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Trash & Recycling in El Paso, TX (2026)

4 verified trash & recycling rules for El Paso, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Pickup Rules & Schedules

El Paso Environmental Services provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection for residential customers. Title 9, Chapter 9.04 of the Municipal Code governs solid waste management. Residents receive city-issued bins for trash and recycling. Collection schedules vary by neighborhood and are available on the Environmental Services website. All trash must be placed in city-issued containers with lids closed to prevent wind-blown litter in El Paso's frequently windy conditions.

El Paso Trash Collection & Pickup Rules

Some Restrictions

Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 365.012 (Illegal Dumping; Criminal Penalties)

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, or on other public or private property. ... (d) An offense ...

Bin Placement Rules

El Paso requires specific placement of trash and recycling bins for curbside collection. Bins must be placed at the curb with handles facing the street, at least three feet from vehicles, mailboxes, and other obstacles. Lids must be closed so waste does not blow out in El Paso's windy conditions. Bins should not block sidewalks, driveways, or traffic lanes. After collection, bins must be returned to the property and stored out of public view where possible.

El Paso Trash & Recycling Bin Placement Rules

Some Restrictions

Bulk Item Disposal

El Paso Environmental Services provides bulk waste collection for large items that do not fit in standard city bins. Residents can schedule bulk pickups by calling 311 or through the city website. Acceptable items include furniture, appliances, mattresses, and large yard debris. Hazardous waste, tires, and construction debris require separate disposal at designated facilities. The city also operates the Citizen Collection Stations for self-drop-off of bulk items.

El Paso Bulk Item Disposal & Large Item Pickup

Some Restrictions

Tex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 365.012 (Illegal Dumping; Discarding Lighted Materials; Criminal Penalties)

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 coast...

Recycling Requirements

El Paso provides curbside recycling through Environmental Services. The Recycling Enforcement team supports the curbside program with education and inspections. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, aluminum, tin, and plastics #1 and #2. Glass is not accepted in curbside recycling. Recyclables must be clean, dry, and loose in the blue bin — no bagged recyclables. Contaminated bins may not be collected and receive an educational tag from recycling enforcement officers.

El Paso Recycling Requirements & Guidelines

Some Restrictions

Looking for El Paso County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement El Paso city rules.

Trash & Recycling in El Paso County