Trash & Recycling in San Antonio, TX (2026)
5 verified trash & recycling rules for San Antonio, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
San Antonio provides weekly curbside collection for trash, recycling, and organics under Chapter 14 (Solid Waste). Each service type is collected on a different assigned day. Carts must be at the curb by 7 AM. Residents receive a brown trash cart (fees: $14.76–$30.75/month by size), a free blue recycling cart, and a free green organics cart. Up to 3 carts per service type are allowed. A $3.00 environmental fee provides drop-off center access.
San Antonio Trash Pickup Schedules & Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code § 365.017
(a) The commissioners court of a county may adopt regulations to control the disposal of litter and the removal of illegally dumped litter from private property in unincorporated areas of that county. The commissioners court may not adopt regulations under this section concerning the disposal of recyclable materials as defined in Chapter 361 of the Health and Safety Code.(b) Prior to the adopti...
Bin Placement Rules
Under Chapter 14, Sec. 14-45, it is unlawful to park a vehicle within 3 feet of a collection container on collection day. Carts must be placed against the curb on the assigned collection day. Contaminated recycling or organics carts may result in non-collection, container removal, or contamination fees under enforcement provisions. Chronic contamination violators face additional refuse charges and no fee reduction.
San Antonio Trash Bin Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
San Antonio provides curbside bulky item collection for single-family residents through the Solid Waste Management Department. Items not accepted include brush, construction debris, hazardous materials, mirrors/glass, vehicle parts, and electronics. Placing prohibited items in bulky piles is a violation of Chapter 14 with fines up to $2,000/day plus collection and disposal fees. The $3.00 monthly environmental fee provides access to drop-off centers for additional disposal.
San Antonio Bulk Item Disposal & Pickup
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & 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, on other public or private property, or into inland or coast...
Recycling Requirements
San Antonio mandates recycling for both single-family and multi-family properties under Chapter 14. Single-family residents receive free blue recycling carts for weekly collection. Multi-family properties (3+ units) must provide on-site recycling under Sec. 14-43, submit a Multi-Family Recycling Plan, and place recycling containers as conveniently as trash. Non-compliance penalties can reach $2,000 per violation per day.
San Antonio Mandatory Recycling Requirements
Some RestrictionsYard Waste Collection
San Antonio collects yard trimmings weekly in the green organics cart for composting at the Nelson Gardens facility. Branches under 4 inches diameter fit in the cart; larger limbs require the brush collection cycle. Christmas trees are taken curbside in early January.
San Antonio Organics Cart Yard Waste Pickup
Some RestrictionsLooking for Bexar County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Antonio city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Bexar County →