Recycling Services

Middletown Recycling Center

A Middletown Drivers License or bill from a Middletown address must be presented to use the Recycling Center.  The Middletown Recycling Center  only accepts recyclables and bulk waste from Middletown residents.   It does not accept regular household trash.   

Curbside Recycling

All trash haulers in Middletown collect trash and  recyclables curbside.  Items acceptable in the recycling are: 

  • Paper products such as white and colored paper, junk mail, envelopes, newspaper, magazines and inserts, paperboard (such as cereal boxes) and corrugated cardboard boxes (including clean pizza boxes).
  • Food and beverage glass bottles and jars
  • Aluminum foil, cans, metal lids from cans, food grade aerosol cans.
  • Plastic bottles (caps can stay attached), plastic tubs and lids, plastic one use cups (no lids, no straws).  
  • Recycle ONLY these items.   More information on what cannot be recycled can be found here.   Recycling markets are VERY strict.  Please only recycle what is on the acceptable list.   If you are in doubt, ask, or put it in the trash.  

All trash haulers will provide recycling carts along with garbage containers. Recycling is mandatory for everyone, businesses, schools, individuals, institutions. Violation of recycling laws can result in fines.

Middletown Swap Shack

Our new Swap Shack building opened in December 2021.   It is located at the Middletown Recycling is open the same hours as the Recycling Center (formerly called "the dump").  Residents can bring used items to the Swap Shack for others to take.  Examples include: clothing, toys, books, household goods, decorations, or tools.  Because of the size of the building, we cannot accept large items such as furniture or large baby items or toys.   You don't have to actually "swap".  You can leave items and take items as you like.  Please click on the link for more details.  

Recycling on Main Street

In accordance with state law, PA 10-87, the City of Middletown uses solar trash compactors with attached recycling containers on Main Street. The units are fully contained and are equipped with a small compactor to allow for extra efficiency in the collection of the bins. Each unit contains an attached recycling container for bottles and cans and clean paper. In the last six months, residents have recycled almost a ton of recyclables in theses recycling bins. 

Please do not put food paper (such as paper cups or wrappers in the recycling). Each unit includes a new label describing what goes in the trash and recycling.

Delivery of Woodchips

Woodchips are available for pick up at the City Recycling Center, or the City will deliver five cubic yards or more. The chips are not treated in any way and it is recommended to not use them up against any buildings. If residents are interested in delivery, a Release and Indemnification Agreement Form (PDF) must be completed and notarized. Notarized forms must be returned to the Department of Public Works (DPW). Forms can also be notarized at the DPW. 

Woodchips can also be picked up at the Recycling Center by residents. City staff can not load chips on to trucks or into pails.

Paint Disposal

Latex and oil based paint can be brought to the City's Household Hazardous Waste Day. Limited quantities can also be brought to a Paintcare location anytime throughout the year. In Middletown, ACE Hardware on South Main Street participates with Paintcare. 

Electronics Recycling

In accordance with State Law, as of January 2011, household electronics must be separated from regular garbage and recycled. The Middletown Recycling Center accepts household electronics from residents at no charge. Residents must present a Middletown Drivers License or bill from a Middletown residence to deliver household electronics to the Recycling Center. 

Only 7 electronic devices can be accepted at one time. No business electronics are allowed. The City works with Take 2, Inc. to responsibly recycle electronics collected at the Recycling Center.

Textile Recycling

There are several options to recycle textiles. All textiles can be recycled at several locations in Middletown.  Acceptable items include: 

  • Backpacks
  • Bedding
  • Clothing
  • Linens
  • Material
  • Pillows
  • Shoes
  • Sneakers
  • Stuffed Animals

Soiled and ripped items are acceptable. No wet, mildewed or greasy items. All proceeds from the textile containers, do directly to the specific school or senior center where it is located. A Goodwill bin is also available at the Middletown Recycling Center.

Charities

All textiles, including soiled, stained. items with holes and single socks can be included in the mentioned programs or brought to local charities such as Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Curbside Collection of Textiles: 

Middletown works with Simple Recycling to pick up textiles curbside for recycling.   Residents must contact Simple Recycling directly through through their website to schedule an appointment for a pick up.  

Recycling Containers Available for Public Events

Are you hosting a public event? Will your event generate recyclables? If so, recycling containers must be provided along with trash containers. The Public Works Department has recycling containers to borrow at no charge. See flyer (PDF) for details. Containers are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.