Trash & Recycling in Austin, TX (2026)
6 verified trash & recycling rules for Austin, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Austin Resource Recovery provides weekly curbside collection for trash, recycling, and composting for single-family residences. Trash is collected weekly in the blue-lidded cart, recycling in the green-lidded cart, and compost in the orange-lidded cart. Collection schedules vary by neighborhood and can be found on the Austin Resource Recovery website or app. Carts must be placed at the curb by 6:30 AM on collection day with lids closed and handles facing the house. Multifamily properties arrange private collection services.
Austin Trash Collection & Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 365.012(c)-(e)
Sec. 365.012. (c) A person commits an offense if the person transports litter or other solid waste to a place that is not an approved solid waste site for disposal at the site. (d) An offense under Subsection (a), (b), or (c) is a Class C misdemeanor if the litter or other solid waste to which the offense applies weighs five pounds or less or has a volume of five gallons or less. (e) An offense...
Bin Placement Rules
Austin Resource Recovery requires specific cart placement for collection. Carts must be placed at the curb with wheels against the curb, lids closed, and handles facing the house. Carts should be at least 3 feet apart from each other and 3 feet from mailboxes, cars, utility poles, and other obstacles. Carts must not block sidewalks, driveways, or bike lanes. Between collection days, carts must be stored behind the front building line or screened from street view.
Austin Trash & Recycling Bin Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Austin Resource Recovery provides curbside bulk item collection by appointment. Residents can schedule up to two free bulk pickups per year for large items like furniture, mattresses, and appliances. Additional pickups are available for a fee. Items must be placed at the curb on the scheduled date. Austin also operates the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center for construction debris, tires, and other materials. Hazardous waste is accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste facility on Todd Lane.
Austin Bulk Item Disposal & Large Item Pickup
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 365.012(a)-(b)
Sec. 365.012. ILLEGAL DUMPING; DISCARDING LIGHTED MATERIALS; CRIMINAL PENALTIES. (a) A person commits an offense if the person disposes or allows or permits the disposal of litter or other solid waste at a place that is not an approved solid waste site, including a place on or within 300 feet of a public highway, on a right-of-way, on other public or private property, or into inland or coastal ...
Recycling Requirements
Austin has a Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) adopted in 2012 requiring recycling and organics diversion for commercial properties, multifamily properties, and food-permitted establishments. The URO supports Austin's Zero Waste goal of diverting 90% of waste from landfills by 2040. All properties with trash service of 96 gallons or more per week must provide recycling. Food-permitted businesses must divert organics. Single-family homes receive single-stream recycling through Austin Resource Recovery.
Austin Recycling Requirements & Guidelines
Heavy RestrictionsAustin Universal Recycling Ordinance (Austin City Code Chapter 15-6)
The Universal Recycling Ordinance supports Austin's zero waste goal. The ordinance requires: Commercial business owners and multifamily properties to ensure that all commercial tenants, multifamily residents and employees have access to recycling. Food-permitted businesses to ensure that all employees have convenient access to diversion methods that keep organic materials out of landfills. Orga...
Mandatory Organics Recycling
Austin City Code Chapter 15-6 (Universal Recycling Ordinance) requires food-permitted businesses to divert organic material from landfill via composting, donation, or other approved methods. Austin Resource Recovery enforces with annual diversion plans and audits citywide.
Austin Universal Recycling Ordinance: Mandatory Organics Diversion
Heavy RestrictionsYard Waste Collection
Austin Resource Recovery provides weekly curbside composting of yard trimmings combined with food scraps in the green cart. Branches must be bundled separately for monthly bulk brush pickup. Christmas trees are collected as part of curbside composting in January.
Austin Curbside Composting & Yard Trimmings
Some RestrictionsLooking for Travis County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Austin city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Travis County →