Keep things clean during the holiday season

- City provides free to low-cost disposal options in between brush collection cycles -

As we approach the holiday season, San Antonio households will generate more trash than usual, which is why the City’s Environmental Services Department is asking residents to keep their neighborhoods clean during this time of year. This includes keeping brush, appliances, furniture and other bulky trash items off the curb and out of view.

Residents are asked to wait until they receive a yellow “It’s your turn” brush collection notice from the City before placing any items out for collection. Any materials placed on residential curbs without notification from the City is considered a violation of City Code and may be subject to enforcement and fines up to $2000.00 a day.

In an effort to help residents avoid any possible penalty for illegally placed materials, the City offers several waste disposal options. Residents are encouraged to call 3-1-1 to learn more about the “12 Ways” to dispose of household items. Following are a few examples of these disposal alternatives.

• Brush trimmings can be picked up through weekly garbage collection. For manual collection, trimmings must be bundled and tied into four-foot lengths and weigh less than 40 pounds in order to be eligible for collection. If your collection is provided using an automated cart, please place brush trimmings only inside the brown trash cart for collection.
• Residents who have brush or bulky items can request a “House Call,” or special collection for a nominal fee. Residents can request a free estimate by calling 3-1-1. Once the fee is established and paid, City crews will collect materials from the resident’s curb within two days.
• Neighborhood associations and non-profit groups can request a Dial-A-Trailer for a large cleanup event for their residents or members. When an organization requests this service, a garbage truck will be stationed at a designated site on a pre-scheduled Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for residents to drop off their brush and bulky items. Interested groups should call 3-1-1 to request a Dial-A-Trailer application form.
• Residents can dispose of brush and tree trimmings for a nominal fee (based on the weight of the load) at the Bitters Road Brush Recycling Center, 1800 Bitters Road. Loads must be covered with a tarp before transporting to prevent littering and to avoid a potential “no tarp” fine.
• The City will not accept or collect household hazardous wastes, bricks, large amounts of lumber, construction, demolition or remodeling materials curbside. Household hazardous waste materials can be safely disposed at the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Center, 7030 Culebra Road, just inside Loop 410.

For more information on how to dispose of brush or other materials, or for facility operating hours please call 3-1-1 or check the City’s website at: www.sanantonio.gov/brush.