Northsiders can now sign up to have their hard-to-recycle TVs, computers, and paint collected this month in Perry Hilltop.

Photo of City Council Chamber by Ashlee Green

Starting in 2010, with the passing of the Covered Device Recycling Act, Pennsylvania has prohibited the dumping of electronic and hazardous waste such as TVs, computers, paint, and chemicals in landfills. The City halted the curbside pick-ups of such items, which led to an inevitable increase in their illegal disposal. TV sets left on street corners, unfortunately, went on to become a common sight.

In response to the illegal dumping of electronic materials, the City of Pittsburgh established a partnership with Environmental Coordination Services & Recycling (ECS&R) that began in 2019 to provide city residents with a drop off location for such materials on Wednesdays and Sundays at the Department of Public Works environmental services facility in the Strip District. A curbside pickup option is also offered. Both options require advance scheduling through ECS&R via their registration hotline at 866-815-0016.   

Part of the contract between the City and ECS&R also provides for the scheduling of neighborhood collection events throughout the city. Such an event has been scheduled for the Northside on October 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 2706 North Charles St. in Perry Hilltop. 

Participants must still register in advance to participate in the collection event. To do so, please visit the ECS&R website Recycling Collection Event Registration page at ecsr.net/recycling-events/ and clink on the link for the Northside pick-up event. You will then be asked to select a drop-off time and to provide your contact information. The page will also provide you with a fee schedule for the items that are accepted.

Since the partnership was established, the ECS&R has been able to collect over 70 tons of materials. It is my hope that Northsiders will be able to take advantage of the collection event to dispose properly of those hazardous household items. 

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