A Guide to Recycling and Trash Collection Schedules

Knowing when recycling and trash are collected in your neighborhood is key to proper waste disposal. This article provides tips on finding your local recycling and trash schedules, how collection works, holiday schedule changes, and other key details.

How to Find Your Collection Schedule

The first step is determining who provides recycling and trash service in your area. Common providers include:

• Municipalities (city/county government)
• Private companies like Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections

Once you know your provider, check their website or call their customer service line to lookup your address and find your collection schedule. Many providers have online tools to instantly check your pickup dates.

Key places to find schedule information:

• Hauler website – Look for a “Schedule” or “Collection Day” search tool
• Account lookup – If you have an account, check your scheduled pickup days
• Customer service – Call and provide your address to get schedule
• Municipal website – For city/county providers

Typical Collection Schedule

Most areas follow a similar general schedule:

• Trash – Collected weekly on a set day
• Recycling – Collected weekly, biweekly, or monthly on a set day
• Yard Waste – Seasonal pickup from spring to fall, on a set day
• Bulk Items – Pickup by appointment for large items

Trash is usually picked up weekly, while recycling is less frequent – every other week or once a month. Yard waste pickup runs during growing seasons spring through fall, in areas that offer it.

Recycling and Trash Collection Process

On your scheduled collection day, recyclables and trash should be placed at the curb or alley pickup location by 7am.

Recycling must be prepared properly by cleaning and separating materials into designated bins. Trash should be bagged and tied off. Yard waste like leaves and branches may need to be bundled or bagged.

After pickup, bins and containers should be removed from the curb and stored out of sight. Storing them properly avoids issues like theft and blowing debris.

Common Recyclable Materials

Accepted recyclables varies by location, but usually includes:

• Paper and cardboard
• Metal cans (aluminum, tin)
• Plastic bottles and jugs
• Glass bottles and jars

Recyclables must be cleaned and separated – no food residue or trash mixed in. Check local guidelines for full lists of what’s accepted.

Holiday Schedule Changes

Collection is usually paused on major holidays and resumes one day later the rest of that week.

Common holidays that alter schedules:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

Check your hauler’s website for exact schedules around holidays. They often provide reminders and alerts about date changes by email, text, social media.

Large and Hazardous Items

Special handling is required for certain items that cannot be collected through regular pickup:

• Large items like furniture require scheduled bulk item pickup. Fees may apply.

• Hazardous waste like chemicals must be dropped off at designated collection sites.

• Electronics need to be recycled at retailer programs, donation centers, or hazardous waste events.

Check with your local provider on proper handling of these specialty disposal items in your area.

Managing Missed Pickups

If your pickup was missed, contact your hauler right away to resolve it. Typical reasons for missed collection include:

• Placing bin out late
• Overfilled containers that can’t be emptied
• Unapproved items mixed into recycling
• Parked cars blocking access
• Severe weather or other issues impacting routes

Missing recycling pickup causes household trash to build up. Make sure to report a missed collection as soon as possible to get back on schedule.

Get to Know Your Waste and Recycling Providers

Major companies serving thousands of households across the U.S. include:

• Waste Management – Provides trash and recycling pickup across most states

• Republic Services – Offers municipal recycling and waste solutions nationally

• Waste Connections – Handles trash and recycling primarily in southern and western states

Check your municipality’s website as well, since cities and counties may provide waste services locally. Getting to know your specific provider makes managing trash and recycling easy.

Having access to recycling and trash pickup schedules ensures your home can properly dispose of waste. Follow local preparation rules, schedule reminders, and other guidelines for smooth collection.