Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Brenham
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 64 or 96-gallon cart Bin (Trash)
All trash must be bagged and tied. Carts must be placed at the curb by 8:00 a.m. on the collection day, but not earlier than 8:00 p.m. the evening prior. Keep a 4-foot clearance around the cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-hazardous everyday waste
City-issued recycling cart Bin (Recycling)
Items must be clean, dry, and loose in the cart. Do not bag recyclables. Carts must be set out by 8:00 a.m. on your designated collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1 and #2
- ✓Clear and brown glass bottles and jars (no lids)
- ✓Metal cans (steel, tin, aluminum)
- ✓Newspapers, magazines, and flattened cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and wrapping
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Glass lids
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Dirt and yard waste
Yard Waste Bin
Brush is not collected with regular trash. You must schedule a Wednesday brush pickup via the BVR app or by calling 979-922-5958. An $18 fee applies per occurrence.
Accepted Items
- ✓Brush
- ✓Tree limbs
- ✓Yard cuttings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By Request or Drop-off
Placement
Large items must not be placed at the curb alongside your regular carts. You must transport them to the transfer station or contact the city for special arrangements.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Non-freon appliances
- ✓ General bulky household junk
Not Accepted
- ✕ CFC-containing appliances (freon)
- ✕ Tires and oil filters
- ✕ Hazardous waste and liquids
- ✕ Contractor-generated demolition debris
The Transfer Station charges $70.00 per ton for compatible waste for in-city residents. Rack-off fees and tire disposal fees also apply depending on the item.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Curbside pickup is suspended on these three major holidays. Schedules typically shift by one day for the remainder of the week following the holiday.
Yard Waste Exception
Wednesday scheduled brush pickups may also be rescheduled during holiday weeks. Verify your appointment via the BVR app.
Minor holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day generally do not affect the collection schedule, but residents should always consult the official calendar to be certain.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Loose Recyclables Only
Never place your recyclables inside plastic grocery bags or garbage bags. Bagged recyclables are treated as contamination and will be diverted to the landfill. Keep items loose inside your recycling cart.
Remove Lids from Glass
While Brenham accepts clear and brown glass bottles and jars, you must remove all metal or plastic lids before tossing them into the recycling cart. The mixed materials can damage sorting equipment.
No Construction Debris in Carts
Materials such as dirt, sod, concrete, rocks, shingles, and remodeling debris are strictly prohibited in residential carts. These heavy items can break the automated lifting arms on the garbage trucks.
Seasonal Information
Winter
November - JanuaryCollections will not occur on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Year's Day. Download the BVR app to receive instant push notifications regarding alternate holiday makeup days.
Spring & Summer
March - AugustDuring peak growing seasons, yard waste can accumulate quickly. If you have more brush than you want to pay to have collected on a Wednesday route, you can haul it directly to the Collection Station for a $30 per ton rate ($5 minimum).
Year-Round
January - DecemberLithium batteries pose a severe fire hazard in Texas heat and should never be thrown into household trash or recycling carts. Always dispose of batteries and hazardous liquids at approved chemical drop-off events or specialized facilities.
About Brenham Waste Management
Brenham's Strategic Partnership with BVR
The City of Brenham manages its solid waste and recycling program through a robust partnership with Brazos Valley Recycling (BVR). This collaboration ensures that residents receive dependable weekly collections while also providing local access to a comprehensive Collection and Transfer Station. By combining curbside pickup with drop-off solutions, Brenham maintains clean neighborhoods and responsible waste diversion.
Strict Cart Placement and Bagging Mandates
To prevent wind-blown litter across Texas streets, Brenham ordinances require that all household garbage must be securely bagged and tied before being placed in the trash cart. Furthermore, carts must be positioned with at least four feet of clearance from mailboxes, trees, parked cars, and other bins. The arrows on the lid must point directly toward the street, and all lids must be completely closed.
Handling Bulky Waste Off-Curb
Unlike some municipalities that offer recurring curbside bulk trash days, Brenham requires homeowners to take a proactive approach for large items. Overfilled carts or garbage bags piled outside the bin will not be collected by automated trucks. Residents must transport bulky household goods and excess trash directly to the Transfer Station on Old Chappell Hill Road, where reasonable disposal fees apply.
Convenient Wednesday Brush Pickups
Yard maintenance is an ongoing task in Brenham, and the city offers a dedicated Wednesday brush collection service to help. Instead of leaving branches on the curb for extended periods, residents can easily request a pickup via the BVR mobile app or by phone. An $18 fee is then conveniently added to the homeowner's monthly City of Brenham utility bill.
Navigating the Recycling Rules
Brenham's recycling program accepts a specific stream of materials, including plastics labeled #1 and #2, paper, cardboard, and metal cans. Notably, residents can also recycle rinsed clear and brown glass bottles and jars, provided the lids are removed. To ensure processing efficiency at the sorting facility, all recyclables must be placed loosely into the cart without any plastic bags or film wrappers.
Drop-off Facilities
Brenham Collection/Transfer & Recycling Station
2009 Old Chappell Hill Road, Brenham, TX 77833
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I need to put my trash cart out in Brenham?
Carts must be placed at the curb by 8:00 a.m. on your designated collection day to guarantee pickup. However, you cannot place the carts out earlier than 8:00 p.m. the night before.
How do I get rid of tree branches and brush?
You can schedule a Wednesday brush pickup for an $18 fee by calling 979-922-5958 or using the BVR app. Alternatively, you can haul brush yourself to the Collection Station on Old Chappell Hill Road.
Will the city pick up large items left next to my garbage cart?
No. Brenham's automated trucks will not collect items, extra bags, or boxes left outside or on top of the carts. Large bulky waste must be taken directly to the Transfer Station.
Can I recycle glass in my curbside cart?
Yes, but with strict rules. Only rinsed clear and brown glass bottles and jars are accepted. You must completely remove any metal or plastic lids before placing the glass loosely into the recycling cart.