Recycling/Compost of Emmaus PA
Commercial Recycling
Refuse and Recycling Information
Refuse and Recycling Information (PDF)
PA Department of Environmental Protection Recycling
Recycling
The Borough has a very aggressive and progressive recycling policy. A private hauler will pick up recyclable materials in the green recycling bin that is provided by the Borough. Each resident has received a bin for free; if you should lose the first one the next one will cost $10. Since the Borough has twice a week trash pick up, the first pick up of the week has been designated the recycling and "white material” (refrigerators, washing machines) pickup. What can be recycled? The following materials can be placed in your recycling container: aluminum cans, steel cans, #1 and #2 plastic pourable bottles that have a neck (examples are milk containers, laundry and shampoo bottles), clear, brown and green bottles and containers, and bundled newspapers, magazines and telephone books. What can't be recycled? Window glass, mirror glass, light bulbs, building materials, and food waste. This must be placed in your regular trash bin.
Composting/Alternative Yard Management Practices
The Borough is very pleased to have the resources of the Emmaus Compost Center, located on Klines Lane to serve the public for its yard waste as well as using compost and wood mulch in their yards. The Borough, starting on March 10 until December 6, 2010, permits residents to bring their yard clippings, branches, and small shrubs to be deposited at the compost center, as well as allowing residents to take home screened compost and wood mulch.
The hours of operation:
| Closed on Holidays | Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day |
| March 10th to May 5th | Wednesdays 7:30 am to 7:30 pm or dusk Saturdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| May 10h to Sept 27th | Mondays 7:30 am to 2:30 pm Wednesdays 7:30 am to 7:30 pm or dusk Saturdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Sept. 29 to Oct 16th | Wednesdays 7:30 am to 7:30 pm or dusk Saturdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Oct 18th to Dec 6th | (Leaf Collection) Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 7:30 am to 2:00 pm Wednesdays 7:30 am to 7:30 pm or dusk Saturdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
Loading is available on Wednesdays after 3 p.m. and on Saturdays. Unscreened compost and wood chip mulch are available for a loading fee of $5 for a pick-up/trailer, $20 for a single axle dump, and $30 for a double axle dump or larger. Screened compost, for Borough residents only, is available for a loading fee of $15 per full or partial scoop. Please call the Public Works Department at 610-965-9288, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with any questions or comments. We stop loading 45 minutes prior to closing so that equipment can be cleaned and maintained.
We only accept organic yard waste. No lumber, root balls with dirt, garbage, dirt, building materials, etc. is allowed. If you observe violations, please obtain the offender’s license plate number and report the incident to 610-965-9288. Your report will remain anonymous.
Emmaus Borough Council is very interested in having the community become better stewards of the land and would like to educate the public about alternative yard management practices that enhance the protection of water resources and environment habitats, how best to use the compost centers, and remind everyone of the Borough's recycling policy. The Joint Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) of the Borough of Emmaus and Upper Milford Township has undertaken a community education project to provide local homeowners with some simple actions that will go a long way in helping the environment.
The first and easiest step that you can take is by modifying your lawn care. Review how you maintain your yard by cutting only 1/2 of your grass blade's length. In this way, your grass will grow more slowly and require less mowing. This will also slow storm water runoff, minimize erosion, and filter out particulates and contaminants associated with storm water. The second step you make to help the environment is to plant trees. Trees reduce energy bills by shading your home and also help to minimize erosion. Tree roots also help storm water enter the ground and recharge the underground water sources. Another step you can take is to protect backyard streams. Allow for a wide planted strip alongside your stream. This buffer will help reduce erosion, slow runoff and create a healthy habitat around the stream. The use of rain barrels is another method of helping the environment. The rain barrel can be used as free, pure water which your garden will love and will also reduce storm water runoff. Perhaps you can create a rain garden which will soak up and filter the water from your downspouts. A rain garden is built by digging an area 3-4 inches deep and about 20-30% of the surface of your roof. This area can be planted with native plants which can tolerate periods of wet soil. Please try any or all of the above mentioned thoughts to help you do your part in the greening of America.
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