Heavy Trash Schedule: A Comprehensive Guide

Heavy trash, also known as bulky waste, refers to large household items that are too big to fit into your regular trash bins. This includes things like furniture, appliances, mattresses, and construction debris. Having a heavy trash pickup schedule allows residents to properly dispose of these oversized items.

Knowing your area’s heavy trash schedule is key to successful disposal. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to heavy trash schedules, including:

• What is Heavy Trash?
• Why Proper Disposal Matters
• How Schedules Work
• Regional Schedules
• Preparing for Pickup
• Alternative Disposal Options

What is Heavy Trash?

Heavy trash consists of large household items that won’t fit into your curbside trash bins. Examples include:

• Furniture: couches, chairs, tables, etc.
• Appliances: refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc.
• Mattresses and box springs
• Construction debris: wood, drywall, sinks, etc.
• Yard waste: branches, logs, brush
• Electronics: TVs, computer monitors, printers
• Tires, propane tanks, and other bulky items

Basically, anything that is over 4 feet long or 50 pounds is considered heavy trash. Some municipalities also have limits on the number of items allowed per pickup.

Why Proper Disposal Matters

Improperly disposing of heavy trash can lead to fines, pose safety hazards, and harm the environment. Following your area’s heavy trash schedule helps ensure that oversized waste is disposed of correctly. Benefits include:

• Avoiding fines: Illegally dumping heavy trash could result in citations and penalties.

• Preventing pollution: Certain items contain hazardous chemicals that can contaminate soil and water if not disposed of properly.

• Keeping neighborhoods clean: Illegally dumped trash looks bad and can reduce property values.

• Recycling waste: Many heavy trash programs properly sort and recycle items.

How Heavy Trash Schedules Work

Heavy trash pickup schedules vary by location but generally follow these guidelines:

• Set days: Pickups occur on fixed days based on your address/neighborhood. Common intervals are monthly, bi-weekly, or quarterly.

• Pre-set times: Pickups usually happen within a multi-hour window, such as 7am to 3pm. You don’t schedule a specific time.

• Location: Items must be placed at the curb or alley for collection. If you miss pickup, you’ll have to wait until the next scheduled day.

• Limits: There are often restrictions on the number and size of items allowed. Anything over these limits requires special pickup.

• Preparation: Items should be properly contained, disassembled, or bundled to facilitate pickup. See the Preparing for Pickup section below.

• Fees: Some areas charge special pickup fees if you exceed the standard item allowances.

Regional Heavy Trash Schedules

Heavy trash schedules can vary significantly across different cities and counties. Here are some examples from major metro areas:

Houston, TX

• Monthly pickup scheduled by zone
• Up to 8 cubic yards of heavy trash allowed per pickup
• No construction debris, hazardous chemicals, or electronics

Los Angeles, CA

• Bi-weekly pickup on designated weekdays by area
• Up to 8 cubic yards of bulk items allowed per pickup
• No hazardous waste accepted

Chicago, IL

• Ward-based pickup every 7 to 15 days
• Up to 2 cubic yards of debris allowed per pickup
• Mattresses and box springs discarded separately

Phoenix, AZ

• Two annual pickups per neighborhood
• 15 cubic yard limit per pickup
• No appliances, tires, or construction debris

Seattle, WA

• Monthly pickup with up to 3 large items or 15 bags allowed
• No piles over 4 ft high, 6 ft wide, or 10 ft long
• $30 extra pickup fee for additional items

Be sure to lookup the specific pickup policies and heavy trash calendar for your city or county. Schedules can change year to year.

Preparing Items for Heavy Trash Pickup

To ensure your heavy trash gets collected on pickup day, properly contain and place items at the curb:

• Remove doors and lids from appliances to prevent children from getting trapped inside

• ** Drain fluids** like oil and gas from lawn mowers, grills, etc.

• Wrap and secure mattresses in plastic to limit bedbug spread

• Cut wood and tree branches into lengths under 4 feet

• Dismantle bulky furniture and tie in bundles

• Label any items containing hazardous chemicals

• Separate yard waste, electronics, and construction debris into different piles if required

• Stack neatly at curb at least 3 feet from parked cars and mailboxes

Alternative Heavy Trash Disposal

If you miss heavy trash day or have prohibited items, consider these options:

• Special pickup: Schedule and pay fee for an unscheduled bulk pickup

• Rent a dumpster: For large volumes of trash or home renovation debris

• Donate usable items: Charities often accept furniture, appliances, etc.

• Sell items: On Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, etc.

• Recycle/dispose at facility: Take hazardous chemicals, yard waste, tires, and electronics to designated drop-off sites

• Use pickup bags: Some trash companies provide special tagged bags for extra trash

Properly disposing of heavy trash takes some preparation, but following local schedules makes the process hassle-free. Be sure to consult your municipal or county website for the most up to date pickup policies, maps, and calendars. This ensures you can efficiently remove oversized junk from your property while staying compliant with area codes.