Unlike Philadelphia or the surrounding boroughs, Bensalem Township does not provide municipal trash collection. Residents must subscribe privately to a licensed hauler.
This system can be confusing (and expensive if you don’t shop around). Here is everything you need to know to get your bins emptied without overpaying.
The Golden Rule: Ask Your Neighbor First
Before you call anyone, look at the bins on your street. Most haulers offer “Neighborhood Density Discounts.” If 10 houses on your block use Whitetail, and you call Republic, you might pay a premium because the Republic truck has to make a special trip just for you.
- Pro Tip: If you see one company dominating your block, call them first and ask: “Do you have a neighborhood rate for [Your Street Name]?”
The Major Players
Here are the licensed haulers currently serving Bensalem zip codes (19020, 19053).
1. Whitetail Disposal
- The Vibe: The fast-growing local favorite. Known for aggressive pricing to win over new neighborhoods.
- Best For: Price-conscious shoppers and those who want a provider that feels more “local” than the national giants.
- Customer Service: Generally rated higher than the big corporations for responsiveness.
2. Republic Services
- The Vibe: The massive national chain (look for the bright blue trucks).
- Best For: Reliability. They have a massive fleet, so missed pickups are rare.
- Note: They often have strict rules about bulk items and bin placement.
3. Waste Management (WM)
- The Vibe: The green-and-yellow giant.
- Best For: Consistency. If you want a “set it and forget it” service and don’t mind paying standard market rates.
- Tech: Their app is excellent for billing and “holiday delay” notifications.
4. J.P. Mascaro & Sons
- The Vibe: “If it’s service, it’s us.” A strong regional contender with a long history in PA.
- Best For: Residents who have specific bulk trash needs or want a company with deep local roots.
What About Recycling?
By township ordinance, all licensed haulers must provide recycling services.
- Single Stream: In almost all cases, you do not need to separate paper/plastic. It all goes in one bin.
- The “No-Go” List: Do not put plastic bags (grocery bags) in your recycling bin. They jam the sorting machines. Take them back to the grocery store.
Bulk Trash & E-Waste
Got an old couch or a broken TV?
- Bulk Items (Couches, Mattresses): Most haulers allow one bulk item per week, but you usually have to call 24 hours in advance to let them know.
- E-Waste (TVs, Computers): It is illegal in PA to put TVs in the trash. Your hauler will leave them on the curb.
- The Fix: You must take electronics to a designated E-Waste recycling event (we list these on our Calendar) or a specialized drop-off center.
How to Lower Your Bill
Trash service in Bensalem can range from $90 to $150+ per quarter. To get the lower end:
- Negotiate: Never accept the first price listed on the website. Call and ask for the “New Customer Promo.”
- Pay Yearly: Many haulers offer a 5-10% discount if you pay for the full year upfront rather than quarterly.
- Group Up: If you and two neighbors switch at the same time, you can often demand a “Group Rate” from a sales rep.
