If you’re a business or organization looking for a local hauler, here’s a list.

Need to recycle for an upcoming event, or recycle as a business? Read the guide below for information on Philadelphia’s recycling guidelines for businesses.

Recycling Requirements for businesses in Philadelphia

Businesses in Philadelphia are required to recycle, although there may be little enforcement. Technically, all commercial properties are required to complete a Commercial Waste Report annually.

According to the City of Philadelphia, businesses must create a recycling and waste plan and complete the following tasks:

• Fill out the official Commercial Waste Report form online with the City of Philadelphia. Visit commercialwaste.phila.gov and complete your business information profile, then follow the prompts to complete your Waste Report. The form must be submitted annually by December 31.
• Publicly Post Form: Print and publicly post your Waste Report in a prominent location; next to your other City of Philadelphia licenses, for example. Print either the submission confirmation screen, or the certificate attached to the email that you will receive upon completing your report.
• Distribute Copies of Form to Employees: Distribute copies of your building’s completed form to employees so that they are aware of the building’s recycling and waste management practices and requirements.
• Make Sure Recycling is Easy and Bins are Abundant: Providing adequate recycling containers for employees and patrons is a crucial component of a successful recycling program. A recycling container should be paired with each trash can.
• Install Signage: Proper signage, including pictures of the recyclables that are designated, is necessary for educating employees and patrons on where and how to recycle. Links to DIY and ready-to-use signs identifying materials that should and should not be placed into recycling bins can be found in the Appendix.

The city website says you can submit questions to commercial.recycling@phila.gov, but you’ll get an automatic reply to call 311. Green Philly reached out to the city for updated contact information but did not receive an update before publication.

Single-stream recycling companies in Philadelphia

If you’re a business or organization that needs to hire a private recycling company, there are several options in the Philadelphia region. The City of Philadelphia has compiled a list of trash and recycling options to hire a private company.

See below for companies, what they recycle, and contact information.

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher