Business Requirements for Outdoor Trash Can Requirements

Outdoor Waste and Recycling Can Requirements
For Philadelphia Takeout Food Establishments and Convenience Stores

Did you know that any business that sells prepared or prepackaged food for
carry out MUST provide cans for trash and recycling?

These cans must be placed outside the building within ten (10) feet of the public entrance during the business' normal hours of operation.

A litter-free storefront with trash and recycling cans is more likely to attract customers and keep pests away. That’s better for your customers and better for your business.

The cans must meet the following requirements/standards:


• Must be 24-32 gallons
• Must have a lid or hinge
• Must be placed outside your front door during business hours
• Must be maintained in good condition, without cracks, leaks or other damage
• Must be kept clean and maintained free of odors
• May only be used to collect customer waste and recycling and not waste and recycling generated by other business operations
• Must comply with standards for waste and recycling cans, established by a Business Improvement District or Special Services District that provides services in the district where applicable
• May be taken inside when the business is closed or secured with a cable or thin metal chain that can be cut by the Streets Department or other utility agency needing access to the infrastructure
• If locked to a piece of public infrastructure (street sign, street pole, or utility pole), the business owner or employees must be able to access the key during business hours.
• The business is responsible for emptying the cans to ensure that they are not overflowing.
• Trash bags from these outdoor cans can be placed curbside with other trash from your establishment. The business is responsible for disposal of the waste and recycling collected using its regular waste disposal and recycling methods.

Recycling and trash bins come in all shapes and sizes and can be purchased at most hardware and business supply stores. Here are some examples:

For more information,
visit https://bit.ly/2ZziXNZ.

Questions? Email: CleanPHL@phila.gov.