Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Abilene
Trash Day
Trash is collected twice a week, running Monday through Friday (typically on Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday schedules depending on your neighborhood zone).
Recycling
No curbside pickup; drop-off recycling is available at Neighborhood Recycling Centers across the city and at the Environmental Recycling Center (2209 Oak St).
Yard Waste
Curbside brush collection occurs every other month by zone (alley routes average 3 times per year), or residents can drop off tree limbs and brush for free at the Abilene Brush Center (2149 Sandy St).
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash collection and sewer fees are bundled together with water service and billed monthly on your Municipal Services Statement.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (Bank Draft), Phone, Mail, In Person, Drop Box
City-issued refuse container Bin (Trash)
Place your bin at the curb by 6:00 AM on your designated collection day. The lid must be completely closed, and the container should be clear of vehicles, mailboxes, and low-hanging wires.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Small standard household debris
Neighborhood Drop-off Bin (Recycling)
Take your sorted recyclables to one of the conveniently-located Neighborhood Recycling Centers across Abilene. Do not leave items on the ground if the dumpsters are full.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper and newspaper
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Household garbage
- ✕Glass (check local center rules)
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food-soiled materials
Yard Waste Bin
Large brush and tree limbs should be taken directly to the Abilene Brush Center at 2149 Sandy Street. Small amounts of bagged yard waste may be placed in your regular trash container.
Accepted Items
- ✓Tree limbs
- ✓Brush
- ✓Shrub trimmings
- ✓Leaves
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
As needed (Drop-off or Scheduled Appliance Pickup)
Placement
For scheduled appliance pickups, place the item clearly accessible at the curb by 6:00 AM on the agreed-upon day, away from mailboxes and parked cars.
Accepted
- ✓ Refrigerators and freezers (scheduled)
- ✓ Washing machines and dryers (scheduled)
- ✓ Furniture and mattresses (drop-off)
- ✓ Large household junk (drop-off)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Wet paint
- ✕ Commercial construction debris
- ✕ Tires (unless specifically authorized)
Drop-off is generally included with your municipal services; however, you must present proof of active Abilene residency, such as your current utility bill and a matching ID.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Trash collection schedules typically shift by one day following a major observed city holiday. For example, Monday routes may be collected on Tuesday. Always check the city's collection map for exact holiday adjustments.
Yard Waste Exception
The Abilene Brush Center and Citizens Convenience Station are closed on all major city-observed holidays.
Customer service lines and the water utility billing office will also be closed during these municipal holidays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - JanuaryHoliday trash volumes often exceed standard bin capacities. The Citizens Convenience Station provides an excellent outlet for massive cardboard boxes, packaging, and extra holiday waste that won't fit in your container.
Spring
March - MaySpring cleaning and severe West Texas storms often result in large brush piles. Utilize the Abilene Brush Center on Sandy Street to efficiently clear out dead limbs and windblown debris from your yard.
Summer
June - AugustDuring the intense summer heat, properly double-bag all food waste and organic materials to prevent severe odor issues, maggots, and pest attraction in your curbside refuse container.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Scrap Into Cash Right Here in Abilene!
While Abilene doesn't have specific local recycling buyback centers that pay cash for common recyclables like cans and bottles, Texas does have state-wide programs and various scrap metal yards that can turn your unwanted metal items into a few extra bucks. It's always a good idea to check with local scrap metal yards like Abilene Scrap Metal or Metro Metals, Inc. to see what they're currently buying. You might be surprised what has value! For items like aluminum cans, look for local community programs or schools that might be collecting them for fundraising.
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in the Big Country
Instead of tossing perfectly good items, consider donating them to local Abilene charities. Places like the Goodwill Store & Donation Center are always looking for clothes, household goods, and furniture. You can also check with the Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center. For home improvement items or furniture, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Abilene is a fantastic option, helping fund their mission while keeping usable items out of the landfill. Giving your old things a new home feels pretty good!
Keeping Abilene Beautiful: Tackling Dumped Trash Together
Abilene takes illegal dumping seriously to keep our community looking its best. If you spot trash dumped where it shouldn't be, the best thing to do is report it. You can contact the City of Abilene Solid Waste Services or the Abilene Police Department non-emergency line to let them know the location and details. While there aren't regular city-wide hazardous waste collection days advertised for residents, keep an eye out for announcements from the city or county about special events for things like electronics or chemicals. Participating in local clean-up events, when organized, is also a great way to contribute to a cleaner Abilene.
Drop-off Facilities
Citizens Convenience Station & Abilene Brush Center
2149 Sandy St, Abilene, TX 79601
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start trash service in Abilene?
Trash service in Abilene is bundled with your city water utility. By establishing water service at the Customer Service Center or online, your refuse collection is automatically activated and billed together on your Municipal Services Statement.
Where can I recycle my cardboard and plastic in Abilene?
Abilene uses a community drop-off system rather than curbside recycling carts. You can take your basic recyclables, like cardboard, paper, and plastic bottles, to any of the Neighborhood Recycling Centers located across the city.
What should I do with an old washing machine or refrigerator?
You do not need to haul it to the landfill yourself. Abilene residents can call the Solid Waste Services Division at 325-676-6053 to schedule a dedicated large appliance pickup directly from their curb.
How do I dispose of large tree branches after a storm?
Residents can transport heavy brush, tree limbs, and extensive yard waste directly to the Abilene Brush Center at 2149 Sandy Street. The facility is open six days a week for convenient drop-off.