, no 55 gallon drums permitted) or plastic trash bags. Please don’t use small containers such as boxes or grocery bags for trash because they allow trash to blow around causing litter - help keep the Township clean!

Bulk Items

You may place one item a week of bulk on your collection day. Acceptable items include: sofas, desks, chairs, tables, mattress & box springs [PLEASE NOTE: MATTRESSES & BOX SPRINGS MUST BE WRAPPED IN PLASTIC FOR DISPOSAL], dishwasher, washer, dryer, tree limbs (larger than 3" in diameter but not longer than 36") and similar items provided two (2) people can lift the item into the back of the trash truck. Items containing freon, such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners or dehumidifiers must have the freon removed prior to collection and must display a sticker on the appliance from a certified technician stating that the appliance is freon free. Hot water heaters are not accepted for bulk item pickup.

Replacement Recycling Bins

Replacement bins can be purchased at the Township Municipal Building M-F, 8am-4:30pm for $20.

Online Payments 

For online trash payments, visit our online payment portal.

Pickup Issues

Was there an issue with your trash/recycling pickup? Report it to the Township via GoTo Muhlenberg or by calling 610-929-4727.

What Goes Where?!

Find out what you can and can’t recycle and throw out in your regular trash pickup.

Berks County Solid Waste Authority

The mission of the Berks County Solid Waste Authority is to manage solid waste and recyclable materials in an environmentally safe, reliable and efficient manner. Hazardous materials, paper shredding, electronic recycling and more are all handled via this County department. Visit their website for details on their various programs.

J.P. Mascaro is asking that Township residents put ALL items of trash into proper trash bags instead of accumulating loose trash into garbage cans. This is a safety step we can all adjust to and adds another layer of protection from germs and viruses. Thank you for your cooperation.