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West Chester council adopts limit on curbside recycling totes
Summary
After a public hearing May 20, West Chester Borough Council adopted an amendment to Chapter 62 limiting the number of curbside recycling containers: one 96‑gallon recycling tote for every two trash totes, with a separate limit for properties required to use 2‑cubic‑yard dumpsters. The director of public works retains discretion for exceptions.
West Chester Borough Council adopted an amendment to Borough Code Chapter 62 on May 20 that limits the number of recycling totes allowed for private collection.
At a public hearing, solicitor Miss Camp said the ordinance adds a single paragraph (new paragraph c) to section 62‑8 under private collection regulations that "the maximum number of totes that may be used for collection of recyclable materials shall be 1 96 gallon tote or trash can for every 2 totes used for trash." She added that "in the case where the owner is required to use a dumpster with a minimum capacity of 2 cubic yards, the maximum number of totes that may be used for collection of recyclable materials shall be 2 96 gallon totes or trash cans."
The hearing produced one on‑dais clarification: council members noted another section of Chapter 62 gives the director of public works discretion to make accommodations and exceptions. One council member asked that be placed on the record and the manager and solicitor confirmed such discretion exists.
Council closed the hearing and took a recorded vote to adopt the ordinance. The council president called the vote; the record shows a majority in favor and one member absent. The solicitor said the ordinance had been advertised on 05/11/2026 and that a copy was deposited with the Chester County law library and the local newspaper for public inspection on 04/17/2026.
Why it matters: The ordinance standardizes the maximum curbside recycling capacity households and properties may place at the curb, while preserving limited administrative flexibility to grant exceptions for specific situations. The borough will publish the adopted text of the paragraph and the public can request further clarification from borough hall.
What happens next: The amendment becomes part of Chapter 62 and will be enforced under the borough's private collection regulations; the director of public works can grant case‑by‑case exceptions as noted in Chapter 62.
