Austin Bulk Trash Pickup Rules (2026 Rules & Calendar)
Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 3 items per collection. Up to 3 on-demand bulk collections per year scheduled by appointment
Austin bulk pickup rules
| Collection rule | Up to 3 on-demand bulk collections per year scheduled by appointment |
|---|---|
| Limit per pickup | 3 items |
| Permitted materials | Furniture, Appliances |
| Advance notice | Required before collection. |
| Dispatch phone | (512) 494-9400 |
Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials
Furniture
AcceptedCurbside ARR customers schedule on-demand collection up to 3 times per year.
Appliances
AcceptedLarge appliances and electronics accepted via on-demand bulk pickup or Drop-off Center.
Construction debris
Not acceptedConstruction debris, rock, dirt, and concrete are prohibited from curbside collection.
How to throw away a mattress in Austin
Follow the listed bulk rule: Up to 3 on-demand bulk collections per year scheduled by appointment
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.
Austin 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 Austin.
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.
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.
Austin 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 Travis County.
📍 2514 Business Center Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Drop off household hazardous waste, electronics, styrofoam, plastic film, and hard-to-recycle items for Austin residents.
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.
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.
To receive discounted residential gate rates, bring a valid state driver license and a current local municipal water or utility bill.
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 Travis County
For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.
Austin Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center
2514 Business Center Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Drop off household hazardous waste, electronics, styrofoam, plastic film, and hard-to-recycle items for Austin residents.
The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.
DPW & sanitation contact
Austin Resource Recovery · municipal dpw
Phone: (512) 494-9400
2514 Business Center DrAustin, TX 78744
These collection rules cover Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon–Fri by Street Address).
Trash & recycling questions
What days is trash collected in Austin, TX?
Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out by 5:30 a.m.. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon–Fri by Street Address).
Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Austin?
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, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon–Fri by Street Address).
How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Austin?
Up to 3 on-demand bulk collections per year scheduled by appointment The listed limit is 3 items per pickup. Advance notice is required. Contact sanitation at (512) 494-9400 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon–Fri by Street Address).
What items are accepted for recycling in Austin?
The listed accepted materials are Cardboard and paper boxes, Plastic bottles, tubs, buckets and jars, Glass bottles and jars (all colors), Aluminum foil and metal cans, Food and beverage cartons. Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags or film, Styrofoam, Batteries or electronics, Textiles or clothing, Garden hoses or tanglers. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Collection Routes (Mon–Fri by Street Address).