Providence Trash Pickup Schedule, Recycling & Bulk 2026

⏰ Set-Out Rules — Both Carts

• Place carts at the curb no earlier than 4:00 p.m. the day before collection and no later than 4:00 a.m. on collection day.
• Both carts must be put out — the recycling cart AND the trash cart. Failure to put out recycling may result in trash not being collected (“No Bin, No Barrel” policy).
• Lids must be fully closed on both carts. Overfilled carts may not be collected.
• All trash must be bagged inside the gray cart. Never place loose, unbagged trash outside the cart.
• Keep trash carts away from rodent harborage. Report rodent sightings to DPW at (401) 467-7950.
• New 2026 carts: All residents receiving curbside pickup are getting new 65-gallon trash and recycling carts in spring 2026. Check the delivery schedule at providenceri.gov/cart-delivery-map.

🔊 Need a Cart or Need to Replace One?

Submit a cart request at providenceri.viewpointcloud.com (online form). Or contact DPW at (401) 680-7500. Both the gray trash cart and the Big Green Can recycling cart are provided free to eligible residents (buildings of 6 or fewer units).

🌿 Yard Waste Rules

• Use brown paper debris bags OR your own container with a free yard debris sticker
• Get your free yard debris sticker at DPW Headquarters (75 Chapman St., 8 a.m.–4 p.m.) or the Mayor’s Center for City Services (25 Dorrance St., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
• Waste Management will empty and leave your labeled container at the curb
• No plastic bags of any kind — yard waste in plastic bags will not be collected
• Never put yard debris in your recycling cart
• Season: approximately mid-April through December only

🎄 Christmas Tree Pickup

Christmas tree pickup starts the first Monday of January and continues for three weeks total. Remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, decorations, and stands. Trees must be placed at the curb on your regular trash day. No plastic bags on trees. Trees collected on your regular Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday pickup day during that three-week window.

📅 How to Schedule Bulky Item Pickup

1. Call Waste Management at 1-800-972-4545 or use the online form at wm.com. Call at least 24 hours before your regular trash collection day. Describe the items. Get a confirmation number.
2. Place items at the curb no earlier than 4:00 p.m. the evening before and no later than 4:00 a.m. on the day of scheduled pickup.
3. Place items at the curb in front of your residence with adequate sidewalk space. Do not block the sidewalk or street.
4. Maximum of 3 items per unit per pickup. Buildings with more than 6 units are not eligible — contact your property manager.

🛍 Mattress Disposal — Two Options

• Saturday drop-off (free): Bring unbagged mattresses and box springs to DPW at 700 Allens Avenue, Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (arrive before 12:45 p.m.). Limit 2 items with a valid Providence ID.
• Curbside pickup (fee): Call Waste Management at 1-800-972-4545 at least 48 hours ahead to schedule a fee-based curbside pickup. The mattress must be clean and bagged in a clear mattress bag sealed on both ends. Mattress bags sold at DPW HQ (75 Chapman St.) at a competitive price. Damaged, dirty, frozen, infested, unbagged, or wet mattresses will not be collected.

⚠ Eco-Depot Events — Free, Appointment Required

• Visit ecodepotri.org or call (401) 942-1430 x3241 to find dates, locations, and schedule your appointment.
• Accepted: mercury devices, motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, paint (oil-based), gasoline, pesticides, herbicides, fluorescent bulbs (CFL), rechargeable batteries, sharps/needles, and other toxic or flammable household materials.
• Tire disposal: Bring tires to RI Resource Recovery’s small vehicle area. Fee: $8 per tire. Paint and tires are never accepted in trash or recycling carts.

🔋 How to Handle Extra Trash

• Small amounts of construction material (drywall, small lumber scraps) from household projects can go in your trash cart (lid must close; never in recycling). Contractors may not use residential carts.
• Small appliances that fit in the cart with the lid closed can go in the trash cart if not in working condition.
• For a larger volume of excess trash, consider scheduling a bulky item pickup through Waste Management (1-800-972-4545).
• Contact DPW at (401) 680-7500 for guidance on overflow situations.

🏠 New to Providence or Just Moved In?

Find your collection day at providenceri.gov/waste-pickup-schedule. Service is for buildings with 6 or fewer units only — larger buildings use private haulers. In spring 2026, all curbside residents are receiving new 65-gallon carts. Check your delivery period at providenceri.gov/cart-delivery-map. Both carts go out every week (mandatory recycling). Get your free yard debris sticker at DPW HQ (75 Chapman St.) for yard waste bags.

🇪🇸 Victory Day — Rhode Island’s Unique Holiday

Victory Day (2nd Monday in August) is observed only in Rhode Island — no other US state celebrates it. In 2026, it falls on Monday, August 10. All Monday routes shift to Tuesday, and the rest of the week follows a one-day delay through Saturday. If you’ve moved here from another state, this holiday may catch you off guard.

🚫 5 Common Mistakes Providence Residents Make

• Not putting the recycling cart out — triggers the “No Bin, No Barrel” enforcement; trash won’t be collected
• Putting clothing or textiles in the recycling cart — causes facility shutdowns and safety hazards; always donate or trash them
• Placing bulky items at the curb without scheduling through Waste Management first — items will be left behind without an appointment
• Forgetting Victory Day (August 10) causes a one-day delay
• Using plastic bags for yard waste — they will not be collected; use paper bags or a labeled container only