Fort Worth

When to set your trash bins out for Christmas, New Year’s collection in Fort Worth

A garbage truck in the distance picking up trash in a tree lined street with two cans in the foreground.
A garbage truck picking up trash on 11.18.2022 hmantas@star-telegram.com

Though the holidays generate more trash than we can handle, sanitation workers need time off, too.

Just like liquor store hours, there are three times a year when the City of Fort Worth trash pick-up days shift.

If Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day falls on your neighborhood’s trash pick-up day, you don’t have to wait a whole week for the garbage truck to whirl around. Rather, the most you would have to wait is 24 to 48 hours.

Fort Worth’s trash pickup usually operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To ensure that your trash is taken, Trash bins must be out on your curb by 7 a.m. Bins must face the streets, with handles facing the house. They also cannot be overflowing, meaning the lid must shut completely.

This year, Christmas is on Wednesday, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day is on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Check below to see when your cans will be emptied if the holiday falls on your trash pick-up day.


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What is the City of Fort Worth Christmas Day and New Year’s Day trash pick-up schedule?

Christmas Day:

  • Wednesday collection moves to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Thursday collection moves to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Friday collection moves to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

New Year’s Day:

  • Wednesday collection moves to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Thursday collection moves to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Friday collection moves to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

How to set out your trash bin in Fort Worth

If you don’t set out your trash bins correctly, your garbage may never get picked up, which means two weeks of trash will build up in your collection.

Follow these guidelines to ensure that your trash bins get picked up on time,

  • All trash must be in garbage bags within your garbage can.

  • The lid must shut completely (overfilled carts may get a fine or not be emptied at all).

  • Bags other than city-issued pay bags left outside the bin will be fined.

  • Place the cart in front of your own house, with handles facing the house, a few inches from the curb (not in the street).

  • Carts must be outside by 7 a.m. on pickup day; however, they can be put out as early as 6 p.m. the previous day.

  • Cans should not be left out later than midnight on pick-up day.

  • When not outside for collection, cans should be in a region of the property that outside guests cannot see.

What to do if your trash does not get picked up

If your trash did not get picked up by the City of Fort Worth, you must report it within 24 hours of your designated pickup.

  • Wait till 7 p.m. on your pick-up day.

  • If missed, call the customer call center at 817-392-1234.

  • The call center is open Mondays to Fridays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This story was originally published November 26, 2024 at 12:21 PM.

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Ella Gonzales
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.
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