Philadelphia launches portal to streamline waste, recycling reporting

The Philadelphia Department of Sanitation this week launched a new commercial waste and recycling portal designed to help city businesses stay on top of recycling rules and waste reporting through a single website.

The new portal, launched Monday and available in multiple languages, allows businesses to submit or update their required waste and recycling plans, detailing how they’ll separate recyclables like paper, cardboard and metals to comply with the city’s Zero Waste goals. Philadelphia aims to divert 90% of waste from landfills or incinerators by 2035.

Businesses can also use the portal to upload documents, access recycling guides and posters, and file state-required reports, as well as view and reprint past filings. Before the website’s launch, business owners often had to submit the required paperwork through different platforms.

In addition to the portal, the sanitation department updated the necessary forms in clearer, more user-friendly language. After filing, each business receives an updated certificate to post in its establishment, demonstrating compliance.

Philadelphia joins cities like New York City and Boston that have rolled out similar digital portals in recent years, to streamline recycling compliance, reduce paperwork and improve the accuracy of waste data. Those systems have helped city agencies better track commercial waste while saving time for both business owners and city employees.

According to the announcement, Philadelphia plans to conduct outreach to help businesses learn how to use it, and Sanitation Department workers will be made available to provide guidance on best waste management practices. The city also plans to add a new feature to the portal next year that allow businesses to view inspection reports from city enforcement officers, which may include violations that need to be addressed.