Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for McAllen
Trash Day
Trash collection occurs once per week, Monday through Friday, depending on your assigned neighborhood route.
Recycling
Recycling is collected on the same designated pickup day as your regular trash (requires enrollment in the curbside blue cart program).
Yard Waste
Brush and organic yard waste are collected once per month according to four designated city zones (each assigned a specific week of the month).
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Sanitation, recycling, and brush collection fees from Public Works are bundled directly onto your monthly McAllen Public Utility (MPU) water and sewer bill.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (Bank Draft), Phone, Mail, Drive-Thru, and In-Person
Black Cart Bin (Trash)
Please bag and tie all trash placed in the Black Cart. Set out by 7:00 a.m. on your pickup day. The lid must be completely closed with no waste overflowing or placed on top. Maintain 3 feet of clearance.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Standard household debris
Blue Cart Bin (Recycling)
Requires a paid subscription ($15.50/month) and application. All recyclables must be placed loose in the Blue Cart. Keep 3 feet of distance from the Black Cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1 and #2
- ✓Cardboard
- ✓Glass bottles
- ✓Paper
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastics #3 through #7
- ✕Household garbage
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Overflowing waste
Yard Waste Bin
Grass and leaves should be placed in compostable brown paper bags (via the BAG IT! program). Large brush is collected on your designated bulk pickup weeks and must be separated from bulky household waste piles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Tree limbs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On scheduled brush and debris pick-up weeks (find via online collection map)
Placement
Place items on the week of collection in the area where the black and blue bins are set out, ensuring 3 feet of clearance from all obstacles.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Carpet
- ✓ Bulky toys
- ✓ Wood
- ✓ Appliances
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction material
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Food waste
- ✕ Tires (must be taken to Drop-Off site)
Curbside pickup is free on your scheduled week. You can also utilize the Drop-Off site for free by showing your McAllen utility bill.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The City of McAllen frequently maintains regular collection schedules even during major winter holidays, but routes are subject to change based on landfill availability. Always verify the holiday schedule via the McAllen Public Works website or by dialing 3-1-1.
Yard Waste Exception
Brush and bulky collections may be paused on severe weather days or modified during specific holiday weeks to focus on standard household garbage.
The Drop-Off Facility at 4101 N. Bentsen Road is generally closed on major city-observed holidays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - JanuaryUnlike many municipalities, McAllen often maintains its regular trash and recycling pickup schedule during winter holidays like Christmas and New Year's Day. Always check the city's latest news releases to confirm if your route is unchanged.
Summer/Fall
June - NovemberDuring intense South Texas hurricane seasons, separate heavy storm debris from your regular bulky items. Mixing vegetative brush with fencing or furniture will cause the mechanical collection crane to leave your pile behind.
Spring
March - MaySpring is the perfect time to organize a neighborhood cleanup. Gather 15 neighbor signatures and apply for the Project Clean Neighborhoods program to receive free yellow roll-off dumpsters for a weekend.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash for Your Cans? McAllen Recycling & Scrap Secrets!
Did you know you can sometimes make a little money off your recyclables right here in McAllen? While there isn't a state-wide bottle/can redemption program in Texas like in some other states, you can often find local scrap yards that will pay for aluminum cans, copper, and other metals. Keep an eye out for businesses like McAllen Scrap Metal on South 2nd Street. They're a good spot to check for current prices on scrap metal. It’s always worth a call to see what they’re buying and if it’s worth hauling your metal items over there before they hit the landfill!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in McAllen
Before you toss out items that are still in pretty good shape, think about donating them! McAllen has some wonderful places that could use your contributions. The Salvation Army Family Stores are always looking for furniture, clothing, and household goods. You might also find opportunities with local churches or community centers that run donation drives. For furniture and home improvement items, check if Habitat for Humanity ReStore in nearby Edinburg has a drop-off location or pick-up service. Giving your unwanted items to someone who needs them is a fantastic way to reduce waste.
Keeping McAllen Clean: Tackling Dumped Stuff & Community Efforts
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be! If you ever spot illegal dumping in or around McAllen, it's important to report it. You can usually contact the City of McAllen's Public Works Department or code enforcement. They have systems in place to investigate and clean up these areas. Keep an eye out for any community clean-up events that pop up; these are great opportunities to get involved and help beautify our neighborhoods. Participating in these events or reporting dumping helps keep our city looking its best for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
City of McAllen Drop-Off Site & Recycling Center
4101 N. Bentsen Rd, McAllen, TX 78504
Materials Accepted
Edinburg Regional Landfill (Open to McAllen Residents)
8601 Jasman Road, Edinburg, TX 78542
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a blue recycling bin in McAllen?
Unlike standard garbage service, curbside recycling in McAllen is a subscription-based program. You must apply for the program, receive a specialized badge, and pay a monthly fee (currently $15.50/month) to receive a blue cart and collection.
What time should my trash bins be at the curb?
McAllen city ordinance requires residents to place their black and blue bins out by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day. Bins must be removed from the front yard or alley and returned to a side or backyard area by 7:00 p.m. on the same day.
Where can I dispose of old appliances and tires?
McAllen residents can take bulky items, old appliances, tires, and brush directly to the City Drop-Off facility at 4101 N. Bentsen Road. The service is free of charge; you just need to present your current McAllen water bill.
How do I organize a neighborhood dumpster cleanup?
Through the Project Clean Neighborhoods program, you can request a free yellow roll-off dumpster for your block. You must collect 15 signatures from your neighbors and submit an application to the city to schedule your free weekend cleanup.