Getting rid of bulky items in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia takes up to two large compactible items, like wood-frame sofas and plastic-wrapped mattresses, with regular trash. Appliances like refrigerators and metal-frame furniture need a free Bulk Collection appointment, or you can drop them at a Sanitation Convenience Center.

Last checked Oct 21, 2026 against the official City of Philadelphia Department of Sanitation website.

Seasonal set-out times: from October 1 to March 31, set trash out between 5 p.m. the night before and 7 a.m. on collection day (Center City: 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.). From April 1 the evening start moves to 7 p.m. (Center City 8 p.m.).

Regular trash (large items) and Bulk Collection appointments: the basics

Who can use it

• Regular City trash collection and the Bulk Collection program serve residential households, including multi-family properties with up to six units.
• Larger apartment buildings, condos and commercial properties must use a private hauler.

How to book

1. Wood-frame furniture and wrapped mattresses: no appointment. Put them out with regular trash (up to two large items per household per collection day).
2. Refrigerators, other major appliances and metal-frame furniture: schedule a Bulk Collection appointment at bulkcollection.phila.gov or through 311. Appointments are limited, first-come first-served, up to one month ahead; new dates open after midnight each day.
3. Bulk appointments take up to four items, one appointment per household per week. You get an email with a 4-letter Pickup Code to label each item.

Setting items out

• Set out at your normal collection point the evening before: no earlier than 5 p.m. in fall and winter, 7 p.m. in spring and summer.
• Everything must be out by 7 a.m. on collection day.
• For bulk appointments, label each item with your Pickup Code. Sanitation will not knock or enter your home.

Fees

• The City's pages do not list a fee for regular large-item collection or Bulk Collection appointments.
• Unwrapped mattresses set out with trash are subject to fines.

Drop-off options

• Sanitation Convenience Centers (six locations) are open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed City holidays. Bring proof you live in Philadelphia.
• Oversized items once a week; bulk items, large metal items or appliances, including items with refrigerants, limited to two a day. Unwrapped mattresses and box springs are accepted.
• Vehicles must weigh less than 6,000 pounds total. No construction debris or commercial loads.

What we could not confirm