Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Huntsville
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.
Green Bin (Trash)
All garbage must be bagged before being placed in the Green cart. Place within 2 feet of the street edge by 6:00 AM on Monday or Tuesday. Lids must close completely.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable materials
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Items must be clean and placed loose in the Blue cart (do not bag). Glass must not be placed curbside. Set out by 6:00 AM on Thursday or Friday.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1-#7
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Newspaper
- ✓Magazines
- ✓White or colored paper
- ✓Flattened cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Batteries
Yard Waste Bin
Place curbside on the 1st, 3rd, or 5th Wednesday of the month. Branches must not exceed 12 inches in diameter or 5 feet in length.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small branches
- ✓Brush
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month
Placement
Place no more than 2 feet from street edge and 5 feet from other obstacles like mailboxes. The pile cannot exceed 4 feet high, 10 feet long, and 5 feet deep.
Accepted
- ✓ Large yard waste
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ White goods/appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washers)
- ✓ Materials from minor household projects (cabinets, toilets)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Commercial waste
- ✕ Construction/demolition materials (drywall, concrete, bricks)
- ✕ Vehicle batteries
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Liquid waste
- ✕ Cardboard
There is no fee for heavy trash pickup for active city garbage account holders as of October 1, 2021.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The city's commercial division works every holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Residential routes may be delayed by one day following major holidays; residents are advised to consult the yearly solid waste calendar PDF published on the city website.
Yard Waste Exception
Wednesday yard waste and bulk collections scheduled on holidays may be canceled or shifted; always verify via the city's official calendar.
City billing cycles and due dates are also adjusted for holidays and weekends.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep it Loose in the Blue Cart
Never bag your recyclables. Bagged items are often treated as garbage because plastic bags jam the city's sorting machinery and ruin batches of clean recycling.
Glass Goes to the Drop-off
Do not put glass in your curbside BLUE recycling cart. If you have glass bottles or jars, take them directly to the Recycling Drop-Off Center on Interstate 45 North.
Flatten the Cardboard
To maximize space in your 48-gallon or 96-gallon cart, make sure to completely flatten all cardboard boxes. This prevents wedging, ensuring the automated truck arm can empty the cart cleanly.
Seasonal Information
Spring
March to MayFollowing severe Texas spring weather, remember that heavy brush from storm damage must be cut to 5 feet max and kept under 12 inches in diameter to qualify for bulk pickup.
Autumn
September to NovemberBagged, canned, or bundled small yard trimmings and fall leaves can be set out on your designated yard waste collection days (the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays).
Winter
December to JanuaryAfter the holiday season, you can take any excess cardboard boxes or extra recycling that won't fit in your BLUE cart directly to the Transfer Station for free.
About Huntsville Waste Management
Huntsville's Automated Cart System
The City of Huntsville manages residential waste collection using a highly efficient automated cart system. Every active utility account receives a GREEN cart for household garbage and a BLUE cart for recyclables, available in both 48-gallon and 96-gallon sizes. Due to the mechanical arms used by the collection trucks, all trash must fit completely inside your designated container, and carts must be spaced at least five feet apart from mailboxes, vehicles, and utility poles.
Wednesday Specialty Collections
In Huntsville, Wednesdays are dedicated to specialty collections to keep standard routes moving efficiently. Yard waste is collected on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday of the month. Conversely, the Heavy Trash Collection service runs on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday. This strategic schedule ensures that Walker County residents can easily dispose of bulky items and brush without disrupting standard Monday and Tuesday garbage routes.
Navigating the Heavy Trash Process
Effective late 2021, the city eliminated the fee for heavy trash pickup, but residents are still required to register. You must submit an online request or call the Solid Waste division by noon the Wednesday prior to your scheduled week. Acceptable items include old furniture, large appliances, and minor DIY project debris, provided the entire pile does not exceed the dimensions of 4 feet high by 10 feet long by 5 feet deep.
Utilizing the I-45 Transfer Station
If you miss your designated curbside day or generate excess waste, the Huntsville Transfer Station at 590 Interstate 45 North offers a convenient drop-off alternative. The facility is open Monday through Saturday, allowing residents to safely dispose of solid waste, electronics, and surplus recycling. Keep in mind that for safety reasons, all visitors must wear closed-toe shoes when entering the site, and the last load is accepted at 4:45 PM.
Drop-off Facilities
City of Huntsville Transfer Station & Recycling Drop-Off Center
590 Interstate 45 N, Huntsville, TX 77320
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What size garbage carts does the City of Huntsville offer?
The city offers GREEN garbage carts and BLUE recycling carts in two sizes: 48-gallon and 96-gallon. You can request a size change by calling Customer Service at 936-294-5712.
How do I schedule a heavy trash pickup in Huntsville?
Heavy trash is collected on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. You must request a pickup by noon the Wednesday prior by calling 936-294-5796 or by filling out the online form on the city website. There is no additional fee.
Can I leave extra garbage bags next to my GREEN cart?
No. All garbage must fit completely inside the GREEN cart with the lid closed. Items placed outside the cart, on top of the lid, or on the ground will not be collected.
Where can I dispose of items if I missed my collection day?
Residents can take their solid waste, extra recycling, and yard waste to the City of Huntsville Transfer Station located at 590 Interstate 45 N. Keep in mind that visitors must wear closed-toe shoes and the last load is accepted at 4:45 PM.