Carts & Collections

Curbside Collection Guidelines

For garbage, recycling and organics carts, these simple things can help your driver. For households in a cul-de-sac, these guidelines are even more important.

• On your collection days, set the correct cart(s) at the curb by 7 a.m.
• They cannot be in the lawn, on the sidewalk or in the driveway. (Alley collections are the only exception.)
• The wheels should be touching the curb.
• Carts should be at least three feet apart so the automated arm can grab them easily.
• They should be unobstructed - not behind parked cars, or blocked by other things. Also, they should not be under low hanging tree limbs.
• Do not overfill or overstuff the carts. (The lid must close completely.) The material could get lodged in the cart and not empty. If it is too heavy, the cart could fall into the truck.
• Do not put extra material on top or to the side of the carts. The arm cannot grab it.
• Never put ashes, coals or embers in the carts. Material in trucks can catch fire.
• Carts should be put away by no later than 10 p.m. on your collection day.

Assistance Services

The City of San Antonio provides a medical waiver service available to residents who are physically unable to roll their carts to and from the curb for collection. It is referred to as the walk-up service. The Solid Waste Department route collection drivers perform this service for their customers.

To request additional information on this City service, you may call 3-1-1 Customer Service or 210-207-6000. The 311 call center is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on holidays.

Apply for Walk up Services

Property Damage

For any questions or concerns regarding damage done during collection or scattered trash/material during collection, please submit a service request.