Residential Recycling Guidelines


Recycling is mandatory in Lancaster Township (by Ordinance 1990-02) for all residents, apartment dwellers, and businesses within the township. No recyclable materials are permitted in trash containers.  

  • Recycling is a weekly collection picked up the same day your trash is collected, although it may not be picked up at the same time as the trash.
  • Recycle containers can be purchased at the township office at a cost of $10.00 each. If you purchase a recycle container at a retail store, be sure the container is clearly marked RECYCLING.
Questions about the recycle program? Email Joanne Yost at jyost@twp.lancaster.pa.us or call direct: (223) 221-7507. This is 

The list of acceptable materials for placement in the recycling bin is the “BIG 4.” No materials other than what’s listed below should be placed in the bin. “When in doubt, throw it out!”. LCSWMA will transform the trash into renewable energy for the community.

 a co-mingled program. Place all items together in one container.
 
  • ALL items MUST BE cleaned out before placing in the recycle bin.
  • Corrugated cardboard needs to be flattened, and bottles, cans, jars emptied, rinsed, & lids removed.
  • DO NOT put recycling in a plastic bag or paper bag before placing in the bin. It will not be collected.
  • In case of rain, snow, ice, or high winds, keep corrugated cardboard inside until the following week.
 
What Can Be Recycled? The BIG 4 Includes ONLY THESE ITEMS:

  1. Corrugated Cardboard: This includes material consisting of a fluted corrugated sheet, like shipping and packing boxes. Flatten all boxes and remove packaging, including Styrofoam, peanuts, bubble wrap, and plastic liners. Do NOT put paperboard (cereal boxes, tissue boxes, shoe boxes), pizza boxes, newsprint, or junk mail in the recycling bin.
  2. Plastic Bottles and Jugs (with a neck): This includes plastic bottles, jars, jugs and anything else with a neck. Throw away the lids and rinse out any residue. All other plastic material is considered trash. Ignore the numbers, as they don’t indicate if something is recyclable. Do NOT put plastic bags, toys, buckets, packaging, Styrofoam, hosing, furniture, or other plastic items in the bin. 
  3. Metal Food and Beverage Cans: This includes all food and beverage cans made from aluminum or steel. Throw away the lids and rinse out any residue. Do NOT put metal hangers, cooking pots and pans or other scrap metal like foil and pie plates in the bin.
  4. Glass Jars and Bottles: This includes clear, green and brown glass bottles and jars. Throw away the lids and rinse out any residue. Do NOT put light bulbs, dishes, glassware, window or automotive glass, vases or any other glass material in the bin.
How do I dispose of batteries? Residents may pick up a special battery collection bag at the township office. Household batteries (and cell phones) can be placed in the bag. Once the bag is full, place it on the ground NEXT TO your trash container, NOT IN IT. The trash hauler will collect the bag(s) during regular trash pick-up. Household batteries and cell phones can also be taken to the county household hazardous waste facility at 1299 Harrisburg Pike. Automotive batteries must be taken to the HHW facility.

ALL ELECTRONIC WASTE is PROHIBITED from being disposed of with your trash or recycling by the PA Covered Devices Recycling Act 108 of 2010. Residents and businesses may drop electronic waste for FREE at the county Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 1299 Harrisburg Pike. (717) 397-9968; email: info@lcswma.org. All electronics must be intact and will not be accepted by the HHW Facility otherwise.

Residents should visit LCSWMA’s website for more information and tips on what can be recycled and how.