Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Pharr
Trash Day
Residential garbage is collected once per week, Monday through Friday, based on your neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Curbside recycling is not provided; drop-off recycling is available 24/7 at 1015 E Ferguson Ave and 7101 S Cage Blvd.
Yard Waste
Brush collection is provided once per month, rotating across 4 city sections (one section per week each month).
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and monthly brush collection fees are included directly on your City of Pharr water utility bill.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay (Bank Draft), Phone, Mail, In Person, Payment Kiosk, Junior's Supermarket Substation
Standard WM Cart (Typically Green) Bin (Trash)
Place the 96-gallon cart at the curb with wheels facing the street by 7:00 a.m. Ensure it is at least 3 feet from obstacles. The lid must close tightly, and only trash inside the cart is collected unless using purchased WM logo overflow bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household trash
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Paper towels
- ✓Securely tied plastic bags
- ✓Lightly used textiles
Drop-off Only (or Red bin via private subscription) Bin (Recycling)
Pharr does not currently offer a standard city-wide curbside recycling program. Residents must utilize the Pharr Recycling Center on Medina Street or hire a private subscription service.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard
- ✓Aluminum cans
- ✓Plastic bottles
- ✓Paper (if using private service)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Glass
- ✕Food-soiled paper
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Loose grass or small brush clippings must be bagged. Large brush must be placed on the curb or alley away from fences, meters, and cars. Do not mix with construction debris. Picked up according to the 4-zone monthly schedule.
Accepted Items
- ✓Tree limbs
- ✓Brush clippings
- ✓Loose grass (must be bagged)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once a month based on the city's 4-zone brush schedule.
Placement
Set out in the designated curb or alley pickup area away from fences, gas meters, water meters, parked cars, and low-hanging wires.
Accepted
- ✓ Large brush
- ✓ Tree limbs
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Bagged yard clippings
- ✓ Appliances (if Freon is professionally removed and tagged)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Bricks
- ✕ Concrete
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Batteries
- ✕ Refrigerators with Freon
- ✕ Hazardous waste
Included in standard city utility services. Any damage to city or private property (like meters or fences) due to improper placement is the resident's financial responsibility.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a major observed holiday falls on a weekday, all subsequent Waste Management collections that week will be pushed back by one day, with Friday pickups shifting to Saturday. If the holiday is on a weekend, there is no interruption.
Yard Waste Exception
Brush and bulky item zone schedules may experience slight delays during major holiday weeks, but the general 4-zone monthly rotation remains in effect.
The City of Pharr administrative offices observe additional holidays (like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Good Friday), but residential WM trash pickup typically only delays for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
March - MaySpring cleaning is the perfect time to utilize the city's Trash Bash events. Keep an eye out for these special community dump days, typically held at local parks, where you can safely discard up to 8 passenger tires per home.
Summer
June - AugustSummer heat in South Texas can cause unbagged food waste to quickly become a pest magnet. Ensure all kitchen refuse is tightly sealed in heavy-duty plastic bags before placing it into your 96-gallon WM cart to prevent foul odors.
Fall
September - NovemberHurricane season often brings heavy winds and rain, generating extra yard debris. Pay close attention to your zone's designated brush collection week and avoid placing piles over storm drains to prevent localized flooding.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Aluminum Cans into Cash in Pharr!
Hey Pharr neighbors! Did you know you can get a little extra cash back for those empty cans and bottles? While Pharr itself doesn't have a specific city-run buyback center, the state of Texas does have programs where you can redeem certain beverage containers. You'll want to look for recycling centers in nearby larger cities like McAllen or Edinburg that might participate in these programs. Some scrap metal yards also accept aluminum, so it's worth a quick call to places like Rio Grande Valley Scrap & Salvage if you have a larger quantity. Always call ahead to see what they're buying and their current prices – every bit counts!
Giving Gently Used Stuff a New Life in the RGV
Got items that are still in good shape but you just don't need anymore? Instead of tossing them, think about donating! In the Pharr area, places like the Salvation Army Family Stores in nearby McAllen are always looking for clothes, household goods, and furniture. You can also check out the Mission Community Store, which supports local families. For DIYers and those looking for unique finds, Habitat for Humanity ReStores in the broader Rio Grande Valley often have great deals on building materials, furniture, and appliances, and your donations help fund their building projects for families in need.
Keeping Pharr Clean: Tackling Illegal Dumping Together
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it doesn't belong. If you spot illegal dumping in Pharr, the best thing to do is report it to the city. You can usually call Pharr's Public Works Department or Code Enforcement. They'll want to know the location and any details you can provide. The city often holds community clean-up events, so keep an eye on their official website or social media for announcements about those. Participating in these events is a fantastic way to help keep our neighborhoods beautiful and show some community pride!
Drop-off Facilities
City of Pharr Recycling Center
1301 W. Medina Street, Pharr, TX 78577
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of excess trash if my cart is already full?
If you have more garbage than your 96-gallon cart can hold, you cannot just leave standard bags on the curb. You must purchase official WM-logo overflow bags at Pharr City Hall for $1.00 each. Leave these specific bags next to your cart on your normal collection day.
When is my bulky brush collection day?
The City of Pharr is divided into four zones, with Waste Management servicing one zone per week each month. You can view the exact boundary map on the Public Works website to determine which week your neighborhood is scheduled for pickup.
Does the City of Pharr provide curbside recycling bins?
The standard utility service does not include curbside recycling. Residents who want to recycle must either take their sorted materials to the Pharr Recycling Center on Medina Street or subscribe to a private bi-weekly service like RedFish Recycling.
Can I leave my old refrigerator on the curb for bulk pickup?
Waste Management will not collect any refrigeration units, freezers, or air conditioners unless they have been properly drained of Freon by a licensed technician and bear an official tag certifying the removal.