Residential Services

Garbage and Recycling Guidelines

  • Automated garbage service is provided twice a week.
  • Recycling service is provided once a week.
  • Standard garbage service utilizes a 95-gallon grey cart and recycling utilizes a 65-gallon green cart.
  • On your collection day, set your carts out by 7 a.m. but no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before.

Don't know your garbage and recycle collection day?

Taking out your garbage and recycling carts

  • Ensure all materials fit in the cart. Only items placed inside the cart will be collected.
  • Always keep the cart lid shut.
  • Carts should be placed at the base of the curb (where curbs exist) with the cart wheels against the curb.
  • Cart handles should be facing away from the street. Lids should open to the street.
  • Carts should be placed at least three feet apart to ensure the collection truck can service both carts.

Bin and trash can are other words that can be used to refer to trash carts

More About Recycling

Acceptable Materials

Mixed Paper

  • newspapers
  • magazines
  • catalogs
  • phonebooks
  • office paper
  • school paper
  • junk mail
  • envelopes
  • paperback books

Cardboard, Paperboard and Paper Bags

Break down and cut boxes to fit in recycling cart.

Aluminum, Steel and Tin

  • aluminum cans 
  • bottles
  • food trays
  • steel and tin cans

Numbers 1-5 and 7 Plastics

No styrofoam (No. 6).

Glass Bottles and Jars

All colors accepted.

Aseptic Cartons

  • milk
  • juice
  • broth
  • other food & beverage cartons

Recycling Guidelines

  • Recyclable Material may be mixed but must be loose in your cart.
  • All materials must be empty, clean, and dry (No residual matter i.e. food or detergent).
  • Plastic bags are not allowed in the recycling cart.
  • Keep the lid or cap on bottles, this is to ensure there is no accidental contamination.
  • Crush bottles & cans, flatten cardboard boxes, and ensure they do not become lodged in cart.
  • See Republic recycling FAQ for more information (at bottom of page).

After your garbage and recycling has been collected

  • Return your carts to your property no later than 8 a.m. on the morning following the day of collection.
  • Do not store your cart in the alley or on the street. Carts must be stored on your property, in compliance with deed restrictions.
  • The cart is yours to use while participating in the solid waste program. If you move, leave the cart at the residence. Carts remain the property of the City of Sugar Land.