Recycle

Compost your Leaves: Philly’s 2020 Leaf Recycling Program

Bagged leaves have to be in designated locations in order to be composted. Otherwise, they’re trash.

PHiladelphia Streets Department’s annual Leaf Recycling Program returns from Monday, November 9th through Saturday December 19th.

Bagged leaf drop-off will be offered city-wide on Saturdays (except for November 14th and 28th) at 13 designated locations from 9a to 3p for the duration of the program.  

Philadelphia 2020 Leaf Recycling Drop-off Locations

Drop-off Location                                                                             Area 

15th & Bigler Sts.                                                                                South Philadelphia 

43rd & Powelton Sts.                                                                           West Philadelphia 

4800 Wayne Ave. (Happy Hollow Rec Center)                                  Germantown 

54th & Woodbine Ave.                                                                        West Philadelphia 

7901 Ridgeway St. (Fox Chase Rec Center)                                      Northeast 

American & Thompson Sts.                                                               North Philadelphia 

Broad & Christian Sts.                                                                        South Philadelphia 

Castor & Foulkrod Sts.                                                                       Frankford         

Cathedral St. & Ridge Ave.                                                                Northwest 

Corinthian & Poplar Sts.                                                                     North Philadelphia 

Graver Lane & Seminole St.                                                              Northwest 

Pennway St & Cottman Ave. (Jardel Rec Center)                             Northeast 

Washington La & Ardleigh St.                                                           Northwest 

Reminder for bagging your leaves:

Follow these tips for bagged leaf collection: 

  • Bagged leaves will only be accepted in biodegradable paper bags.  These bags can be processed for recycling along with the leaves. This reduces contamination in the recycling process.
  • Do not mix trash or other recyclable materials with bagged leaves. This contaminates leaves and makes them unfit for recycling purposes.
  • Use as many bags as needed, maximum 40 lbs. each.
  • Bags may be purchased at most hardware stores. Bags are not provided by the Streets Department.
  • Bagged leaves may also be taken to any of the Sanitation Convenience Centers, Monday through Saturday from 8a-6p:

Julie Hancher

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.

Recent Posts

Four Ways Philly can grow its tree canopy

The City’s ambitious Tree Plan will need an all-out effort to accomplish. Here are some…

17 hours ago

1000+ trees planted, end of free A/C program, canvassing to save SEPTA, & more

Catch up on the latest in sustainability news: Trash cleanup group starts a new video…

5 days ago

The City’s Tree Plan calls for significantly increasing our leafy coverage. So, why are our large trees continued to be chopped down?

How one neighbor’s loss reflects a citywide dilemma.  “SAVE MY TREE!” That’s what Nicole Fakhoury…

1 week ago

Navy Yard is nation’s largest LEED neighborhood, Rare ‘Franklin’ trees & more

Catch up on this week’s sustainability news:  Philadelphia Navy Yard is now the largest LEED…

2 weeks ago

For these Philadelphians, nature is a pathway to healing from gun violence

For some survivors, hiking and gardens offer deeper healing than pharmaceuticals. This story is the…

2 weeks ago

How Councilmember Jamie Gauthier addresses inequity and sustainability

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is Green Philly’s latest Civic Catalyst. Read how Gauthier uses her role…

2 weeks ago