Lancaster Recycling Center: Hours, Holiday Schedule & Accepted Items
Use this local guide before driving to 850 New Holland Ave. It explains weekday hours, third-Saturday access, 2026 holiday-delay rules, the April maintenance closure notice, accepted drop-off materials, curbside Big 4 recycling, free bins, yard-waste bags, batteries, foam, rejected items and what to do when your material needs another official route.
Monday through Friday. Weekend access is limited to the third Saturday of each month from 7 AM to 11 AM.
7Use the City of Lancaster Recycling Drop-Off Center at 850 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603.
850Best for accepted City materials such as paper types, books, cardboard, chipboard, shredded paper, bottles, cans and jars.
♻Fast Answer for Lancaster, PA Residents
The official City of Lancaster Recycling Drop-Off Center is located at 850 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603. The City lists hours as Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-4:00 PM, plus the third Saturday of each month, 7:00 AM-11:00 AM. The listed phone number is (717) 291-4744.
Use the City drop-off center for listed materials only: mixed office paper, newspaper, magazines, corrugated cardboard, chipboard, softcover and hardcover books, shredded paper, plastic bottles and jugs with a neck, steel/tin/aluminum cans, and glass bottles and jars.
On This Page
- Fast answer
- Screenshot and video note
- What this center is
- Hours and third Saturday
- Maintenance and same-day closures
- 2026 holiday schedule
- Accepted items
- Paper and cardboard tips
- Curbside Big 4 vs drop-off
- Free recycling bins
- Yard-waste bags
- What to do instead
- Batteries, foam and special items
- Weather and missed pickup
- Before-you-go checklist
- Map and directions
- FAQ
Screenshot Guide: Official Lancaster Recycling Center Hours and Accepted Items
This screenshot is placed near the official hours and accepted-items section because that is where it helps most. It lets readers visually confirm the City page before checking the address, weekday hours, third-Saturday schedule, phone number and accepted material list.
Image description: The image helps users identify the official City of Lancaster Recycling Drop-Off Center information area, including the 850 New Holland Ave. address, regular weekday hours, third-Saturday schedule, phone number and accepted item list. It is a user-help visual reference only.
What Lancaster Recycling Center Is
When most residents search for “Lancaster Recycling Center,” they usually need the City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania Recycling Drop-Off Center at 850 New Holland Ave. This guide is for Lancaster, PA. It is not for Lancaster, California, Lancaster County, South Carolina, or a private landfill with a similar search result.
The City drop-off center supplements the residential curbside recycling program. That means it helps with listed recyclable materials, especially paper categories, books, cardboard and shredded paper. It is not a general trash dump, hazardous-waste facility, appliance center, tire disposal site or construction-debris transfer station.
Lancaster Recycling Center Hours: Weekdays, Saturday and Sunday
The official Recycling Drop-Off Center page lists weekday hours and limited Saturday access. The key detail is that Saturday access is not weekly. It is only the third Saturday of each month.
| Day or schedule | Official listed access | Practical visitor tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 AM-4:00 PM | Good weekday option for sorted paper, books and cardboard. |
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM-4:00 PM | Sort paper types before arrival to save time. |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM-4:00 PM | Call first during holiday, maintenance or severe-weather weeks. |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM-4:00 PM | Useful weekday option for seniors who prefer daylight hours. |
| Friday | 7:00 AM-4:00 PM | Do not arrive near closing with a large unsorted load. |
| Saturday | Third Saturday of each month only, 7:00 AM-11:00 AM | Count the Saturdays before loading; not every Saturday is open. |
| Sunday | No regular Sunday drop-off hours listed | Do not plan a Sunday visit unless the City posts a special notice. |
| Holiday or closure week | Verify before visiting | Holiday-delay rules and drop-off center access are related but not identical. |
Maintenance Closures and Same-Day Closure Checks
Even when the regular schedule says the center should be open, the City can post a temporary closure. For example, the City calendar listed the Recycling Drop-Off Center as closed for routine maintenance on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 and Thursday, April 2, 2026, with no recycling accepted on those days.
