Q:
Why did the brush and bulky collection program change?
A: Changes to the brush and bulky program will allow for more brush to be collected and recycled. The program will support the City's goal to increase recycling in the City of San Antonio to 60% by 2020. Additionally, the new program collection schedule is easier to understand and will improve neighborhood appearances. The new program became effective on January 31, 2011.
Q: What will happen if I place non-accepted items in my pile?
A: Individuals who set out piles for collection that contain items that are not accepted during the current pickup may be subject to a fee. View the
Brush-Only Collection or
Bulky-Item-Only Collection page for more information about fees for violations and for a list of accepted and not accepted items.
Q: How do I know when I am scheduled for a brush or bulky-item collection?
A: Residents will receive an official City notice on their door seven (7) days before their scheduled pick-up. Collection will begin in that area on the date printed on the notice. Residents can also enter their address into the
Collection Day Finder System to find their scheduled collection date.
Q: How many scheduled pick-ups do I receive a year?
A: Solid Waste customers receive two (2) brush-only collections per year and one bulky-item-only collection, each on a separate schedule. The bulky-items-only collection will take place during the same week each year. The two separate brush-only collections will be approximately six (6) months apart and no closer than one month from the previous and next brush-only collection.
Q: Can I place bagged leaves with my brush collection?
A: No. Do not place bagged leaves out with your brush. Bagged leaves are collected through a separate service. City of San Antonio residents that pay the solid waste fee are eligible for two (2) free special
collection of leaves per fiscal year. To schedule a pick up, please call 3-1-1.
Q: Who is eligible for bulky item or brush collection?
A: Brush and bulky item collection is provided to all City of San Antonio residents that pay the solid waste fee. Check your CPS Energy bill; if it lists a Solid Waste Fee, you are a customer of the City and you are eligible to receive brush collection and bulky-item collection.
Q:
Where do I place my brush or bulky items?
A: Brush or bulky items should be placed eight (8) feet from the curb. Do not place material in front of parked cars, near fences, trees, mailboxes, beneath overhead wires, or low hanging trees. Brush or bulky items will not be collected if not easily accessible by collection crews.
Q:
What if I miss my scheduled bulky-item or brush collection?
A: If you missed your scheduled collection or need an immediate collection of brush or bulky items, call 3-1-1 to schedule an out-of-cycle collection. Upon requesting an out-of-cycle collection, City staff will offer a free estimate of the cost for collection and disposal of materials. The fee charged is based on the size of the pile. The City also offers several other alternatives for residents to dispose of unwanted bulky items. For a list of alternative locations to dispose of bulky-items, visit the
Alternative Recycling Opportunities page.
Q:
What materials are accepted during bulky-items-only collection?
A: Furniture, mattresses, appliances, barbecue grills, water heaters, passenger car tires (limit 6), small pieces of carpeting. For more information about what is and is not accepted visit the
Bulky-Item Collection page.
Q:
What materials are accepted during brush-only collections?
A: Tree branches, woody vines, shrubs, other herbaceous and woody plants. All brush material should be less than six (6) feet in length. For more information about what is and is not accepted see the
Brush Collection page.
Q:
How many tires can I set out with my bulky waste?
A: Residents may set out up to six passenger vehicle tires during their scheduled bulky-item collection.
Q:
Why doesn’t the Solid Waste crew sweep after brush collection?
A: The collection trucks are not equipped to sweep the streets. City street sweepers are scheduled to sweep the area the week following your area’s brush collection.
Q:
Is there a limit to how much brush or bulky waste I can set out?
A: Bulky-item piles must not exceed eight (8) cubic yards. Eight cubic yards is roughly equivalent to eight (8) washer or dryers. Brush piles must also not exceed eight (8) cubic yards.
Q:
Whom can I call with additional questions?
A: For general questions about the brush-only collection program or bulky-item-only collection, please call 3-1-1.
