Trash and Recycling Pickup in Tuscaloosa, AL

The City of Tuscaloosa provides municipal trash and recycling collection services for residents through the Environmental Services Department. This article outlines key details about pickup schedules, policies, and resources for Tuscaloosa homeowners and renters.

Trash and Recycling Collection Days

• Trash is collected weekly on a designated day depending on your location.

• Recycling is also collected weekly on the same day as your trash pickup.

• You can find your specific collection day by:

  • Checking the Collection Route Map and finding your street

  • Calling Tuscaloosa 311 at 205-248-5311

  • Checking your water bill for the assigned route

• Standard collection times are 6am – 6pm. Carts must be curbside by 6am.

Trash Policies

• All household trash must be bagged inside carts provided by the city. No loose trash.

• Extra bagged trash can be placed beside carts if they don’t fit.

• Bag weight limit is 50 lbs. Overfilled carts will not be collected.

• Bulky items like furniture are collected on your trash day. Limit of 2 cubic yards per week.

• Appliances are collected separately on Wednesdays by request.

• Hazardous waste cannot go in normal trash. View drop-off options.

Recycling Policies

• Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as trash.

• Loose recyclables can be placed directly into bins provided by the city. No need to bag.

• Make sure recyclables are clean before placing in bins.

Accepted Curbside Recyclables:

• Plastic bottles, jugs, and containers

• Glass bottles and jars

• Aluminum cans

• Steel cans

• Paper and cardboard

Non-Accepted Materials:

• Plastic bags, film, or wrap

• Food waste

• Yard waste

• Electronics

• Hazardous waste

Trash Rules for Apartments and Condos

• Contact your property manager to learn if the complex has a communal dumpster or individual door-to-door pickup.

• Individual units can request recycling bins from the city for use.

• Units must follow any complex-specific policies regarding cart storage and curb placement.

Missed Pickup Protocol

If your trash or recycling is missed on the scheduled collection day:

• Call Tuscaloosa 311 at 205-248-5311 to report it

• Crews will return within 24 hours to collect

Holiday Delays

City holidays delay all trash and recycling pickup by one day that week. View the holiday collection schedule.

Trash and Recycling Resources

• Collection route map: Find Your Day

• Request carts and bins: Call 311

• Report missed pickup: Call 311

• Schedule appliance collection: Call 311

• Holiday schedules: Holiday Pickup

• Hazardous waste disposal: HHW Info

Following Tuscaloosa’s trash policies, checking your collection map, and reporting any missed pickups will help keep the city clean and waste-free. Contact 311 if you have any other questions.