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Business Recycling

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1. Why should my business recycle?

First, it’s good for the environment. Reducing environmental impact is a core value of our residents [and your customers]. Additionally, the Media Borough ordinance has required businesses to recycle since 1987. (Borough Code 241-37)

2. Will it be expensive?

Conversations with trash haulers indicate that adding recycling should not add much to your bill. If your hauler wants to significantly increase your bill to add recycling don't be shy about negotiating the price - or find another hauler - or partner with other businesses.

3. What materials am I required to recycle? Do I have to recycle everything listed?

Yes. That is the law. It will not take much to include recycling in your operating procedures.

Post the list where it can be easily seen. Provide a recycling bin next to each trash bin. Make employees aware of the recycling requirements. Please view the list on the Media Borough Business Recycling Poster (PDF).

4. Will it be hard to set up?

Other businesses in Media have found that it takes only a little effort to meet the requirements of Media Borough’s recycling ordinance.

5. How do I set up a recycling program?

Make copies of the Media Borough Business Recycling Poster (PDF), give it to each employee, and post them in each office. Provide a labeled recycling bin of equal size next to each waste basket in your office. Contact your trash hauler to add recycling pick-up.

6. What if I don’t have room for a recycling dumpster behind my building?

Other businesses have made arrangements to share a dumpster. Many hauler trucks are equipped to work with 96-gallon Toters - large, lidded plastic bins on wheels. They can squeeze into small spaces and larger businesses can use two or three.

7. Does my trash hauler pick up recycling?

All haulers operating in Media are required to provide recycling for all of their Media clients.

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Christmas Tree Composting

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1. Do I have to make an appointment to have my tree collected?

No appointment is needed. Simply place your tree where your trash is normally picked up and the Public Works Department will be along to remove it.

2. What day of the week are Christmas trees collected?

The Public Works Department picks up trees five days a week throughout the month of January.

3. Is there a Christmas Tree Collection schedule?

There is no set schedule for the Christmas tree schedule. They are picked up all throughout January.

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Community Center & Parlor Room Rental

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1. What is the cost?

Click HERE for a fee schedule that can be downloaded.

2. Can we decorate?

Yes, however, we ask you to refrain from using tape on the walls.  Absolutely no glitter, sparkles, or confetti.

3. Do you provide tables and chairs?

Yes, we provide the tables and chairs and set the room up to your specifications. You may not use your own tables and chairs.

4. Do you provide tablecloths?

No, we only provide tables and chairs.

5. Can we serve alcohol?

Yes, alcohol can be served, however, it cannot be sold.

6. Can we serve food?

Yes. If a caterer will be cooking on premises then additional insurance and information are needed from the caterer.  If the caterer is only using sternos to keep the food warm, then this information is not needed.

7. What are the hours that we can rent?

Depending on availability, any time between 8 am to Midnight.

8. Will we need event insurance?

Yes, a certificate of liability for a minimum of $100,000 naming Media Borough as additional insured is required. You should contact your homeowner's insurance agent or an event insurance company.

9. What deposits are required?

10% of the rental fee is required to hold the date. A $500 security deposit and a $250 cleaning deposit are required.

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Composting - About the Program

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1. What happens to the food scraps we put out for collection?

Public Works picks up your compostables on Wednesdays and takes them to Kitchen Harvest's on-farm composting site at Linvilla Orchards, just 3.5 miles from Media Borough, where they turn it into compost.  Nature does most of the work, but they carefully monitor its progress and turn it in as needed.  The finished, screened bulk compost is spread at Linvilla and sold to local residents, businesses and schools.  Kitchen Harvest has a video of their process on the Kitchen Harvest website, and find more information on the Kitchen Harvest Facebook page.

2. Does the pickup take the whole bucket and leave a new one? Or do they empty it into the truck on-site and we get back a dirty bucket? Should we line our bucket or what?

The pickup empties your bucket into the Borough compost truck each week.  You can rinse your empty bucket out with a hose.  You can also line it with a paper grocery bag if you wish.  Most people keep a small (2-quart or so) container at their sink and empty it into the yellow program bucket, which they leave outside.  Smells are not noticeable if you empty your indoor container on a daily basis.  Your inside container should have a tight lid to prevent fruit flies in the summer.

