Understanding Trash Collection Schedules Across the USA

Trash and recycling collection schedules can vary widely across the United States. Knowing your local trash pickup schedule is key to ensuring your waste is disposed of properly. This article provides an overview of trash collection schedules and holidays that impact service for residents across the USA.

Typical Trash Collection Schedules

Most trash collection services in the USA follow a weekly schedule:

• Once per week – This is the most common schedule where trash is collected once per week. Recycling may be picked up on the same day or on alternating weeks.

• Twice per week – Some areas offer two trash pickups per week, allowing for more frequent disposal of waste.

• Every other week – In some localities, trash collection occurs biweekly or every other week to reduce truck traffic on roads. Recyclables may be picked up on the alternating weeks.

Some determining factors for collection frequency include:

• Population density – More densely populated areas often require more frequent collection than rural areas.

• Recycling services – Areas with comprehensive recycling programs may only require biweekly trash collection.

• Geography/climate – In very hot climates, more frequent collection prevents waste from rotting. Cold climates may merit less frequent pickup.

• Special wastes – Some areas offer regular collection of yard waste, bulk items, or food scraps.

Typical Trash Collection Days

• Monday – The most common trash day across the USA is Monday. Many localities start the week with Monday garbage pickup.

• Tuesday – Tuesday is another popular day for waste collection services to operate their routes.

• Wednesday – Some trash pickup occurs mid-week on Wednesdays in many areas.

• Thursday – Thursday trash collection is common in parts of the USA as well.

• Friday – Trash pickup at the end of the work week happens in some places on Fridays.

• Weekends – Weekend collection is less common but does occur in some localities, especially on Saturdays.

Collection day depends on the routes and schedules set by your local waste provider. Check with your city or county’s website to determine your designated trash day(s).

Holiday Schedules

Trash pickup holidays are days when waste collection services do not operate. Major holidays that can impact garbage pickup include:

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

On weeks when holidays occur, most waste providers will slide collection days after the holiday back by one day. For example:

• If your regular pickup is Monday and the holiday is on Monday, expect Tuesday pickup that week.
• If your regular day is Friday and the holiday is on Monday, you’ll get Friday service.

Some municipalities provide published holiday collection schedules each year to inform residents of any changes. Be sure to consult your local provider’s website for updates.

Missed Pickups on Holidays

If your pickup gets missed or delayed due to a holiday, you may need to store trash properly until the next scheduled collection day. Here are some tips:

• Double bag and tightly seal trash bags and cans to contain odors and prevent pests.
• Keep waste containers out of direct sun in garages, side yards, etc.
• Avoid overfilling bins – this can lead to messes if cans tip over.
• Refrigerate and freeze perishable wastes if needed to control odors and flies.
• Contact your waste provider if you will have overflowing waste due to missed collection.

Checking Your Trash Schedule

To lookup your local trash and recycling collection schedule, try these options:

• Contact your waste provider – Call or email your garbage collection company or municipal public works department.

• Check municipal website – Many cities and counties list trash schedules on their websites.

• See collection calendar – Some providers issue an annual collection calendar for reference.

• Call 311 – Where available, 311 city/county information lines can assist.

• Try an address lookup tool – Some haulers have online lookup apps to check your schedule.

• Check account portal – Customers with waste company accounts may access schedules online.

• See mailbox flyers – Look for schedule reminders on printed notices left by collection crews.

• Review mailed notices – Letters with schedule changes are often sent to households.

• Check mobile apps – Many waste providers have mobile schedule lookup apps.

• See cart labels – Collection days are sometimes marked on recycling and trash bins.

Being informed on your local trash and recycling schedules and how holidays impact service can help you properly manage waste. Check with your city, county, or service provider to confirm pickup days in your area. Proper disposal keeps neighborhoods clean and safe.