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Thanksgiving trash & recycling in Philadelphia, PA

Holiday pickup

Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26, 2026) and Thanksgiving Friday (Friday, November 27) are both City holidays. Trash and recyclables are not collected on City holidays, and collection runs one day behind for the rest of the week after a holiday. Check the City's collection-day page that week for your exact day.

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Pickup changes
Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26, 2026) and Thanksgiving Friday (Friday, November 27) are both City holidays. Trash and recyclables are not collected on City holidays, and collection runs one day behind for the rest of the week after a holiday. Check the City's collection-day page that week for your exact day.
Turkey fryer oil & grease
Never pour cooking grease into sinks, tubs or sewer inlets. The Philadelphia Water Department says to dispose of animal fats and grease as solid waste: let it cool, seal it, and put it in a garbage bag with your trash.
Extra trash
Weekly trash limits: four cans or eight bags for a single-family home, six cans or 12 bags for two to six units (two bags count as one can). Cans up to 32 gallons with tight lids, or sealed 30 to 32 gallon bags; no bag or container over 40 pounds.
Boxes & wrapping
There is no weekly limit on recycling. Use a City recycling bin or any household container up to 32 gallons, and don't put recyclables in plastic bags or cardboard boxes.
Tip
Yard waste counts toward your weekly trash limit, so plan fall leaf cleanups around the holiday week (the City also runs leaf collection and bagged drop-off in leaf season).

Official sources (checked 2026-11-01): www.phila.gov · www.phila.gov · water.phila.gov

FAQ

Is there trash pickup on Thanksgiving in Philadelphia?

Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26, 2026) and Thanksgiving Friday (Friday, November 27) are both City holidays. Trash and recyclables are not collected on City holidays, and collection runs one day behind for the rest of the week after a holiday. Check the City's collection-day page that week for your exact day.

How do I get rid of turkey fryer oil in Philadelphia?

Never pour cooking grease into sinks, tubs or sewer inlets. The Philadelphia Water Department says to dispose of animal fats and grease as solid waste: let it cool, seal it, and put it in a garbage bag with your trash.

What do I do with extra trash after Thanksgiving in Philadelphia?

Weekly trash limits: four cans or eight bags for a single-family home, six cans or 12 bags for two to six units (two bags count as one can). Cans up to 32 gallons with tight lids, or sealed 30 to 32 gallon bags; no bag or container over 40 pounds.

Can I recycle boxes and wrapping paper in Philadelphia?

There is no weekly limit on recycling. Use a City recycling bin or any household container up to 32 gallons, and don't put recyclables in plastic bags or cardboard boxes.

Other items in Philadelphia

Thanksgiving trash in other cities