Corpus Christi, TX Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Trash cart
- Collected weekly, zone-assigned day
- Recycling cart
- Every other week
- Set-out deadline
- Before 7:30 a.m. collection day
- Cart removal
- Off right-of-way by midnight
- Max fine
- $2,000 per day
Summary
Corpus Christi collects the trash cart weekly and the recycling cart every other week on a zone-assigned day. City code requires solid waste set out before 7:30 a.m. on your collection day and receptacles pulled off the curb by midnight that same day.
Solid waste shall be set out for collection before 7:30 a.m. on the designated collection day, but may not be set out prior to 5:00 a.m. on the designated collection day, unless set out in a closed container with a lid that is latched... Refuse receptacles set out for collection must be removed from the designated collection location not later than midnight on the designated collection day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
Solid Waste Services runs ten zone-based routes: the brown trash cart is emptied weekly and the blue recycling cart every other week, unless a city holiday shifts the day. Section 21-22(e) sets the mechanics, solid waste must be set out before 7:30 a.m. on the designated collection day, not earlier than 5:00 a.m. unless placed in a latched container, and refuse receptacles must be removed from the public right-of-way by midnight that same day. Recyclables follow the same 7:30 a.m. set-out and midnight-removal rule under section 21-11, with carts kept at least five feet from other objects.
Violations & Fines
Setting out early or leaving carts at the curb past midnight violates Chapter 21. Under section 21-3, each violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 per day, enforced by the Solid Waste Services department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is trash and recycling collected in Corpus Christi?
When must I set carts out and bring them back in?
What happens if I leave my cart at the curb too long?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corpus Christi
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Corpus Christi to another location·View the Texas trash & recycling overview
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