Lancaster Recycling Center Holiday Schedule and 2026 Delay Rules
Lancaster’s holiday information needs careful wording. City office holidays, Penn Waste curbside delay rules and drop-off center access are not always the same thing. The official 2026 calendar says observed holidays are marked in red, collection days that fall on or after a holiday are delayed one day, and there is no service change if a holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday.
| 2026 City holiday | Date listed by City | Resident action |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Verify before visiting; Penn Waste holiday delay may apply. |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | January 19 | City holiday; verify drop-off center access. |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16 | City holiday; call before a special trip. |
| Good Friday | April 3 | City holiday; check current closure notices. |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Penn Waste observed holiday; curbside delay may apply. |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | City holiday; verify facility access. |
| Independence Day observed | July 3 | Holiday week; verify drop-off and curbside impacts. |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Penn Waste observed holiday; curbside delay may apply. |
| Election Day | November 3 | City holiday; verify before visiting. |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Penn Waste observed holiday; curbside delay may apply. |
| Day after Thanksgiving | November 27 | City holiday; check drop-off access. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Penn Waste observed holiday; curbside delay may apply. |
| Day after Christmas observed | December 28 | City holiday; verify before visiting. |
Accepted Items at Lancaster Recycling Drop-Off Center
The City’s accepted list is specific. The 2026 PDF also reminds residents to sort paper by type before going, flatten boxes, save enough material to make the trip worthwhile, and remember that the center is designed as a self-serve facility even when staff are on site.
| Accepted item | How to prepare it | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed office paper | Keep clean and dry; examples include printer paper, envelopes, index cards, file folders, dividers and uncoated junk mail. | Mixing wet paper, food waste or trash into paper. |
| Newspaper | Keep newspapers and inserts dry and separate if signs ask for it. | Adding plastic bags or food-soiled material. |
| Magazines and catalogs | Keep glossy paper dry and sorted from plain office paper if directed. | Throwing everything into one mixed box. |
| Corrugated cardboard | Flatten boxes with a fluted center; remove packing material. | Leaving foam, plastic wrap, trash, food residue or wet cardboard. |
| Chipboard | Flatten cereal boxes, egg cartons and paper towel or toilet paper rolls when clean. | Confusing chipboard with waxed or food-soiled packaging. |
| Softcover and hardcover books | Keep books grouped separately so staff/signage can direct the correct area. | Putting books into curbside recycling without checking local rules. |
| Shredded paper | Contain shredded paper neatly; the center does not shred documents for you. | Loose shredded paper blowing around or contaminating other materials. |
| Plastic bottles and jugs with a neck | Empty and rinse. Remove caps/tops if directed. | Bringing tubs, trays, bags, film or random plastics. |
| Steel, tin and aluminum cans | Empty and rinse food or beverage cans. | Leaving food residue inside cans. |
| Glass bottles and jars | Empty and rinse. Remove lids if directed. | Bringing ceramics, mirrors, plate glass or broken window glass. |
Paper, Books, Cardboard and Shredded Paper Tips
The Lancaster drop-off center is especially useful for paper categories that do not fit the simple curbside Big 4 message. Sort paper by type at home or work before going so you are not trying to separate materials beside your vehicle.
Curbside Big 4 vs Lancaster Drop-Off Center Items
Lancaster curbside recycling follows the county-wide “Big 4” approach: corrugated cardboard, metal food and beverage cans, plastic bottles and jugs with a neck, and glass bottles and jars. The drop-off center list is broader because it includes several paper categories, books and shredded paper.
| Material | Curbside Big 4? | City Drop-Off Center? | Practical rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated cardboard | Yes | Yes | Flatten and keep dry. |
| Metal food and beverage cans | Yes | Yes | Rinse first. |
| Plastic bottles and jugs with necks | Yes | Yes | No random plastics. |
| Glass bottles and jars | Yes | Yes | No ceramics, mirrors or window glass. |
| Mixed office paper, newspaper and magazines | Not part of the simple Big 4 curbside list | Yes | Use the drop-off center when sorted and accepted. |
| Books and shredded paper | Not part of the simple Big 4 curbside list | Yes | Keep books and shredded paper separate. |
Free Recycling Bins for City Residents
The City recycling page says recycling bins are free to City residents and can be picked up at the Recycling Drop-Off Center during listed hours. The same page says damaged recycling bins can be placed curbside with a note that clearly says “Please Take,” and replacement bins can be picked up at 850 New Holland Ave.
