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Mobile, AL Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Frequency
Once weekly, fixed day
Curb out
No earlier than noon prior day
Curb in
By 6 a.m. next day
Cart limit
Two per household

Summary

Mobile collects household garbage once a week on a set day by address; carts must reach the curb no earlier than noon the day before pickup and be pulled back in by 6 a.m. the next morning.

(a) Frequency. Pickup of household garbage is once per week based on the household address. Holiday schedules may vary. ... (g) Time. Household garbage containers shall be placed by the curb no earlier than 12:00 p.m. the day before regular collection day, and empty containers should be returned to the household as soon as possible, but not later than 6:00 a.m. the day following collection day.

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 67).

Full Breakdown

Mobile's public services department collects household garbage once a week on a fixed day tied to the address; holiday weeks may shift that schedule. The city issues each household a 96-gallon or 64-gallon cart (up to two per address), which must be kept closed, undamaged, and out of the street. Carts can go to the curb no earlier than noon the day before pickup and must be pulled back in by 6 a.m. the following morning. Carts placed in medians, on vacant lots, or blocking traffic won't be serviced that week.

Violations & Fines

Leaving a cart at the curb past the deadline violates Sec. 25-5(g). Chapter 25 penalties: first offense $250 plus court costs before a magistrate; later violations require court, with fines up to $350.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I put my garbage cart out in Mobile?
No earlier than noon the day before your scheduled pickup; the empty cart must be off the curb by 6 a.m. the day after collection.
How often does Mobile collect household garbage?
Once per week on a fixed day tied to your address; holiday weeks may shift the schedule slightly.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Mobile

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsHoliday Pickup ScheduleSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Mobile rules

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