3. Yesterday I was surprised that my bucket was already empty at 8 am - does Public Works start really early in the morning or is someone stealing my compost?

Absolutely! No silly questions! Public Works starts collecting early in the morning. We ask that you have your bucket out on the street by 6 am Many people put their buckets out the night before.

4. Can Public Works scrape out the food scraps that stick to the bottom of the compost bucket?

No. They do not have time to. Use a paper bag as a liner instead.

5. Should we purchase a screw top lid to make it more accessible?

Screw top lids rule!

6. Our lid was eaten by squirrels; how can I get a screw top lid?

Some participants have found success using a Screw Top Bucket Lid, available from the Home Depot website and other places.

7. If I miss a pickup can Public Works pick up the excess food scraps the following week?

As long as it is in a bucket.

8. Can Public Works pick up yard waste that I leave next to the yellow bucket?

Yes! Curbside Compost includes both yard waste and food scraps. We ask that you put your yard waste in a recycled paper yard waste bag (available at Deals and other hardware-type stores). Please do not overfill yard bags. Do not use plastic trash bags or plastic bag liners for yard waste. Sticks / branches are accepted provided they are no wider than four inches in diameter and no longer than four feet. Sticks / branches larger than 2 inches in diameter cannot be placed inside the bags and must be bundled separately.

9. How do I keep flies and bugs out of my compost bucket?

Flies and bugs may increase in the summer for some people. Tips:  Keep the lid on at all times.  Keep the contents as cool and dry as possible. Store the bucket outside in a shady place.  Occasionally add shredded paper or dry yard waste.  Line the bucket with a paper grocery bag.  Rinse out the bucket every week after Public Works empties it.

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Composting - What Can Be Composted

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1. Can you please explain more about what constitutes food scraps?

Please look at the following link, which lists the food scraps acceptable in the program on the What Can I Compost page.

2. Are acceptable food scraps with a little bit of dairy products on them (like cheese) okay or no skip it since there’s some dairy on it?

A small amount of dairy is fine.  Thanks for asking first!

3. I was wondering if spent potting soil from indoor plants is allowed in the buckets?

Yes, spent potting soil is fine.

4. Is it okay to put seeds and pits in the compost?

Yes, pits and seeds (peach, avocado, olive, etc.) are fine. Not all composting is the same. Our compost naturally gets to very high temperatures for long periods of time making seeds in the pile not viable. Everything gets broken down. Backyard piles normally can't achieve this which is likely why you thought you couldn't put them in. Again, not all composting methods, maintenance and mixes are the same, so thanks for asking first!

5. We have a very mature black walnut tree that drops hundreds of seeds each fall. Could they be picked up for compost?

Yes, throw those seeds in the bucket!  They are fine.

6. Are All tea bags and coffee filters acceptable in the compost program? Or only ones labeled specifically as compostable?

Let's go with all paper or compostable tea bags and coffee filters that are acceptable for our composting method regardless of color or bleach.  If you don't think it will rot or you see plastic-like material, then no thank you. (Consider switching to unbleached and non-plastic beverage materials).

7. Say, if we can compost coffee filters, can we also compost plain, white paper napkins without any dyes or patterns?

Yes, you can compost plain white paper napkins and paper towels in small quantities if they are soiled with food and cannot go into recycling.  But if they are not soiled, best to do it through the regular recycling program.

8. How about pizza boxes?

Our compost farm loves pizza boxes.  The more the merrier.  Don’t try to cram them into your yellow bucket, though.  You can either stack them next to your bucket or put them in your yard waste bag.

9. My nut cheese is non-dairy & plant based cheese - can I compost nut cheese?

Nut cheese, if it is entirely plant-based, is fine.

10. Is tofu okay to compost?

Yes. Tofu is permissible.

11. I know eggshells are ok, but what about eggs? If a raw egg spills on the floor can I pop the mess in the compost bucket? Can I put in scrambled eggs?

Yes, in small amounts.

12. Can I recycle wine corks?

Yes, but real cork only.

13. Do you accept compostable takeout containers? Should I break them up before putting them in?

Compostable takeout containers are fine for collection.  Break them up if you need to for space in the bucket, but otherwise, it is not necessary.

14. Does bread have to be plain or can it have mayo or pb&j on it?

Bread can have pb&j on it. Mayo and other oils are also ok.

