Providence is the capital and most populous city in Rhode Island. With over 179,000 residents, effective trash and recycling collection services are essential to keeping the city clean. This article provides an overview of trash and recycling pickup schedules, guidelines, and other key information for Providence residents and visitors.
Trash Pickup Schedule
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Trash pickup in Providence occurs once per week on a designated day, Monday through Friday. Pickup does not occur on holidays.
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If a holiday falls on your regular trash day, pickup will occur the next day. For the remainder of the week, pickups are shifted by one day (Friday pickup moves to Saturday).
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To determine your designated trash day, refer to the trash collection map or call 401-680-7500.
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Some key holidays that impact the trash schedule:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 16, 2023)
- Memorial Day (May 29, 2023)
- Independence Day (July 4, 2023)
- Labor Day (September 4, 2023)
- Thanksgiving (November 23, 2023)
- Christmas Day (December 25, 2023)
Recycling Pickup Schedule
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Recycling is picked up on the same day as trash, once per week.
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Recycling pickup follows the same holiday schedule as trash – if a holiday falls on your pickup day, pickup moves to the following day.
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Check what materials can be recycled in Providence here.
Trash and Recycling Preparation
To ensure trash and recycling are collected properly:
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Place bins curbside by 6 AM on your pickup day.
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Trash should be bagged and placed in city-issued trash bins.
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Recyclables should be clean and placed loose in city-issued recycling bins. Do not bag recyclables.
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Make sure lids on bins are closed.
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Do not overstuff bins.
Bulky Waste Pickup
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Bulky waste includes large items like furniture, mattresses, appliances, etc.
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Schedule bulky waste pickup by calling 800-972-4545. Limited to 3 items per week.
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Place bulky items curbside the night before your pickup day.
Yard Waste Pickup
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Yard waste must be placed in brown paper bags or containers marked as “yard waste.”
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No plastic bags allowed.
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Get free yard waste stickers from the Department of Public Works at 700 Allens Ave.
Missed Pickups
If your trash or recycling is not collected on your scheduled day:
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For trash, call Waste Management at 800-972-4545 to schedule recollection.
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For recycling, report missed pickups to the Department of Public Works at 401-680-7500.
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Missed pickups will be addressed within 24 hours.
Obtaining Trash and Recycling Bins
New Providence residents or those needing new bins can request them:
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Online at https://www.providenceri.gov/pvd-311/
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By phone at 401-680-7500
Bins will be delivered to your home within 7 business days.
Recycling Laws and Enforcement
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Recycling is mandatory for all residents and businesses in Providence under City Ordinance 12.61.2.
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Violations can result in fines up to $500.
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To report non-compliance, contact the Department of Public Works or Providence Police non-emergency number at 401-272-3121.
Additional Trash and Recycling Resources
Department of Public Works
700 Allens Ave, Providence, RI 02905
401-680-7500
For questions on trash/recycling policies, to request bins, or report issues.
Recycle Together Rhode Island
Provides recycling education and information on what items can be recycled.
Waste Management (Trash Collector)
800-972-4545
To schedule large item pickups or report missed trash pickups.
Providence City Hall
401-680-5000
25 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903
Can provide info on trash ordinances and policies.
PVD 311
24/7 assistance online or by phone at 3-1-1.
To request services, report issues, or submit complaints.
Key Takeaways
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Trash and recycling are picked up once per week on designated days in Providence.
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Holidays shift pickup days – collection moves to the following day if a holiday falls on your pickup day.
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Recycling is mandatory and violators can be fined.
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Missed pickups should be reported promptly for recollection.
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Resources are available to obtain bins, learn what’s recyclable, schedule bulky item pickup, and more.
Understanding Providence’s trash and recycling program allows residents and visitors to properly dispose of waste and keep this New England capital clean.
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