Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Alton
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 Cart Bin (Trash)
All household waste must be securely bagged and placed inside the cart. Carts must be placed at the curb by early morning on the designated service day, keeping clearance from vehicles and mailboxes.
Accepted Items
- ✓Normal household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable household packaging
Drop-Off Facility Only Bin (Recycling)
Alton does not feature curbside recycling. Residents must manually drop off sorted, clean recyclables at the City of Alton Recycling Center on S. Alton Blvd.
Accepted Items
- ✓Rinsed aluminum cans
- ✓Clean cardboard
- ✓Dry paper products
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles
- ✕Food-contaminated pizza boxes
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Household trash
- ✕Plastic bags
Yard Waste Bin
Brush must be transported to the Hidalgo County Collection Station in Alton. Limbs must be cut into 3 to 4-foot lengths and securely tied. Alternatively, brush can be disposed of via the Project Clean Neighborhood roll-off containers.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Tree trimmings
- ✓Brush
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-Demand (Via Project Clean Neighborhood or Self-Haul)
Placement
For Project Clean Neighborhood, items must be placed directly into the provided roll-off container, maintaining a clean perimeter around the bin.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and couches
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ White goods (Freon removed)
- ✓ Up to 4 passenger tires per month
- ✓ Scrap metal
Not Accepted
- ✕ Commercial construction materials (shingles, concrete)
- ✕ Hazardous waste and wet paint
- ✕ Automotive parts and engines
- ✕ Tractors or commercial truck tires
Project Clean Neighborhood is a free city service upon application approval. Using the Hidalgo County Collection Station requires a paid vehicle permit ($25 to $100 depending on duration).
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The City of Alton Public Works and the Hidalgo County solid waste facilities observe major federal holidays. Collections falling on these days will be delayed, and drop-off stations will be closed.
Yard Waste Exception
Neighborhood roll-off containers requested through Project Clean Neighborhood will not be delivered or hauled away on city-observed holidays.
Always refer to the City of Alton's official notices on their website or call Public Works at (956) 432-0792 for exact holiday route adjustments.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer
June - AugustDuring South Texas hurricane season, uncollected bulk items and loose brush can clog storm drains and exacerbate flooding. Do not place loose debris at the curb if a tropical storm or hurricane is forecast for Hidalgo County.
Spring
March - MaySpring is the optimal time to organize a Project Clean Neighborhood event. Gather 15 signatures from your neighbors and apply through Keep Alton Beautiful to receive a free roll-off container for neighborhood-wide spring cleaning.
Winter
December - JanuaryDuring major winter holidays, the Hidalgo County Collection Stations are typically closed on county-observed holidays. Verify the operating hours before loading your truck with post-holiday bulk waste and cardboard.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Those Cans & Bottles into Cold Cash Around Alton!
While Alton might not have a dedicated cash-for-recycling center right in town, the great state of Texas doesn't have a statewide bottle redemption program like some other places. But don't let that stop you from making a few bucks! Your best bet is to check out scrap metal yards in nearby cities like McAllen or Edinburg. Many of them will happily take your aluminum cans and other metals. It's a little bit of a drive, but for those who are diligent about collecting, it can definitely add up over time! Just give a call ahead to see what they're currently buying.
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a New Home in Alton
Got items that are still in good shape but you just don't need anymore? Instead of tossing them, think about donating! While there aren't specific thrift stores listed directly within Alton for this purpose, look towards the larger nearby communities. Places like the Goodwill or Salvation Army stores in McAllen are usually happy to receive clothing, household goods, and even small furniture. Another fantastic option is Habitat for Humanity ReStores, which often take building materials, furniture, and appliances, helping fund their mission. It’s a win-win – declutter your home and help others in the process!
Keeping Alton Beautiful: What to Do About Piles of Trash
Nobody likes seeing illegal dumping marring our beautiful community. If you happen upon any discarded waste that shouldn't be there, the best course of action is to report it to the city of Alton directly. You can usually find contact information for code enforcement or public works on the city's official website. They have procedures in place to handle these situations and keep our neighborhoods clean. For larger community clean-up events, keep an eye on local news outlets and community bulletin boards. Often, these events are organized periodically to tackle specific problem areas or just give everyone a chance to pitch in!
Drop-off Facilities
Hidalgo County Collection Station (Alton)
6 3/4 Mile North or 1/4 Mile South Hwy 107 Los Ebanos Rd, Alton, TX 78573
Materials Accepted
City of Alton Recycling Center
416 S. Alton Blvd, Alton, TX 78573
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alton provide curbside recycling bins to my house?
No, the City of Alton does not have a curbside recycling program. Instead, residents can take their clean cardboard, paper, and rinsed aluminum cans to the City of Alton Recycling Center located at 416 S. Alton Blvd, which is open seven days a week.
What is the Project Clean Neighborhood program?
Project Clean Neighborhood is an initiative by Keep Alton Beautiful where a minimum of 15 neighbors can apply to have a large roll-off container delivered to their street. It allows the community to collectively dispose of heavy debris and bulk waste for free.
Where can I throw away an old couch or mattress in Alton?
You can transport large furniture to the Hidalgo County Collection Station on Los Ebanos Road in Alton. However, you must first purchase a solid waste disposal permit for your vehicle at a Hidalgo County Precinct office.
Can I throw tree branches into the county collection station?
Yes, but they must be properly prepared. Hidalgo County regulations require that all brush and tree trimmings be cut into 3 to 4-foot lengths and securely tied into bundles before they will be accepted at the Alton station.