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Montgomery, AL Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Garbage collection
At least twice weekly
Rubbish/yard waste
Once weekly
Curbside window
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Trash limit per pickup
One cubic yard
Bulky item charge
Up to $180.00 per load
Max penalty
$200 fine or 6 months jail

Summary

Montgomery's sanitation department collects household garbage at least twice a week and rubbish, leaves, grass and shrubbery trimmings once a week, all through city-issued roll-out containers that residents must set at the curb by 7:00 a.m. and bring back in by 7:00 p.m. on pickup day.

There is hereby established in the city a garbage and rubbish collection, hauling and disposal service, to be operated by the department. The collection, hauling and disposal of garbage shall be made by the department no less frequently than twice each week in residential areas and as necessary or required, except on Sundays, in all business areas, and the charges hereby imposed are based on such periodic collection, hauling and disposal. Rubbish, leaves, grass, straw, and shrubbery trimmings shall be collected once per week in residential areas. All collection schedules are subject to change due to legal holidays or weather conditions.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 25-33 establishes the city's garbage and rubbish collection, hauling and disposal service through the sanitation department, requiring garbage collection no less than twice each week in residential areas, and as needed except Sundays in business areas, with rubbish, leaves, grass, straw and shrubbery trimmings collected once weekly in residential areas; all schedules can shift for legal holidays or weather. the same day, with the city repairing or replacing containers damaged or stolen through no fault of the resident. Residents unable to manage curbside placement because of disability, age or health can keep back-door collection by arrangement with the department. 00 per load. 00 administrative fee plus actual removal costs to the bill.

Violations & Fines

Failing to use the required roll-out container, leaving it at the curb outside the 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. window, exceeding the one-cubic-yard trash limit, or leaving trash unremoved after a 72-hour city notice under § 25-35(e) triggers the Chapter 25 general penalty, § 25-32: a fine of $1.00 to $200.00, imprisonment or hard labor up to six months, or both, plus a $150.00 administrative fee and abatement costs where the city has to remove the trash itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Montgomery pick up household garbage?
At least twice a week in residential areas under § 25-33. Rubbish, leaves, grass and shrubbery trimmings are collected once a week, and all schedules can shift for holidays or bad weather.
When do I have to put my roll-out container out and bring it back in?
Section 25-35 requires residents to place the city-issued roll-out container at the curb no later than 7:00 a.m. on pickup day and remove it from the curb by 7:00 p.m. the same day.
How much trash can I put out per pickup in Montgomery?
One cubic yard, in 30-gallon containers or tied bags placed behind the curb under § 25-35(c). Bulkier items like limbs over four feet, tree trunks, stoves or refrigerators go on a special schedule for up to $180.00 per load.
What happens if I never pay for garbage service and leave trash out anyway?
Under § 25-35(e), the sanitation department notifies the owner, who has 72 hours to remove it. If it is not removed, the city can abate it and bill the owner a $150.00 administrative fee plus the actual cost of removal.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Montgomery

All Montgomery rules

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