Trash, brush & recycling in McAllen
Garbage, recycling & brush days — look up your address
Maps & schedules from the city itself
Weekly garbage collection
Every resident receives a black garbage cart. Place the cart on the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled day and bring it back inside by 7:00 p.m. The cart must be at least 3 feet away from any obstruction (mailboxes, cars, shrubs) and cannot overflow; the lid must stay closed and nothing may be placed on top of the container.
Recycling program
The city provides a blue recycling cart that requires a separate application and badge. The recycling fee is $15.50 per month; an additional bin costs $13.50 per month. Accepted materials include glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum/tin cans, and plastics #1 & #2. If your blue bin is replaced with a black one, call 956-681-4050 for assistance.
Brush and leaf (Bag IT!) collection
McAllen supplies 20 free compostable brown paper bags each month for grass clippings and leaves; five bags per month are available at city facilities. Bags can be picked up at the Recycling Center, City Hall, Main Library, McAllen Chamber of Commerce, Lark Community Center, Palmview Community Center, Las Palmas Community Center, and Quinta Mazatlán. The bags are made of paper and biodegrade quickly for use in the city’s composting facility.
Drop‑off site (landfill alternative)
Residents can bring tires, metals, brush trimmings, old appliances and other items to the drop‑off site at 4101 N. Bentsen. Hours are Monday‑Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Construction debris is not accepted; bring your water bill for verification. The service is for residential use only; call 956‑681‑4050 for more information.
Fees and additional bins
A standard black garbage cart is provided at no charge. The blue recycling cart costs $15.50 per month, and an extra bin (any type) costs $13.50 per month. For any questions about fees, call the Solid Waste Department at (956) 681‑4020.