Yard-Waste Bags, Leaves and Brush: Do Not Confuse This With Recycling Drop-Off
Yard-waste bags are connected to City services, but yard waste is not the same as the Recycling Drop-Off Center accepted-material list. The City says residents can pick up free yard waste bags at several locations, including 850 New Holland Ave. during Recycling Drop-Off Center hours.
| Yard-waste detail | Official rule signal | Resident tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bag pickup | Free yard-waste bags are available for City residents at listed City locations. | 850 New Holland Ave. is one pickup option during posted hours. |
| Bag or bundle limit | Bags and bundles must not exceed 30 pounds; brush bundles must be no longer than 4 feet, with no material more than 2 inches in diameter. | Keep bundles small enough for safe collection. |
| Leaves | Leaves in yard-waste bags are collected alongside trash/recycling on specific weeks April through December. | Do not push leaves from your yard into the street. |
| Not allowed in yard waste | Do not include garbage, litter, bricks, rocks, animal waste or soil. | Keep yard-waste bags clean and organic. |
What to Do Instead for Items the Lancaster Recycling Center Does Not Take
The City drop-off center list is focused. If your item is not listed, choose another official route instead of creating a rejected load.
| Item type | Do not assume City drop-off accepts it | Better official route |
|---|---|---|
| Rechargeable batteries and cell phones | Do not place rechargeable batteries in trash or recycling because of fire risk. | Use LCSWMA battery disposal guidance or another listed battery drop-off route. |
| Household hazardous waste | Paint, chemicals, fuels and similar waste are not listed City drop-off materials. | Use LCSWMA household hazardous waste guidance. |
| Electronics | Computers, monitors and TVs are not on the City drop-off list. | Use county or approved e-waste guidance. |
| White goods / large appliances | Not a normal Recycling Drop-Off Center load. | The City offers a separate monthly collection program with a purchased tag; verify current instructions before setting out. |
| Construction materials | Not part of the City paper/cardboard drop-off list. | Check LCSWMA transfer-station or disposal guidance. |
| Styrofoam / polystyrene foam | Do not put foam in curbside recycling. | The 2026 PDF points residents to Dart Container for certain clean #6 foam; verify requirements first. |
| Yard waste and leaves | Not part of the recycling drop-off accepted-material list. | Use City yard-waste and leaf collection rules. |
Batteries, Foam, Appliances and Special-Item Micro Help
Several special items look recyclable but do not belong in the regular bin or the City drop-off center unless a current official page says so. This section converts the 2026 PDF details into practical visitor actions.
Weather Delays, Missed Pickup and Container Storage Rules
The 2026 PDF notes that icy streets, plowable snow and snow banks can delay collection. It suggests limiting set-outs during winter weather, holding recycling if the container is not full, and contacting the Solid Waste Hotline if missed.
Before-You-Go Checklist for Lancaster Recycling Center
- Confirm you mean Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This page is for the City of Lancaster Recycling Drop-Off Center at 850 New Holland Ave.
- Check the schedule. Use Monday-Friday 7 AM-4 PM or the third Saturday only from 7 AM-11 AM.
- Check temporary closure notices. Maintenance closures can happen even when normal hours would otherwise apply.
- Call during holiday weeks. Holiday collection delays do not automatically prove the drop-off center is open.
- Separate paper types. Keep office paper, newspaper, magazines, books, cardboard, chipboard and shredded paper organized.
- Flatten cardboard. Remove foam, plastic wrap, packing material, food residue and trash.
- Keep containers clean. Rinse bottles, jars and cans before recycling.