15. Can I compost leftover candy?

Sure, but no wrappers.

16. Chocolate too?

Yes (but no wrappers)!

17. How about pumpkins decorated with washable fingerpaint?

Yes, they are fine.

18. Moldy and rotted pumpkins?

Already on their way to being composted. Absolutely!

19. How about canna stalks and other dead plants and flowers?

Yes!

20. I am disposing of my romain lettuce after the CDC recommendation not to eat it (per late-2018 E coli warning) - can I put heads of romaine lettuce in the compost bucket?

Yes, it is fine for our composting.  The high-temperature compost process used at Kitchen Harvest would kill any possible E. coli present.

21. What happens to the fruit label stickers, many of which seem to be plastic?

Thank you!  We appreciate folks trying to peel off the plastic ones.  Shiny paper one's compost okay.  But, yes, we do occasionally end up with a few stickers here and there in our finished compost because they are small enough to get through our screen too.

22. Can we include dog or cat fur sheddings in their compost? Human hair from home haircuts?

Yes, hair is okay.

23. Can I compost floral arrangements?

Yes, but not the floral foam.

24. I understand it is poisonous to some animals so I wanted to check to see if it can go in the bucket - can I put a poinsettia plant in the compost?

Yes, you can. Thanks for asking first!

25. I was wondering if we are able to compost Number 60 cotton and or 2% non-gmo cotton?

One hundred % cotton and cardboard Q-tips and cotton balls can be tossed into your compost bin and will get broken down by microorganisms and bacteria just like everything else.

26. We have several eco-friendly ice packs that say the “gel is 100% biodegradable, non-toxic and made from food grade ingredients”; before putting this in my bucket, I wanted to check if it was okay?

Yes.  If it says 100% biodegradable or compostable, it is okay with Kitchen Harvest.

27. Are cellulose sponges compostable in our program?

Trader Joe's says their Pop-Up Sponges are compostable. For other sponges, if they are really cellulose - i.e., made from wood pulp, they are fine. But If you are not sure, don't throw them in.

28. How about compostable coffee pods (Nespresso, Keurig, etc.)?

If the box says they are fully compostable, then yes, they are fine.

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Environmental Advisory Council - Single Use Plastic Bag & Straw Ordinance

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1. Why a single-use plastic bag and straw ordinance in Media and why now?

• To reduce plastic pollution
• To reduce plastic litter
• To reduce plastic waste
• Our neighbor states, New York, New Jersey and Delaware, have single-use plastic bag laws; some of our neighboring municipalities have already enacted ordinances:
  • West Goshen
  • Haverford
  • West Chester
  • Narberth
  • Philadelphia
• Media residents are concerned about environmental issues and want to be part of the solution

2. How did this ordinance come about?

In 2021, the Media Borough Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) began researching a single-use plastic bag and straw ordinance to recommend to Borough Council. They looked at similar ordinances elsewhere, talked with representatives from Penn Environment and Clean Air Council, and sponsored a Zoom meeting with other Delaware County EAC's. They reached out to the Media Business Authority (MBA) for feedback and began a conversation with Borough Council members about an ordinance. In April 2022, the EAC and MBA held a focus group and an information session for local business and restaurants.

3. What types of bags are banned under the ordinance?

• Single-use plastic bags, made of synthetic or plastic material, that are provided by a Commercial Establishment to a customer at or around the point of sale
• Any bags created through a "blown film extrusion" process
• Bio-based plastic bags: "bio-based" or "compostable" plastic is still partially composed of fossil-based plastic and contains similar amounts of toxicity

4. What straws would be banned under the ordinance?

Any single-use plastic straw or drink stirrer provided by a business with beverages, including but not limited to coffee, cocktails, fountain sodas and juices. It does not include packaged beverages prepared and packaged outside of the Borough.

5. Why are plastic bags so harmful?

• Litter and Costs: Plastic bags and straws are a main source of litter in the Borough. They are hazardous to drainage and sewer systems and creeks, and they clog up recycling sorting facilities-all of which drive up costs for the Borough.
• Health Hazards: Plastics contain toxic chemicals, which pose risks to ecosystems, wildlife and human health. Single-use plastics are non-biodegradable products that do not undergo biological decomposition and break down into microparticles over time leaking into our soil and waterways. A 2021 PennEnvironment study found microplastic contamination in all of Delaware County's creeks. Microplastics are emerging as a serious health crisis as scientists understand their lasting impact on human health.
• Climate Change: The entire lifecycle of plastics - from pre-production to disposal - expose people and ecosystems to toxic chemicals. Plastics are created using fossil fuels which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Items used for a few minutes of convenience pollute the environment for hundreds of years.

