Understanding Recycling and Trash Collection Schedules Across the U.S.

Knowing your local recycling and trash pickup schedule is an important part of being an environmentally responsible resident. Properly separating your waste and putting bins out on the right day ensures that your household’s recyclables get processed and keeps your neighborhood clean.

This article will explain how to find and follow recycling and trash collection schedules for homes across the United States.

How Trash and Recycling Schedules Work

• Most municipalities provide trash and recycling services to residents. Some contract with private haulers like Waste Management and Republic Services.

• Schedules vary by community but most collect trash 1-2 times per week. Recycling is often picked up every other week.

• Collection days are based on your home’s location. Routes are optimized for fuel efficiency.

• Holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and July 4th often alter pickup days. Schedules balance weekly after the holiday.

• Severe weather can delay collection. Haulers will catch up as soon as safely possible.

Finding Your Collection Calendar

You have a few options for finding your trash and recycling schedule:

• Check with your municipality: Most city, town, or county government websites post collection calendars. Many also have online maps where you can input your address.

• Call your hauler: If a private company handles collection, they can tell you your schedule. Key national haulers include:

  • Waste Management: 1-800-964-8988

  • Republic Services: 1-480-627-2700

  • Waste Connections: 1-800-288-5786

• Use apps: Haulers like Waste Management and Republic Services have free apps to view your calendar. You simply input your address.

• Check mailed notices: Printed schedules are often sent to households annually. Keep this on your fridge as a handy reference.

Recycling and Trash Separation Basics

Putting the right materials in your recycling and trash is crucial. Contamination happens when non-recyclable items get mixed in. This can ruin entire batches. Follow these tips:

• Use your hauler’s app to look up proper separation for your area. Items accepted often vary between communities.

• Check for recycling symbols: Containers marked with numbers 1-7 are widely recyclable. Avoid anything without a symbol.

• When in doubt, throw it out: It’s better to put questionable items in the trash than risk contaminating recycling.

• Break down cardboard boxes: Flatten them to save space in recycling bins.

• Keep materials loose: Never bag recyclables or they may get sent to the landfill. Always empty and rinse containers.

Setting Out Carts Correctly

Follow these steps to ensure your bins get serviced properly each week:

• Place carts curbside by 6 AM on your pickup day. Avoid obstructing sidewalks.

• Position carts with the opening facing the street and wheels against the curb.

• Leave 2-3 feet between your trash, recycling, and yard waste carts so the truck can easily lift them.

• Remove carts from curbside within 24 hours of service being completed. Store them neatly at your house.

• Secure loose lightweight items like plastic bags so they don’t blow away.

• Avoid overloading carts over the top rim. Lids should fully close.

Special Item Pickup

For non-standard waste, you’ll need to schedule a special pickup:

• Bulky items: Furniture, mattresses, appliances, etc. Fees often apply.

• Yard waste: Brush and branches may need bundled or bagged separately from standard yard trimmings.

• Hazardous household waste: Paint, chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, etc. require special drop-off or pickup.

• Electronics: TVs, computers, and other e-waste can’t go in normal trash. Recycling drop-off is usually available.

Contact your city or hauler to learn about special pickup services and associated fees in your area. Proper disposal of these items is important for safety and the environment.

Holiday Schedule Changes

Major holidays impact collection across the U.S. Here’s what to expect:

• Christmas: Trash pickup moves 1 day later until schedules normalize, usually by January 2nd.

• New Year’s: Expect a 1-day delay like Christmas. Schedules balance by January 9th.

• July 4th: This shifts schedules 1 day later, through July 9th in most areas.

• Other holidays: Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving often have minor impacts. Check your calendar.

Be sure to take note of adjusted pickup days after any holiday. You don’t want bins overflowing or materials getting missed.

Severe Weather Delays

Snow, flooding, hurricanes, and other extreme weather can prevent normal collection. If conditions are unsafe for trucks to navigate roads, pickup will be postponed. Here’s what to do:

• Check your hauler’s website or app for service alerts. They’ll post updates on delays, safety issues, and schedule changes.

• Don’t place full bins curbside until the night before your next expected pickup date. This prevents blowing, tipping over, or spilling.

• Be patient and understanding with delays. Crews work hard to restore normal service safely and quickly.

• Avoid putting out extra waste until schedules normalize. This overloads systems once trucks can collect again.

With preparation and an understanding of how schedules work, you can ensure your household’s trash and recycling gets collected properly all year. Follow the guidance above to do your part for your neighborhood’s cleanliness and the environment.