Solid Waste (Refuse)

About Our Program

Borough Council authorized changing the existing labor-intensive collection system to an automated system in order to expand the food/organic waste collection pilot program to all Borough residential refuse customers without increasing refuse fees. The collection of cans by this automated equipment takes about 12 seconds per stop compared to close to 45 seconds per stop with non-automated collection equipment. Automated collection is also a safer collection method, reducing the risk of injury to Borough employees from exposure to sharps and household hazardous waste, weightlifting injuries and vehicular collisions. 

As shown in the video, the truck has an automated arm that will reach out to grasp each cart, lift the cart and dump it into the truck.

New Accounts

To set up a new account for refuse collection, contact the State College Borough Finance Department at 814-278-4766.

  1. Collection Day

Residential refuse collection is provided on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. When you call to set up service for the first time, the Finance Division can tell you what day your refuse is collected. During holiday weeks and other events, please refer to our Refuse Schedule Handout (PDF) to reference days that impact collection to determine your refuse collection day.

Find your Collection Day by utilizing the tool below: 


Persons with physical disabilities due to age, poor health, or as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act may be exempt from placing refuse at the street or alley. Please complete the Disability Exemption Refuse Collection Form for review and consideration.

  1. How Collection Works