Upper Darby Township regulates individuals and businesses engaged in the collection, removal, or picking of rubbish or refuse placed for disposal within the Township.

Junk collector licensing is required to ensure that all such activities are conducted in a controlled, lawful manner that protects public health, safety, and the Township’s waste and recycling systems.

It is unlawful for any person to pick over or remove rubbish or refuse placed for Township collection without first obtaining a Junk Collector License.

What is a Junk Collector

A junk collector (also referred to as a “junker”) is any person or entity licensed by the Township to pick over or remove rubbish or refuse that has been placed for collection and disposal.

License Requirement

In accordance with Chapter 346 of the Upper Darby Township Code, all junk collectors must obtain a license from the Township prior to operating.

• Licenses are required for any person or entity engaged in junk collection activities
• Licenses are issued upon application approval and payment of the required fee
• Licenses are issued for a calendar year and may be prorated if issued during the year
• The Township limits the number of licensed junk collectors to a maximum of 25

Who May Apply

Junk Collector Licenses may be issued to:

• Individuals
• Businesses
• Partnerships or corporations

All applicants must comply with Township requirements prior to license issuance.

License Limitations

• Licenses are personal and not transferable
• Use of a license by any person other than the license holder is strictly prohibited
• Only one vehicle may be operated at a time under a Junk Collector License

Application Requirements

Applicants for a Junk Collector License must:

• Complete the Township application form
• Provide all required information requested by the Township
• Pay the required license fee

Additional documentation may be required as determined by the Township.

Insurance Requirements

Prior to issuance of a Junk Collector License, applicants must provide proof of:

• Public liability insurance
• Property damage insurance

All insurance must meet Township requirements.

Vehicle Requirements

All vehicles used for junk collection must:

• Be currently licensed and registered
• Be maintained in good condition

Vehicles that are unsafe or improperly maintained may result in denial or revocation of the license.

Hours of Operation

Junk collection activities are restricted to the following hours:

• No earlier than 7:00 a.m.
• No later than 7:00 p.m.
• No operation before sunrise or after sunset

Junk collection outside of these hours is prohibited.

Inspections

Licensed junk collectors must, upon demand by a uniformed police officer:

• Permit inspection of the contents of their vehicle
• Allow examination of materials being transported

Prohibited Activities

Junk collectors are prohibited from removing recyclable materials that have been separated for municipal collection.

This includes designated recyclable materials such as:

• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Catalogs
• Telephone directories
• Other designated recyclable paper products

Recyclable materials placed for Township collection may not be removed by junk collectors.

Trespassing and Private Property Restrictions

Junk collectors are not permitted to enter onto private property without the permission of the property owner or lawful occupant.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Entering onto residential or commercial properties
• Accessing side yards, rear yards, or driveways
• Entering vacant or unoccupied properties
• Removing items from private property that have not been placed out for collection

All junk collection activities must be limited to materials that have been lawfully placed at the curb or designated collection area for disposal.

Junk collectors must not:

• Trespass on private property
• Remove items from porches, yards, or areas not intended for collection
• Enter properties that are vacant, abandoned, or unsecured
• Create unsafe or unlawful conditions while collecting materials

Unauthorized entry onto private property may constitute trespassing and may be subject to enforcement under applicable laws and regulations.

The Township reserves the right to determine whether materials have been lawfully placed for collection.

License Revocation

Failure to comply with Township regulations or engaging in disorderly conduct may result in revocation of the Junk Collector License.

Important Reminders

• A Junk Collector License is required before collecting or removing refuse placed for disposal
• Licenses are personal and may not be transferred or shared
• Only one vehicle may operate at a time under a license
• Junk collection is limited to specific hours of operation
• Recyclable materials placed for municipal collection may not be removed
• Junk collectors may not enter private property without permission
• Vehicles must be properly maintained and insured
• Junk collectors must comply with all Township regulations at all times

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to collect items left at the curb?
Yes. A Junk Collector License is required to collect or remove refuse placed out for disposal.

Can I collect recyclables placed out for pickup?
No. Recyclable materials designated for Township collection may not be removed.

Can I use multiple trucks under one license?
No. Only one vehicle may operate at a time under a Junk Collector License.

Can I operate at night?
No. Junk collection is limited to hours between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and only during daylight hours.

Is the license transferable?
No. Junk Collector Licenses are personal and may not be transferred or used by another person.

Contact the Department of Licenses & Inspections

For questions regarding Junk Collector Licensing, please contact the Department of Licenses & Inspections.

Email: LI@UpperDarby.org
Phone: 610-734-7613

Residents may also submit inquiries or report concerns through the Township One Center.

To submit a concern, email One@UpperDarby.org or call the One Center Request Line at 610-734-7625.