Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Friendswood
Trash Day
Trash is collected twice weekly on assigned route days (such as Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday, depending on your neighborhood).
Recycling
Collected once per week on your designated neighborhood recycling day.
Yard Waste
Collected once per week on your first scheduled garbage pickup day of the week.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day (containers can be placed out after 6:00 PM the evening before).
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling services provided through Waste Connections are billed together with your monthly city water and sewer utility account.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Bank Draft / Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone, In-Person
Resident-provided (No official color) Bin (Trash)
Residents must use their own cans (32 gallons or less) or bags. No single bag or can may weigh more than 50 pounds. Place curbside by 7:00 a.m.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Standard refuse
- ✓Food waste
Blue bin or optional 96-gallon cart Bin (Recycling)
Set out by 7:00 a.m. on your designated recycling day. Items should be loose in the bin. A 96-gallon cart upgrade is available for a small monthly fee.
Accepted Items
- ✓Newspapers, magazines, and catalogs
- ✓Flattened cardboard and cereal boxes
- ✓Plastics #1 through #7
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum, steel, and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Mirrors, windows, and ceramics
Yard Waste Bin
Collected on your first trash day of the week. Small debris must be in clear/translucent bags under 35 lbs. Branches must be tied/bundled (under 5 ft long, max 18 inches diameter, under 50 lbs).
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Tree trimmings and branches
- ✓Flowers and stalks
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Collected on your regular garbage days.
Placement
Place heavy items at the curb by 7:00 a.m. alongside your regular trash. Ensure they do not block sidewalks or storm drains.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and furniture
- ✓ Appliances (refrigerants properly removed)
- ✓ Water heaters (drained)
- ✓ Standard-sized televisions and computers
- ✓ Fiberglass bathtubs (cut in half)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Projection televisions
- ✕ Construction materials (boards, sheetrock, cabinets)
- ✕ Tires and car parts
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals and liquid paint
- ✕ Fencing and railroad ties
Bulk pickup for accepted household items is included in your standard utility rate.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because Friendswood has twice-weekly garbage service, if your collection day falls on an observed holiday, service is skipped for that day. Your garbage will simply be picked up on your next regularly scheduled service day.
Yard Waste Exception
Recycling and green waste also skip the holiday and resume on the next standard collection cycle.
Always check the official City of Friendswood Facebook page during holiday weeks for any sudden scheduling announcements or route updates.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
March to MaySpring landscaping generates heavy brush. Remember that bundles of tree limbs cannot exceed 50 pounds. If they are heavier, the manual collection crews are not permitted to lift them.
Summer
June to AugustDuring hurricane and severe storm season, extremely high winds can blow lightweight recycling bins down the street. If heavy weather is forecasted, wait until morning to set your bins out, rather than the night before.
Winter
December to FebruaryOn Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, Waste Connections trucks run their normal routes but may finish earlier than usual. Always ensure your bags and bins are at the curb precisely by 7:00 a.m. to avoid missed service.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Cans? Turn 'Em into Cash Right Here in the Bay Area!
While Friendswood itself might not have a big metal shredder down the road, don't toss those empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles just yet! Just a short drive away in Houston, you'll find places like the Gulf Coast Recycling Center or Metal Recycling Corporation that'll pay you for your scrap. It's a great way to earn a little extra while keeping those materials out of the landfill. Check their websites for the latest prices and what they accept – you might be surprised how quickly those returns add up!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life Near Friendswood
Before you decide something's 'trash,' think about who else could use it! Friendswood is lucky to have organizations like the Houston Furniture Bank that take donations of furniture and household items, helping families get back on their feet. And don't forget about local thrift stores like the Goodwill or Salvation Army out towards Houston – they're always looking for clothing, books, and other treasures. It's a fantastic way to declutter and do some good for our neighbors.
Keeping Our Neighborhoods Clean: Reporting Dumping in Friendswood
We all want to keep Friendswood looking its best! If you ever see someone dumping trash illegally, don't just drive by. The City of Friendswood encourages residents to report it. You can usually do this by contacting the city's code enforcement or public works department. Sometimes, cities will organize community clean-up days too, which are awesome opportunities to pitch in and meet other folks who care about our town. Keep an eye on the city's official website or social media for announcements!
Drop-off Facilities
Stella Roberts Recycling Center
5800 Magnolia St, Pearland, TX 77584
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy my own garbage can in Friendswood?
Yes. Neither the City of Friendswood nor Waste Connections provides standardized trash carts. You must supply your own trash cans, which cannot exceed 32 gallons in size, or you may simply place heavy-duty garbage bags at the curb.
How strict is the weight limit for trash in Friendswood?
Very strict. Because Waste Connections uses manual labor instead of automated lifting arms in Friendswood, every single trash can, garbage bag, and yard waste bundle must weigh 50 pounds or less.
Can I throw away carpet on my normal trash day?
Yes, but it must be properly prepared. Carpet is accepted if it is cut into strips 5 feet or shorter, rolled up, and weighs no more than 50 pounds per roll. If it rains, you must ensure the carpet dries out before placing it on the curb, as wet carpet quickly exceeds the weight limit.
How do I get a larger recycling cart?
The city issues one standard recycling bin per household. If you produce a lot of recyclables, you can contact the Utility Billing Office at 281-996-3232 to request a massive 96-gallon rolling recycling cart for a small additional monthly fee of around $1.32.