Rowlett, TX Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Because Republic Services collects with automated trucks in Rowlett, proper cart placement is required for service. The city states the truck uses 'an automated arm that will dump the cart,' so 'cart spacing is essential for service,' and all trash and recycling 'must fit into the cart with the lid closed.' For timing, trash collection starts at 6 a.m. (carts should be out by then) and the recycling poly cart should be out by 7:00 a.m. on the trash collection day. Carts should not remain at the collection point outside the permitted window: Code of Ordinances Chapter 50, Sec. 50-2 provides that 'no poly carts or recycling bins shall be allowed to remain at the collection point prior to 12:00 p.m. on the day before collection and after 12:00 p.m. on the day after the collection.' Brush and bulky items have their own placement rule: they 'must be neatly stacked and set out front - no alley pickups,' and must be out by 7 a.m. on the regular collection day. Republic carts are color-coded (black lid for trash, light blue lid for recycle) and should be positioned with enough clearance for the automated arm. Residents who physically cannot place carts at the curb may qualify for backdoor service, in which the cart is serviced at the residence rather than the curb. Carts blocked by vehicles or set too close together may be skipped because the automated truck cannot reach or empty them properly.