Getting rid of bulky items in Philadelphia, PA
Last checked: 2026-10-24
Short answer: Philadelphia collects up to two compactible large items (sofas, bagged mattresses) with weekly trash, and runs an appointment-only Bulk Collection program for metal furniture, appliances, flat-screen TVs and tires. Six Sanitation Convenience Centers accept drop-offs.
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Rules change. Confirm with the city before setting anything out.
Curbside pickup rules
- Regular trash day: up to two large/compactible items per household per week (e.g., sofas, mattresses, box springs).
- Mattresses and box springs must be bagged and sealed in plastic mattress bags for curbside pickup. Unwrapped mattresses are not collected and are subject to fines.
- Wooden-frame furniture, fiberglass tubs and toilets can go out with regular trash.
- Bulk items such as stoves, washers, air conditioners, and electronics are NOT accepted at the curb on trash day; use Bulk Collection, a convenience center, or a private hauler.
How to book
- Bulk Collection: schedule online at bulkcollection.phila.gov or by contacting Philly311. Appointments are first-come, first-served, up to one month ahead; new dates open after midnight daily.
- You get an email with a 4-letter Pickup Code; label each item with it.
- Set out at your normal collection point the evening before (no earlier than 5 p.m. Fall/Winter, 7 p.m. Spring/Summer) and by 7 a.m. on pickup day.
Item limits
- Bulk Collection: up to 4 items per appointment, one appointment per household per week. Up to 4 car tires (rims removed) per appointment.
- Eligible: residential households including buildings of up to six units. Larger buildings and commercial properties must use a private hauler.
- Accepted: major appliances (fridge doors removed), metal-frame furniture (intact), large toys, flat-screen TVs, passenger tires, metal bathtubs. Not accepted: mattresses, hazardous materials, auto parts, construction debris.
Fees
- The City pages reviewed do not list a fee for Bulk Collection or convenience center drop-off by residents. Confirm with Philly311.
Mattress recycling / state bans
- The City pages reviewed do not mention a Pennsylvania mattress recycling requirement; mattresses are handled as trash (bagged at curb, unwrapped at convenience centers). Confirm with the City.
Drop-off sites
- Six Sanitation Convenience Centers, Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-6 p.m., closed City holidays. Proof of Philadelphia residency required; vehicles under 6,000 lbs; no commercial loads or construction debris.
- Bulk/metal items or appliances incl. refrigerant items: 2 per day; tires: 4 per day; electronics and unwrapped mattresses accepted. Oversized items once a week.
- Port Richmond, 3901 N Delaware Ave (215-685-1358)
- West Philadelphia, 5100 Grays Ave (215-685-2600)
- Strawberry Mansion, 2601 W Glenwood Ave (215-685-3981)
- Southwest Philadelphia, 3033 S 63rd St (215-685-4290)
- Northwest Philadelphia, 300 Domino Ln (215-685-2502)
- Northeast Philadelphia, State Rd & Ashburner St (215-685-8072)
FAQ
How do I book bulky item pickup in Philadelphia?
Bulk Collection: schedule online at bulkcollection.phila.gov or by contacting Philly311. Appointments are first-come, first-served, up to one month ahead; new dates open after midnight daily. You get an email with a 4-letter Pickup Code; label each item with it. Set out at your normal collection point the evening before (no earlier than 5 p.m. Fall/Winter, 7 p.m. Spring/Summer) and by 7 a.m. on pickup day.
Is bulky item pickup free in Philadelphia?
The City pages reviewed do not list a fee for Bulk Collection or convenience center drop-off by residents. Confirm with Philly311.
Who is eligible for city bulky pickup in Philadelphia?
Eligible: residential households including buildings of up to six units. Larger buildings and commercial properties must use a private hauler.
Paid option: junk removal
Not eligible for city pickup (for example, a larger apartment building) or need it gone sooner? A private junk removal service can haul items from inside your home for a fee. [Partner link not yet active]
Disclosure: Free official options are always listed first. If a paid-removal link appears, it may be an affiliate link and we may earn a commission at no cost to you. It never changes what we recommend.
Official sources
- Bulk Collection | City of Philadelphia Department of Sanitation
- Residential trash and recycling rules | City of Philadelphia
- Residential Bulk Collection Program announcement | City of Philadelphia
- Find a sanitation convenience center | City of Philadelphia
- Sanitation Convenience Centers (City ArcGIS data)