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St. Louis Bulk Trash Pickup Rules (2026 Rules & Calendar)

Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 3 items per collection. Monthly bulk collection during designated week; place items out by 6:00 AM on Monday

St. Louis bulk pickup rules

Bulk waste limits and booking rules for St. Louis
Collection ruleMonthly bulk collection during designated week; place items out by 6:00 AM on Monday
Limit per pickup3 items
Permitted materialsNo unconditional accepted-material list is verified. Confirm eligibility before putting items out.
Advance noticeNot required under the listed rules.
Dispatch phone(314) 622-4800

Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials

How to throw away a mattress in St. Louis

Follow the listed bulk rule: Monthly bulk collection during designated week; place items out by 6:00 AM on Monday

Special disposal mandates

Plastic mattress encasement: The listed rules do not require mattress bagging. Confirm any material-specific handling instructions before pickup. Read mattress bagging laws →

Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: The sticker requirement has not been verified. Confirm the appliance procedure with dispatch.

St. Louis Curbside Scavenging & Trash Picking Rules

Whether you want usable items salvaged before the compactor crushes them or you are looking for scrap metal, understand the local curbside legal boundaries in St. Louis.

The Legal Rule

Public Curb vs. City Cart Ownership

Under federal precedent, property discarded in public rights-of-way is legally abandoned. However, many municipal ordinances classify materials placed inside official city-owned recycling carts as city property. Removing materials from inside containers can trigger municipal pilfering fines.

Homeowner Etiquette

Mark Usable Items with a "FREE" Sign

If you want scrap metal collectors or neighbors to haul away working appliances, lawnmowers, or furniture before bulk pickup day, tape a clear "FREE" sign to the item and place it directly on the curb line away from your private driveway.

St. Louis Area Landfills & Citizen Drop-Off Stations

When you have large renovation loads, dirt, concrete, or bulky waste exceeding curbside limits, self-haul directly to a verified transfer station or county landfill serving St. Louis City County.

City of St. Louis Refuse Division Drop-Off - Southtransfer station

📍 4100 S. 1st St, St. Louis, MO 63118

Eligible residents with proof of address and paid solid waste fees can drop off up to 12 loads per year at the South Transfer Station.

City of St. Louis Refuse Division Drop-Off - Northtransfer station

📍 71 Angelica St, St. Louis, MO 63147

Eligible residents with proof of address and paid solid waste fees can drop off up to 12 loads per year at the North Transfer Station.

1. Mandatory Tarp Rule

All open truck beds and trailers must be secured with a tarp. Unsecured loads face an immediate $20 to $50 state fee at the scale.

2. Minimum Scale Charge

Most facilities have a minimum entry fee ($25 to $45) covering up to 1,000 lbs, with prorated per-ton rates for heavier commercial debris.

3. Proof of Residency

To receive discounted residential gate rates, bring a valid state driver license and a current local municipal water or utility bill.

Planning a Large Home Cleanout or Remodel?

If your project exceeds city bulk limits, review our dumpster rental vs. bulk pickup cost comparison or read our construction debris weight guide.

Local disposal alternatives in St. Louis City County

For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.

The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.

DPW & sanitation contact

City of St. Louis Department of Streets Refuse Division · municipal dpw

Phone: (314) 622-4800

1900 Hampton Ave
St. Louis, MO 63139
Visit Official St. Louis Sanitation Portal Official municipality portal at stlouis-mo.gov

These collection rules cover Zone St. Louis Citywide Refuse & Recycling Routes.

Trash & recycling questions

What days is trash collected in St. Louis, MO?

Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out 5:00 AM (set out by 5:00 AM; retrieve by 9:00 PM). These rules apply to Zone St. Louis Citywide Refuse & Recycling Routes.

Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in St. Louis?

As of 2026-10-10: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. A listed holiday shifts that day and the remaining collection days in its service week by one day. Observed holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone St. Louis Citywide Refuse & Recycling Routes.

How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in St. Louis?

Monthly bulk collection during designated week; place items out by 6:00 AM on Monday The listed limit is 3 items per pickup. Advance notice is not required under the listed rules. Contact sanitation at (314) 622-4800 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone St. Louis Citywide Refuse & Recycling Routes.

What items are accepted for recycling in St. Louis?

The listed accepted materials are Paper, Plastic bottles and containers, Metal food and beverage cans, Glass bottles and jars, Cardboard, Food and beverage cartons. Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags, Yard waste in recycling containers, Automotive batteries, Used motor oil, Hazardous household materials, Bulky items or electronics in roll carts. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone St. Louis Citywide Refuse & Recycling Routes.