6. What types of bags will businesses be able to provide?

Reusable bags are the best choice: No bag option is without impact. The goal is to reduce waste by encouraging customers to bring their reusable bags.

• Reusable bags are bags that are specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuses. Cotton, jute or other renewable fibers are the best choice.
• Paper Bags that meet the ordinance requirements - with at least 40% recycled content and labeled "recyclable" or "recycled content" - may be provided. Businesses may charge customers a minimum of $0.10 bag fee for paper bags.

7. What about the bag-fee?

A minimum $0.10 bag fee or more may be retained by businesses if they choose. The purpose of the fee is twofold: it supports businesses by off-setting the added cost of paper bags and secondly it encourages consumers to bring their own bag, which is the goal of this ordinance.

8. What happens if my business fails to comply?

Once enforcement of the ordinance begins on July 1, 2023, a Commercial Establishment that violates or fails to comply with any of the ordinance requirements will receive an initial written warning notice. Further violations will entail fines as follows:

• Fine of $50 for a 1st offense
• Fine of $100 for a 2nd offense
• Fine of $300 for a 3rd or any subsequent offense

9. My business not only complies with the ordinance, but also has other sustainability initiatives to reduce waste. Can I be recognized for these efforts?

Yes! Media Borough is developing a sustainability incentive program to recognize our local businesses that go above and beyond to reduce waste and improve sustainability. Stay tuned for more details.

10. Where can my business or customers find more information on the ordinance?

Media Borough is developing resources and marketing materials that will be made available online and distributed in print to educate the community and support businesses throughout implementation.

11. What else can I do to reduce plastic pollution?

You can reduce your plastic use in many other ways:

• Buy produce fresh food without plastic packaging
• Use nylon or string bags to hold your produce purchases rather than plastic produce bags
• Buy in bulk when you can and bring your own containers
• If you eat out and expect to need a 'doggie bag', bring your own containers to put your unfinished meals in

The more of these habits you learn, the more ways you'll find to keep reducing single-use plastics from your life! The planet will thank you!

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General FAQs

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1. How do I schedule a bulk trash pickup?

Bulk trash pickup occurs on the last Wednesday of each month.  Residents are entitiled to one free pick up per year.  Additional pickups are $30 each.  Pickups on days other than the last Wednesday of the month can be arranged by calling 610-566-5210 x249 and are $30.  To schedule call 610-566-5210 x249.

2. How can I get a Parking Permit?

General Parking Permits and Residential Parking Permits can be purchased online only at mediaborough.cmrpay.com

Residential Parking permits can be applied for if you reside on a street that is designated a residential parking area as identified in the Borough Code Chapter 211. Details on applying for a Residential Parking Permit can be found on the borough website.

Residential Parking Stickers are not available online and can be purchased at Borough Hall during regular business hours.

3. Where am I able to obtain a building permit?

The building permit applications for the Borough of Media can be found on the Permits page.

Find more information on when a permit is required.

4. What is the trash schedule?

Trash is collected twice weekly.

• East side of Jackson Street - Monday and Thursday.
• West side of Jackson Street - Tuesday and Friday.

Place trash curbside after 6 pm the night before collection; bring containers in by 9 pm collection day.

5. What recreation events are happening this month?

For a complete list of upcoming Media Borough recreation events, please visit the Borough Calendar.

6. How can I get a Certificate of Occupancy?

Certificate of Occupancy Application (PDF)

Certificate of Occupancy Procedures (PDF)

Certificate of Occupancy Criteria (PDF)

Inspections - Call 610-566-5210 ext 249 to schedule Certificate of Occupancy inspections

Ordinance 723 of the Borough of Media requires the Code Enforcement Department to compile a list of all tenants that rent or lease property from landlords or property managers. Furthermore, all tenant changes during the year must also be reported to the Borough. 

If you have any questions, please contact Media Borough at 610-566-5210, ext. 249 or visit the Code Enforcement page of the website.