Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Fort Worth
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.
Brown Cart Bin (Trash)
All garbage must be bagged and fit entirely inside the brown cart with the lid completely closed. Do not leave bags on the ground. Place cart at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Bagged pet waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam
Blue Cart Bin (Recycling)
Items must be placed loose in the blue cart (no plastic bagging). Ensure all recyclables are empty, clean, and dry before tossing them in.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Cardboard (flattened)
- ✓Paper and magazines
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags or film
- ✕Food-soiled paper or greasy pizza boxes
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires, cords)
- ✕Clothing and textiles
- ✕Electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Place in kraft paper yard bags or the optional green yard cart. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited. Bundled branches cannot exceed 4 feet in length or 50 pounds.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small branches and twigs
- ✓Plant trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Monthly (Assigned Week)
Placement
Place items at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the Monday of your assigned bulk week. Ensure piles are separate (brush vs. bulk) and clear of low-hanging wires, mailboxes, and cars.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and mattresses
- ✓ Appliances (refrigerant must be professionally removed)
- ✓ Tree limbs and large brush (separated from bulk)
- ✓ Carpet and fence panels (cut into small sections)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Electronics and TVs
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris (dirt, concrete, shingles)
Piles exceeding the 10-cubic-yard limit may result in a code compliance violation or an additional pickup fee assessed to your utility bill.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The City of Fort Worth only alters its collection schedule for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If your collection day falls on or after one of these holidays, your service will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and monthly bulk pickup weeks shift following the exact same holiday delay structure as the standard household garbage and recycling schedules.
For all other holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), and Labor Day, there are no changes to the schedule. Place your carts out on your normal service day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
March - MayDuring the stormy Texas spring season, severe weather can generate a lot of fallen branches. Remember that tree limbs up to 10 cubic yards can be placed out during your designated monthly bulk collection week, or self-hauled to a Drop-Off Station.
Autumn
October - DecemberHeavy leaf fall requires special attention. Remember that leaves must be packaged in compostable paper yard bags, not plastic. If you run out of bags, you can utilize your optional green yard cart or self-haul to a Drop-Off Station.
Winter
January - FebruaryRare freezing rain or ice storms in North Texas may temporarily suspend solid waste routes for safety. Download the Fort Worth Garbage and Recycling app to receive push notifications regarding weather-related service delays.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash In On Your Cans and Bottles Around Fort Worth?
While Texas doesn't have a statewide bottle redemption program like some other states, you can still make a few bucks with your recyclables! Keep an eye out for local scrap metal yards in the Fort Worth area. Places like Metal Recyclers of Texas often buy aluminum cans, copper, and other metals. It's a good way to turn that extra aluminum into a little spending money and keep it out of the landfill. Just give them a call to see what they're currently paying.
Give Your Unwanted Stuff a New Home in Cowtown!
Got items that are still in good shape but you just don't need anymore? Instead of tossing them, consider donating! Fort Worth has some fantastic options. Check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations; they accept furniture, appliances, and building materials. You can also find great local charities like Presbyterian Night Shelter or Union Gospel Mission, which often accept clothing, household goods, and sometimes even furniture. It's a win-win: you declutter, and someone else gets a bargain or much-needed items.
Fort Worth's Got Your Back on Keeping Neighborhoods Clean
The City of Fort Worth takes illegal dumping pretty seriously, and for good reason! If you see someone dumping trash illegally, you can report it. The city has resources to help you do that, often through their code compliance or solid waste departments. They also occasionally have special collection events for household hazardous waste, so if you have old paint, electronics, or chemicals, watch for announcements about those opportunities. Staying on top of this helps keep our streets and natural areas beautiful.
Drop-off Facilities
Environmental Collection Center (ECC)
6400 Bridge St, Fort Worth, TX 76112
Materials Accepted
Brennan Drop-Off Station
2400 Brennan Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76106
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce my Fort Worth utility bill using my garbage cart?
Fort Worth uses a Pay-As-You-Throw system. The monthly fee for a 32-gallon brown cart is significantly lower than that of a 96-gallon cart. By maximizing your use of the blue recycling cart and green yard waste options, you can downsize your brown garbage cart and save money each month.
What is the limit for bulk trash pickup in Fort Worth?
Residents are allowed to set out up to 10 cubic yards of bulk waste and brush each month during their assigned week. This is roughly the size of a standard Volkswagen Beetle. Items must be separated into a brush pile and a bulky item pile.
Do I need an appointment to use a Fort Worth Drop-Off Station?
No appointment is necessary, but you must prove residency. You are required to present a recent Fort Worth Water bill that includes residential solid waste services, along with a valid Texas driver's license or ID that matches the address on the bill.
Are trash routes delayed for Labor Day or the 4th of July?
No, solid waste collection in Fort Worth is not delayed for Labor Day, the 4th of July, or Memorial Day. The city only shifts the collection schedule for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.