Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for University Park
Trash Day
Twice weekly (Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday depending on route)
Recycling
Once weekly on your assigned collection day
Yard Waste
Weekly (bagged clippings collected from the alley, brush and tree limbs from the front parkway)
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Sanitation and recycling charges are conveniently bundled together with your water, sewer, and stormwater fees on your monthly city utility bill.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone, Pay by Text
Personal Cans (Max 32-gallon) Bin (Trash)
Use trash cans up to 32 gallons located on private property adjacent to the alley right-of-way. Each can't lid must be secured by wire or chain to a fence, building, or structure. Place out by 7:00 a.m.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Standard non-hazardous refuse
Blue Bins or Blue Bags Bin (Recycling)
Use City-marked blue bins, blue bags, or a purchased 32-gallon container. If using a 32-gallon container in the alley, the lid must be securely attached to a permanent object.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1, #2, and #5
- ✓Glass food and beverage bottles
- ✓Paper, newspapers, and magazines
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Styrofoam and polystyrene
- ✕Food-soiled materials
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Household hazardous waste
Yard Waste Bin
Leaves and grass clippings must be placed inside biodegradable paper yard waste bags for weekly alley collection. Tree limbs and brush should be placed on the front parkway for manual or mechanical pick-up.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Tree limbs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand (Call-in basis)
Placement
Place all approved bulky items directly on the front parkway. Do not place bulk items in the alley right-of-way where regular trash is collected.
Accepted
- ✓ Washers and dryers
- ✓ Water heaters
- ✓ Sofas, chairs, and beds
- ✓ Refrigerators and freezers (higher fee applies)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Sharps and medical waste
- ✕ E-waste (televisions, computers)
- ✕ Household hazardous waste (chemicals, paint)
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
Fees apply per item (e.g., $33.30 for standard furniture/appliances and $108.56 for refrigerators or AC units). Large brush piles are billed by the truckload.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a holiday occurs, the standard Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday routes shift to accommodate the closure. Depending on the day of the week, routes are generally pushed back by one day (e.g., Tuesday-Saturday or Wednesday-Friday).
Yard Waste Exception
Brush and yard waste services follow the exact same holiday route modifications as the standard household trash collection.
Always refer to the official Holiday Schedule page on the City of University Park website for the exact modified route details for your specific neighborhood.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring and Fall
April and OctoberTake advantage of the biannual Park Cities Recycling Events held in the Spring and Fall to safely dispose of e-waste, securely shred sensitive documents, and drop off specialty materials that aren't accepted curbside.
Summer
June to AugustWith the hot Texas summers, ensure your 32-gallon trash cans are securely closed and lids are properly chained to fences to minimize pests and odors from spreading in the alley right-of-way.
Autumn
September to NovemberWhen tackling autumn leaf cleanup across the Park Cities, remember that all leaves and grass clippings must be placed strictly inside biodegradable paper yard waste bags for the weekly alley collection.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Toss-Outs into Texas Cash in the Dallas Area!
While University Park itself might not have a dedicated scrap yard right on its doorstep, Dallas is brimming with places ready to pay for your recyclables! Think about those aluminum cans, copper wires, or even old appliances. Many scrap metal yards in the wider Dallas metroplex, like DSC Scrap Metal or United Scrap Metal, welcome these items. If you're dealing with a lot of plastic bottles and aluminum cans, check out Texas's state-specific buyback programs. You can often find redemption centers in nearby towns that will give you a few cents back for each eligible item. It's a great way to make a little extra money while keeping those materials out of the landfill.
Giving Your Good Stuff a Second Life in Park Cities!
Before you even think about tossing usable items, consider giving them a new home! For furniture, clothing, housewares, and books, organizations like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Dallas are fantastic options. They take donations and sell them to fund their building projects. You might also find local thrift stores or charity shops in the surrounding areas of Dallas that are always looking for quality donations. Dropping off items you no longer need is a wonderful way to support local causes and help others in our community.
Keeping University Park Clean: Reporting & Community Efforts
Dealing with illegal dumping can be a real eyesore and a hassle for everyone. In the Dallas area, if you spot any instances of illegal dumping, the best course of action is usually to report it to your local city's code enforcement or public works department. For University Park, this would likely involve contacting the city directly. While specific community clean-up events might pop up, keeping an eye on local news or the city's official website is your best bet for finding out about organized efforts. Taking a proactive approach to reporting and participating in clean-ups helps maintain the beauty of our neighborhoods.
Drop-off Facilities
University Park Transfer Station
2525 University Boulevard, University Park, TX 75205
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of University Park provide residential trash bins?
No. Residents are responsible for providing their own trash cans, which have a maximum capacity of 32 gallons. According to city code, these cans must have a tight-fitting lid that is securely chained or wired to a fence or building to prevent it from blowing away in the alley right-of-way.
How do I request a large appliance or furniture pickup in University Park?
Large appliances, beds, and sofas are collected on an on-demand, call-in basis and must be placed on the front parkway, not in the alley. You can schedule a pickup by calling the City's 311 Information Line at (214) 363-1644. A specialized collection fee will be added to your next utility bill.
What are the rules for recycling containers in the alley?
Recyclables must be placed in City-provided blue bins, blue bags, or purchased 32-gallon containers. If you use a 32-gallon container in the alley, city code strictly dictates that its lid must be securely attached to a fence or permanent object, just like your standard garbage cans.
How do I dispose of tree branches and grass clippings?
Grass clippings and leaves must be placed inside biodegradable paper yard waste bags and set in the alley for weekly collection. Larger tree limbs and brush must be placed on the front parkway, and depending on the volume, mechanical pickup fees may apply.