Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Canyon Lake
Trash Day
Trash collection days vary by neighborhood and service provider, as Canyon Lake is an unincorporated area in Comal County where residents subscribe individually with private haulers such as Waste Connections, Republic Services, or Hill Country Waste Solutions.
Recycling
Recycling schedules depend on your chosen private hauler's curbside plan; residents can also drop off accepted recyclables at the Comal County Recycling Center located at 281 Resource Dr. in New Braunfels.
Yard Waste
Yard waste and brush pickup can be scheduled through select private haulers, or self-hauled to the Comal County Brush & Chipping Center (fees apply based on vehicle size).
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Because Canyon Lake is unincorporated, trash and recycling collection is not provided by the county or billed through municipal utilities; residents must set up an individual subscription with a licensed local hauler.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly or Monthly (billed directly by private hauler)
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail (varies by private provider)
Pro Tip / Discount
No specific discounts listed; check directly with your chosen private waste contractor.
Varies by Hauler (Typically Blue, Black, or Green 95-gallon cart) Bin (Trash)
Trash must be securely bagged, and the cart lid must be completely closed. Carts should be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your designated service day, maintaining a 3-foot clearance from obstacles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
- ✓Small, non-hazardous household items
Drop-off Facility or Hauler-Provided Cart Bin (Recycling)
If you have a curbside recycling subscription, place items loosely in the cart. If utilizing the Comal County Recycling Center, materials must be pre-sorted and dropped in the appropriate facility bins.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard and paperboard
- ✓Newspaper and magazines
- ✓Clean plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles (often prohibited in curbside, check with hauler)
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, ropes, wires)
- ✕Food-soiled containers
Yard Waste Bin
Private haulers usually require brush to be tied in bundles no longer than 4 feet and weighing less than 50 lbs. Alternatively, unbundled brush can be taken directly to the Comal County Chipping Center.
Accepted Items
- ✓Tree limbs and branches
- ✓Brush and shrubs
- ✓Leaves (if properly bagged/contained)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-Demand (Determined by your specific private hauler contract).
Placement
Once scheduled with your hauler, place approved bulky items at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the agreed-upon date. Ensure items are not blocking mailboxes, vehicles, or the roadway.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and large household goods
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Major appliances (must be tagged Freon-free)
- ✓ Bundled brush (max 4 feet long)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Dirt, concrete, and rock
- ✕ Hazardous waste and chemicals
- ✕ Tires and automotive parts
Because trash service is not funded by municipal taxes in Canyon Lake, bulk pickups often incur an additional fee charged directly to your account by your private hauler.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because services are privatized, holiday schedules vary slightly by company. However, the standard rule for Waste Connections and Republic Services is a one-day delay if the holiday falls on a weekday (e.g., Thursday service moves to Friday).
Yard Waste Exception
The Comal County Recycling and Chipping Center typically closes for all major county-observed holidays. Always call 830-643-3781 to verify their operating hours before making a trip.
Most private haulers in the area operate on a normal schedule for minor holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. When in doubt, place your cart out on your normal day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
March - MaySpring is the optimal time for heavy yard clearing before the intense summer heat sets in. Utilize the Comal County Chipping Center to responsibly dispose of dead brush and low-hanging limbs to create a defensible fire space around your property.
Summer
June - AugustSummer often brings strict burn bans to Comal County. It is illegal and highly dangerous to burn household trash or yard debris during these months. Rely strictly on your private hauler for all waste removal.
Winter
December - FebruaryMajor winter holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day) will typically push your private garbage collection schedule back by one day for the remainder of that week. Check your specific hauler's app or website to confirm.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Cans to Cash? Find Your Local Texas Redemption Spots!
While Canyon Lake might not have a dedicated buyback center right in town, don't toss those cans and bottles just yet! Texas has a fantastic redemption program for beverage containers. You can usually find redemption centers in larger nearby towns like San Marcos or New Braunfels. Search online for "Texas bottle redemption centers" near zip codes like 78133 or 78130 to find one that's convenient. It’s a great way to make a little extra cash while helping the environment. For scrap metal, keep an eye out for local scrapyards in the surrounding Comal and Hays counties; they're often willing to pay for metals like aluminum, copper, and steel.
Give Your Goods a Second Life: Canyon Lake Donation Possibilities
Before you bag up items for the curb, think about donating them! For gently used clothing, furniture, or household goods, check out the Goodwill in San Marcos or the Salvation Army in New Braunfels. These organizations often have donation centers where your items can find new homes and support local programs. If you're decluttering and have building materials or furniture, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, also often found in larger neighboring cities, are excellent options. It feels good knowing your pre-loved items are helping others in the community.
Keeping Canyon Lake Beautiful: Tackling Dumping & Community Cleanups
Let's keep our beautiful Canyon Lake free from litter and illegal dumping. While there aren't specific hazmat collection days advertised for Canyon Lake itself, Comal County often holds periodic household hazardous waste collection events. Keep an eye on the Comal County Solid Waste & Recycling website or local news for announcements about these opportunities to dispose of things like old paint, electronics, or batteries responsibly. If you happen to spot illegal dumping, it's important to report it. You can usually contact the Comal County Sheriff's Office or the local code enforcement department to let them know the location so they can investigate and clean it up.
Drop-off Facilities
Comal County Recycling & Chipping Center
281 Resource Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78132
Materials Accepted
Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) Landfill & Transfer Stations
Call (800) 375-8375 for the nearest accessible public drop-off location
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Is trash pickup included in my property taxes or water bill in Canyon Lake?
No. Canyon Lake is an unincorporated area within Comal County, meaning there is no municipal garbage service. Residents must independently set up and pay for a subscription with a private waste hauler like Republic Services, Waste Connections, or Canyon Disposal.
Where can I drop off extra cardboard or recyclables?
Comal County residents can drop off flattened cardboard, plastics, and metals at the Comal County Recycling & Chipping Center located at 281 Resource Drive in New Braunfels.
How do I throw away an old couch or mattress?
You cannot simply leave bulky items at the curb expecting them to be picked up. You must call your specific private waste hauler to schedule an on-demand bulk pickup. Be aware that an additional fee may apply depending on your contract terms.
Can I burn my trash or yard brush instead of paying for disposal?
Burning household trash is highly discouraged and often illegal, as it releases toxic chemicals. Due to the high risk of wildfires in the area, Comal County frequently issues strict burn bans. You should take brush to the county Chipping Center instead of burning it.