Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Killeen
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-provided roll-out container Bin (Trash)
Place at or near the driveway at least four feet away from mailboxes or other obstacles. Wheels and handles must face the residence. Must be out by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day, but no earlier than 8 p.m. the night before.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
- ✓Yard waste (bagged only, max 50 lbs)
Drop-off Trailers & Center (or Private Subscription) Bin (Recycling)
Utilize the free recycling trailers located at the Killeen Rodeo Grounds (3201 S. WS Young Dr) and 2906 E. Rancier Ave, or visit the Killeen Recycling Center at 111 E. Avenue F.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard boxes
- ✓Mixed paper
- ✓#1 and #2 plastics
- ✓Steel, tin, and aluminum cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (Transfer Station/Center only)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastics #3 through #7
- ✕Household garbage
- ✕Hazardous waste
- ✕Plastic bags
Yard Waste Bin
Leaves and grass must be placed in bags (max 6 bags, 50 lbs limit each) and put out by 7 a.m. on garbage day. Up to 6 cubic yards of clean brush is collected weekly for free; stack 3 feet from the curb away from obstacles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Shrub trimmings
- ✓Tree limbs (max 12 ft long, 8 inches diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
As needed (Auto-Billed)
Placement
Place items away from containers, fences, low-hanging wires, parked vehicles, and mailboxes to provide safe operational clearance for the collection crane.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches
- ✓ Chairs
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Bed frames
- ✓ Washers and dryers
- ✓ Barbecue grills
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Hazardous materials
- ✕ Dirt and rocks
- ✕ Flammables
- ✕ Lead acid batteries
- ✕ Tires
A minimum fee (approx. $21) applies for up to 3 cubic yards. Volumes exceeding 3 cubic yards incur an additional $7.50 per cubic yard. Appliances containing refrigerants require special instructions; call 254-501-7785.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Standard collection schedules may shift depending on landfill closures during major holidays. Always verify specific route shifts through the City's interactive Solid Waste map or official calendar.
Yard Waste Exception
Curbside brush collection does not occur on City-observed holidays and will resume on your next scheduled collection day.
The Killeen Transfer Station and Recycling Center typically close for major holidays, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Your Brush Piles Pure
For your weekly 6-cubic-yard free brush pickup, ensure no household junk, treated lumber, fence boards, or pallets are mixed in. If the brush is contaminated with non-green waste, the collection vehicle cannot service the pile.
Bag Yard Waste Strictly
Unlike large tree limbs, regular yard waste like grass clippings and loose leaves must be bagged to be collected. Keep it to a maximum of 6 bags per week, weighing no more than 50 pounds each.
Target the Right Plastics at Trailers
Killeen's public drop-off recycling trailers specifically accept #1 and #2 plastics. Always check the bottom of your containers before dropping them off—items labeled #3 through #7 are not accepted and must go into your regular garbage container.
Seasonal Information
Winter
DecemberThe week after Christmas, Killeen traditionally conducts a Holiday Bulk Collection. Excess holiday garbage in plastic bags (under 33 gallons) or boxes (under 8 cubic feet) placed next to your bin will be picked up at no additional cost. Large furniture and appliances still incur normal fees.
Winter
JanuaryThe City hosts an annual Christmas Tree Recycling event in early January at the Killeen Special Events Center. You can drop off bare trees (free of lights, tinsel, and ornaments) to be recycled at no charge.
Spring/Summer
March - AugustDuring severe central Texas storm seasons, residents may generate excess limb debris. Remember that your weekly free brush pickup is capped at 6 cubic yards. Excess volumes will automatically be picked up but incur a $7.50 per cubic yard fee.
About Killeen Waste Management
Killeen’s Variable Rate Trash Program
The City of Killeen utilizes a 'pay for what you throw away' model for residential garbage collection. Your monthly utility bill is directly based on the number of roll-out containers you request. This equitable system incentivizes households to reduce their landfill footprint by actively separating recyclables and utilizing the city's designated drop-off locations to lower their monthly solid waste costs.
Navigating Bulk Waste and Auto-Billing
Unlike many municipalities that require pre-scheduled appointments for heavy trash, Killeen has a unique curbside bulk policy. By simply placing bulky items like furniture or appliances at the curb, residents automatically grant the City permission to haul them away and bill the utility account. A minimum fee applies for the first 3 cubic yards, with an excess fee for larger piles, making cleanups straightforward but requiring awareness of the associated costs.
Generous Monthly Transfer Station Allowances
For residents who want to avoid curbside bulk fees, the Killeen Transfer Station on State Highway 195 offers a highly valuable alternative. Active residential solid waste customers can dispose of up to 500 pounds of excess household garbage every calendar month at no additional charge. You simply need to present a valid ID and your latest Killeen utility bill at the weigh station.
Mandatory Load Securing Rules
If you are hauling debris to the Killeen Transfer Station, local ordinance and Texas state law strictly require all loads to be fully secured with a tarpaulin, net, or enclosed box. This regulation keeps Highway 195 free of blowing litter. Arriving at the inbound scale with an unsecured load will result in an immediate, mandatory surcharge on top of any standard dumping fees.
Drop-Off Recycling Initiatives
While standard curbside recycling isn't universally provided in the base municipal fee, Killeen promotes robust drop-off alternatives. Dedicated recycling trailers at the Rodeo Grounds and on Rancier Avenue, along with the central Killeen Recycling Center on Avenue F, accept paper, cardboard, and specific plastics. A private subscription service is also permitted for households desiring curbside recycling pickup.
Drop-off Facilities
Killeen Transfer Station
12200 State Highway 195, Killeen, TX 76549
Materials Accepted
Killeen Recycling Center
111 E. Avenue F, Killeen, TX 76541
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the residential garbage fee calculated in Killeen?
Killeen uses a variable rate based on the number of roll-out containers you request. This 'pay for what you throw away' model allows households that produce less waste—or those who actively utilize drop-off recycling—to lower their monthly utility costs.
Does Killeen provide free bulk trash pickup?
No. Setting large items like furniture or appliances on the curb acts as automatic consent for the City to pick them up and bill your utility account. There is a base fee for volumes up to 3 cubic yards. However, residents can drop off up to 500 pounds of excess garbage per month for free at the Transfer Station if they bring their utility bill.
What happens if I bring an unsecured load to the Killeen Transfer Station?
By local ordinance and state law, all vehicles hauling waste to the facility must be enclosed or covered with a tarp/net and straps to prevent littering. If you arrive with an unsecured load, you will be assessed an automatic $26.25 surcharge on top of any regular disposal fees.
How do I correctly dispose of yard waste and tree brush?
The City collects up to six cubic yards of clean brush for free once a week on your garbage day. Brush must be free of junk and placed 3 feet from the curb. Smaller yard waste, like grass clippings and leaves, must be bagged (maximum of 6 bags per week, under 50 pounds each).