Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Abilene
Texas residential services run Monday through Friday. Please refer to your neighborhood's specific zoning map for your exact day.
State Mandate
Bag all trash to prevent pests.
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
!Contamination Tips
Keep Garbage Out of Recycling Drop-Offs
When using the Neighborhood Recycling Centers, make sure you only deposit approved recyclables. Tossing regular household garbage or plastic bags into these containers ruins the entire batch and increases processing costs for the city.
Bag Your Trash Securely
Always ensure all garbage placed in your curbside bin is tied securely in bags. This prevents loose debris from blowing around Abilene's streets on windy days when the automated trucks empty the containers.
Prepare Appliances Safely
Before scheduling a large appliance pickup, ensure refrigerators or freezers are completely empty of food. It is also required by law to secure or remove the doors to protect children and wildlife from getting trapped inside.
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.
About Abilene Waste Management
Integrated Municipal Utility Billing
In Abilene, residential solid waste collection is conveniently bundled with your city water and wastewater services. Residents don't need a separate account for trash; it is billed directly on the Municipal Services Statement. When you turn on your water at a new address, your garbage collection is automatically activated.
Neighborhood Recycling Centers
Unlike cities that rely entirely on curbside recycling carts, Abilene promotes community drop-off locations. The city operates a network of Neighborhood Recycling Centers strategically placed around the community. Residents can gather their basic recyclables, such as plastics, paper, and cardboard, and take them to these designated spots to keep them out of the local landfill.
Citizens Convenience Station
For excess bulky items or large household cleanouts, residents have access to the Citizens Convenience Station located at 2149 Sandy Street. You can drop off heavy furniture and large debris by simply presenting proof of active Abilene residency, such as your current municipal utility bill and a matching ID.
The Abilene Brush Center
Landscaping and storm cleanup are made easier thanks to the dedicated Abilene Brush Center. Located adjacent to the Convenience Station on Sandy Street, this facility accepts brush, tree limbs, and heavy yard waste six days a week, helping residents keep their properties clear of excess vegetation and fire hazards.
Scheduled Appliance Pickups
Abilene makes disposing of old refrigerators, washing machines, or stoves simple and hassle-free. Instead of trying to haul these heavy items yourself, residents can schedule a specialized large appliance pickup by calling the Solid Waste Services Division directly. The city will send a truck to collect the appliance right from your curb.
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.