Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Princeton
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.
Grey (95-gallon) Bin (Trash)
All trash should be bagged before being placed inside the grey cart. The lid must close completely. Place at the curb no later than 7:00 a.m. with 3 feet of clearance on all sides.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household trash
- ✓Bagged garbage
- ✓Food waste
Blue (95-gallon) Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is collected every other week on your normal trash day. Items must be empty, clean, and placed loosely in the blue cart (never in plastic bags). Ensure the lid is fully closed.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean plastics
- ✓Empty aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Paper and cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Tanglers
Yard Waste Bin
Collected during your monthly bulk pickup day. Brush must be bundled, max 4 feet by 2 feet, and weigh under 50 pounds per bundle. No loose brush is accepted. No limit on the number of bundles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Tree limbs
- ✓Brush trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once a month (tied to your regular trash day, e.g., Monday trash = 1st Wednesday bulk)
Placement
Place items at the front curb no later than 7:00 a.m. on your designated bulk day. Ensure 3 feet of clearance from obstacles.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Bundled carpet (4-foot lengths)
- ✓ Fence panels (max 4' x 6')
- ✓ Washing machines and dryers
- ✓ Drained water heaters
- ✓ Tagged fridges/freezers
Not Accepted
- ✕ Single items weighing over 150 lbs
- ✕ Commercial remodeling/construction debris
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Batteries
- ✕ Loose brush
Included in your standard utility rate. Additional carts are available for a fee via the Utility Billing Department.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on a weekday, service is suspended for that day and resumes one day later for the remainder of the week (e.g., Thursday pickup shifts to Friday, Friday shifts to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
Monthly bulk and brush collection dates may also shift during holiday weeks. Always consult the official CWD bulk collection calendar for precise dates.
Holidays like MLK Jr. Day and Good Friday do not cause a disruption in residential collection services.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Tag Your Yard Tools
If you intend to throw away old toys or yard tools during the monthly bulk collection, they must be explicitly tagged as 'Bulk Item.' Otherwise, the drivers may assume they were accidentally left near the curb and leave them behind.
Box Your Loose Debris
CWD will not pick up loose household debris scattered on the curb. If you are cleaning out a garage or closet, place all loose debris into a box or disposable container no larger than 2' x 2' x 4' and weighing under 50 pounds.
Keep Recyclables Loose
Never put your recycling in plastic garbage bags. The blue cart is meant for loose items only. Plastic bags wrap around the gears at the sorting facility and will cause your entire cart to be tagged as contaminated.
Seasonal Information
Spring
March to MayAs the fast-growing population tackles spring cleaning and landscaping, remember that fence panels are accepted during bulk pickup, provided they are cut down to no larger than 4' x 6'.
Summer
June to AugustDuring the Texas summer heat, all household garbage should be tightly bagged inside your grey cart to prevent severe odors, leaks, and pest infestations in your neighborhood.
Winter
November to JanuaryThe holidays bring schedule shifts. CWD observes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If your pickup falls on one of these holidays, your service will shift one day later for the rest of the week.
About Princeton Waste Management
Princeton's Fully Automated Cart Collection
The City of Princeton partners with Community Waste Disposal (CWD) to provide a streamlined, fully automated waste collection system. Each single-family residence is equipped with a grey 95-gallon cart for household trash and a blue 95-gallon cart for recyclables. Carts must be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. with at least three feet of clearance between them and other objects, and 16 feet of overhead clearance for the automated truck arms.
Monthly Bulk and Bundled Brush Pickup
A standout feature of Princeton's waste program is the structured monthly bulk collection. Bulk and brush are collected once a month, with your specific day tied to your regular trash day (for instance, Monday trash routes have bulk collected on the first Wednesday). You do not need to call ahead, but you are limited to four cubic yards per collection. All brush must be tied into bundles weighing no more than 50 pounds.
X-treme Green Events for Hazardous Waste
Because standard curbside service prohibits household hazardous waste, CWD hosts an annual X-treme Green Event in Princeton. This centralized event allows residents to safely dispose of automotive tires, used electronics, paint, and metal goods. They even offer on-site confidential document shredding, providing a secure way to clear out household clutter.
Using the CWD Mobile App
For added convenience, Princeton residents are encouraged to download the CWD Mobile App. Through the app, you can quickly look up your specific service day, report a missed collection within 24 hours, request cart repairs, and receive real-time alerts about holiday schedule shifts.
Drop-off Facilities
121 Regional Disposal Facility (Melissa Landfill)
3820 Sam Rayburn Hwy, Melissa, TX 75454
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I figure out my bulk pickup day in Princeton?
Your bulk pickup day is determined by your weekly trash day. For example, if your trash day is Monday, your bulk is collected on the 1st Wednesday of the month. Tuesday trash goes with the 1st Thursday, Wednesday with the 2nd Thursday, Thursday with the 3rd Thursday, and Friday with the 4th Thursday.
Will CWD pick up my old refrigerator?
Yes, large appliances like refrigerators and freezers are accepted during your monthly bulk collection. However, they must have an official tag attached certifying that all refrigerants (CFCs/Freon) have been professionally removed.
Can I set out extra trash bags next to my grey cart?
No, the automated collection trucks cannot pick up loose bags on the ground. All household trash must fit completely inside the grey 95-gallon cart with the lid closed. If you consistently have extra trash, contact Utility Billing to request an additional cart.
What should I do with loose brush and branches?
Loose brush is not accepted. All brush and tree limbs must be cut and tied into bundles no larger than 4 feet by 2 feet, and each bundle must weigh less than 50 pounds. You can set out an unlimited number of these bundles during your bulk pickup day.