- Do not bring random plastics. The accepted plastic rule is bottles and jugs with a neck.
- Use another official route for special waste. Batteries, HHW, electronics, appliances, bulky waste and transfer-station loads are not normal City drop-off items.
Lancaster Recycling Center Map and Directions
The map below points to the City of Lancaster Recycling Drop-Off Center at 850 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603. Use the map for directions, but use the official City page or phone number for current hours, third-Saturday access, closure notices and accepted items.
Independent guide note: Recycling-Centre.org is not the official City of Lancaster, Penn Waste or LCSWMA website. Hours, holiday schedules, accepted items, third-Saturday access, maintenance closures, weather delays and drop-off rules can change. Always verify with the official City page or call (717) 291-4744 before driving with a large, holiday-week or questionable load.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lancaster Recycling Center
Where is Lancaster Recycling Center?
The City of Lancaster Recycling Drop-Off Center is at 850 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603.
What are Lancaster Recycling Center hours?
The official City page lists Monday-Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM and the third Saturday of each month from 7 AM to 11 AM.
Is Lancaster Recycling Center open every Saturday?
No. The City lists the third Saturday of each month only, from 7 AM to 11 AM. Do not assume every Saturday is open.
Is Lancaster Recycling Center open Sunday?
No regular Sunday drop-off hours are listed on the official City Recycling Drop-Off Center page. Verify before planning any special Sunday trip.
Can maintenance close the drop-off center even during normal hours?
Yes. The City has posted routine-maintenance closure notices before, including a 2026 notice for April 1 and April 2. Check current City notices before a special trip.
What items are accepted at Lancaster Recycling Drop-Off Center?
Accepted items include mixed office paper, newspaper, magazines, corrugated cardboard, chipboard, softcover and hardcover books, shredded paper, plastic bottles and jugs with a neck, steel/tin/aluminum cans, and glass bottles and jars.
What is Lancaster’s Big 4 recycling rule?
The curbside Big 4 are corrugated cardboard, metal food and beverage cans, plastic bottles and jugs with necks, and glass bottles and jars. Rinse containers and remove caps, tops or lids from jars and bottles as directed by the City.
Can I bring shredded paper?
Yes. Shredded paper is listed for the City drop-off center. Keep it contained so it does not blow around or contaminate other materials.
Can I bring books?
Yes. Softcover and hardcover books are listed for drop-off. Keep books separate from loose office paper when possible.
Can I bring electronics, batteries or hazardous waste?
Do not assume so. Electronics, rechargeable batteries and household hazardous waste are not normal City drop-off center items. Use LCSWMA and other official special-waste guidance.
Can I pick up free recycling bins there?
Yes. The City says recycling bins are free to City residents and can be picked up at the Recycling Drop-Off Center during listed hours.
Are curbside holiday delays the same as drop-off center holiday hours?
No. Penn Waste curbside delay rules explain collection shifts. They do not automatically guarantee drop-off center access. Verify before visiting during holiday weeks.
Can I pick up yard-waste bags at the recycling center?
Yes. The City lists the Recycling Drop-Off Center at 850 New Holland Ave. as one pickup location for free yard-waste bags during posted hours. Yard waste itself follows separate City collection rules.
What phone number should I call?
The City Recycling Drop-Off Center page lists (717) 291-4744. Use it for hours, item questions, missed collections, weather-delay help and holiday-week verification.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Lancaster Recycling Center website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify current hours, accepted items, holiday schedules and closure notices with the official City of Lancaster page.
Final Local Summary
Use the City of Lancaster Recycling Drop-Off Center at 850 New Holland Ave. for the official listed drop-off materials. Normal listed hours are Monday-Friday, 7 AM-4 PM, plus the third Saturday of each month, 7 AM-11 AM.
Before driving, sort paper types, flatten cardboard, keep recyclables clean and dry, remember that third Saturday does not mean every Saturday, and verify holiday-week or maintenance-week access. Use LCSWMA or other official routes for batteries, household hazardous waste, electronics, appliances, bulky waste and transfer-station needs.