Mayor Brown Announces Temporary Change to Blue Bag Program

The City of Wilkes-Barre “blue” garbage bag system has been impacted by increasing production shortages and distribution issues. Currently, the City has a sufficient supply of small blue garbage bags, however the supply of large blue garbage bags is dwindling. To alleviate this issue, the City will begin selling garbage stickers, in place of the large bags, on a temporary basis. The sale of the garbage stickers will begin on Monday, February 7, 2022 and will be available at the same locations that sell blue bags.

Residents can still use large blue or green garbage bags which they have previously purchased, as DPW will continue to pick up these bags.

The stickers will remain the same price as the large blue bags, $2 each, as the large blue bags have been sold in a 5-pack for the price of $10 total or $2 per bag. Small blue garbage bags remain in stock and at their normal price of $6.25 for a 5-pack. Residents can buy large garbage stickers individually, or as many as needed.

Stickers should be affixed to residents’ garbage bags, which should not exceed 30 pounds in weight. Stickers should be visible to DPW crews, therefore they should face the street. Residents can call the Mayor’s Office at 570.208.4158 with any questions about the temporary program.