Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Richardson
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.
Black or dark bags (No carts used) Bin (Trash)
Richardson does not use trash carts. Trash must be placed in black or dark-colored bags (2 mils thick) weighing no more than 50 pounds. Set bags in the alleyway (or front parkway if the alley is unpaved) by 7:00 a.m. on your twice-a-week collection days. Crews will not pull bags out of personal trash cans.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Small vegetative debris under 50 lbs
- ✓Small appliances under 50 lbs
Blue Bags (No carts used) Bin (Recycling)
Place loose recyclables inside official City of Richardson Blue Bags. Set out at your normal collection point by 7:00 a.m. on your designated recycling day. On rainy days, do not set out cardboard or newspaper that isn't safely enclosed inside a blue bag.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1-#7
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Newspapers and magazines
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Hazardous chemicals
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Small yard waste under 50 lbs must go with regular trash. Large yard waste and brush over 50 lbs requires a BABIC request. Place BABIC yard waste on the front grassy parkway unbagged or in compostable paper bags (no plastic bags) away from obstacles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Brush and tree trunks
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Vegetative debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-Demand (Limit of 8 requests per year recommended)
Placement
Place bulk items on the front parkway (the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street) by midnight the night before the scheduled collection. Do not block the street, sidewalk, or fire hydrants.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and mattresses
- ✓ Large appliances (washer, dryer, fridge)
- ✓ Carpet (cut to less than 8 feet long)
- ✓ Wood fences (without concrete or metal hardware)
- ✓ Lawn mowers (fluids must be drained)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and remodeling debris (drywall, tile)
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paint, oil, solvents)
- ✕ Concrete, asphalt, bricks, dirt, or gravel
- ✕ Glass, mirrors, and windows
- ✕ Vehicle parts and tires
BABIC collection is provided to Richardson residents at no additional cost for eligible residential debris.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The City of Richardson does not provide holiday makeup days for regular trash or BABIC collections. Because trash is collected twice a week, residents simply wait for their next regularly scheduled trash day.
Yard Waste Exception
Since there is no makeup day for BABIC, any scheduled bulk or brush pickups will be postponed until the next available service window.
Unlike trash, the city DOES schedule holiday makeup days for Blue Bag recycling collection. Check the city's official Holiday Schedule online for the exact recycling makeup date.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
March - MaySpring cleaning and landscaping cause a massive spike in BABIC requests. The city urges residents to 'Think Big' and accumulate a substantial pile before scheduling a pickup, helping to manage truck routes and reduce wait times.
Winter
December - FebruaryIn the event of severe ice or snow storms, regular collections may be delayed. The city provides real-time alerts via the MyRichardson app. During these events, keep bags securely tied until service resumes.
Year-Round
January - DecemberCheck your mail for Blue Bag letters sent out by the city. These vouchers do not expire and can be redeemed at the Heights or Huffhines Recreation Centers for two free rolls of 26 blue recycling bags.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Scrap? Turn Your Junk into Bucks in Richardson!
While we don't have a specific Richardson recycling buyback center listed, Texas has some great options to get cash for your cans and bottles! Many stores participate in the state's redemption program. Also, keep an eye out for local scrap metal yards. If you've got a haul of aluminum cans, copper wire, or old appliances, places like ABC Metals Recycling in Dallas are often willing to pay by the pound. It’s a smart way to make a little extra cash while keeping heavy stuff out of the landfill. Always call ahead to check what they accept and their current prices!
Giving Your Old Stuff a New Life in Richardson
Instead of tossing perfectly good items, think about donating them right here in the Richardson area! Goodwill stores are always a fantastic option for clothes, books, and household goods. For furniture and home decor, check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Dallas. They can often pick up larger items, which is a huge help. There are also many smaller local thrift shops that would love your contributions, helping other families in our community while keeping items out of the trash.
Keeping Our Neighborhoods Clean: Reporting Dumped Trash in Richardson
Seeing litter or illegal dumping is a bummer for everyone. If you spot someone dumping trash illegally in Richardson or find a pile of dumped waste, it's important to report it so the city can handle it. You can usually call the City of Richardson's Solid Waste and Services department directly to report these issues. They are equipped to deal with these situations and help keep our streets and parks looking their best. Participating in local neighborhood clean-up events is also a great way to show pride in our community!
Drop-off Facilities
Westside Pump Station Recycling Drop-off
101 N Cottonwood Dr, Richardson, TX 75080
Materials Accepted
Lookout Drive Transfer Station
1601 E. Lookout Drive, Richardson, TX
Materials Accepted
Dallas Area Home Chemical Collection Center
11234 Plano Rd, Dallas, TX 75243
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city-issued trash can in Richardson?
No, Richardson is a 'Bag City.' There are no automated carts. You must place your garbage in black or dark-colored bags that are at least 2 mils thick and weigh less than 50 pounds. Do not put bags in personal receptacles, as crews will not pull them out.
How do I get Blue Bags for recycling?
Blue bags can be purchased at various city facilities including recreation centers, the City Hall Annex, and through vending machines at local Fire Stations. The city also periodically mails vouchers that can be redeemed for two free rolls.
What is BABIC and how do I use it?
BABIC stands for Brush and Bulky Item Collection. It's an on-demand, free service for items over 50 pounds like furniture, appliances, and large brush piles. You must request a pickup via the MyRichardson App, online, or by calling 972-744-4111.
What should I do with my trash if a holiday interrupts service?
The city does not provide makeup days for regular trash or BABIC collections during holidays. Since regular trash is collected twice a week, you simply hold your bags until your next scheduled day. However, recycling collections do have specific holiday makeup days.