Is There Trash Pickup Tomorrow? Day After Christmas Schedules, Changes

Is There Trash Pickup on Christmas Day?

Most waste management services do not operate on Christmas Day as it is a federal holiday. Service will likely be rescheduled if your regular trash pickup day falls on December 25.

Check with your local waste management provider for specific details, as pickup may occur earlier or later in the week. For instance, Rumpke and Waste Management have a Find Your Holiday Schedule section on their websites where users can enter their ZIP code to see how their area will be affected.

Sanitation departments for major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston, also list similar information on their websites.

Is There Trash Pickup the Day After Christmas?

Trash collection typically resumes on December 26, but the schedule may vary depending on your location. Some providers may be delayed by a day to account for the Christmas holiday, so it’s a good idea to confirm with your local service to avoid leaving your bins out unnecessarily.

Will Trash Be Picked Up on New Year’s Eve?

Yes, trash pickup is usually conducted on New Year’s Eve as it is not considered a federal holiday. However, some services might operate on an adjusted schedule if New Year’s Day falls close to your regular pickup day.

Again, checking with your local provider is the best way to stay informed.

What To Do

Plan Ahead: If trash pickup is delayed, ensure your bins are secured to prevent overflow or pest issues during the extra wait time.

Recycle Holiday Waste: Many items from the holiday—like wrapping paper (non-metallic), cardboard boxes and beverage containers—can go in your recycling bin. Make sure to sort these properly to reduce landfill waste.

Exceptions to the Rule

While most municipalities observe the Christmas holiday, some private waste collection companies may still operate, particularly in areas with high service demands. Rural areas may also follow unique schedules. Check with your service provider for accurate information on collection.

Recycling Live Christmas Trees

Recycling live Christmas trees helps reduce waste and provides valuable resources. Most recycled trees are turned into mulch, compost or wood chips, which can be used in parks, gardens and other landscaping projects.

Some communities even use them to prevent beach erosion or create wildlife habitats.

1. Remove Decorations: Be sure to take off all ornaments, lights, tinsel and stands. Trees with leftover decorations cannot be recycled and may end up in the landfill.
2. Check Local Programs: Many cities and towns offer curbside tree collection or drop-off locations for recycling. These services are usually free and occur during the first few weeks of January.
3. Cut It Down (if required): If your city has size restrictions for curbside pickup, you may need to cut the tree into smaller pieces to ensure it’s collected.
4. Drop It Off: If curbside service isn’t available, look for designated drop-off sites at parks, recycling centers or community events.

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