Does the City of Charleston provide recycling?

No. Recycling is provided by Charleston County Environmental Management, not the City. Contact Charleston County at (843) 720-7111 for a recycling cart and your biweekly schedule.

What holidays affect trash pickup in Charleston in 2026?

During any City holiday week, collection generally runs one day later. Trident Waste areas (Johns Island, Daniel Island, Cainhoy) may run normally even when City crews are delayed. Independence Day falls on Saturday in 2026 so there is no weekday impact. Always check the CHS TrashTracker app or charleston-sc.gov for specific announcements.

What can I recycle in Charleston?

Charleston County accepts in the recycling cart: all paper, paperboard, flattened cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (rinsed), aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles and jars. Never put in: plastic bags or film, Styrofoam, food waste, shredded paper, electronics, or CFL bulbs.

How do I report a missed garbage pickup in Charleston?

Submit a report at charleston-sc.gov or call (843) 724-7311. Verify your collection day on Mapnet, check for holiday delays, and confirm the green cart was within 2 feet of the curb with the handle away from the street and 3 feet of clearance from all obstacles.

Charleston Trash Pickup Schedule, Recycling & Bulk 2026

Q: How do I request a garbage container in Charleston?

New residents must request a green garbage container online at charleston-sc.gov/346 or by calling (843) 724-7311. Containers come in three sizes; most residents use the 96-gallon option.

Q: How do I dispose of yard waste in Charleston?

Leaves, twigs, weeds, and grass clippings must be in brown paper bags (resident provides them). Loose piles or plastic bags will not be collected. Tree limbs must be cut to 4-foot lengths and 4-inch diameter. No household garbage may be placed with yard waste.

Q: Where do I drop off hazardous waste in Charleston?

Charleston County Convenience Centers accept HHW and electronics Monday–Saturday, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM. Find locations at charlestoncounty.org/departments/environmental-management/recycle-locations.php. The Signal Point Road Center (1716 Signal Point Rd) has limited hours and limited accepted materials.

Find your Charleston Environmental Services garbage and trash day, County recycling schedule, yard waste rules, and 2026 holiday delays — by address.

City of Charleston · Environmental Services Division · Charleston County Environmental Management · Updated 2026

⭐ Collection Day Finder

Find Your Charleston Collection Day

Charleston operates Monday–Friday routes. Your exact day depends on your address. Select your day below for quick info, or use the official Mapnet address lookup for your precise route.

👈 Select your day, or use the official address lookup to confirm your exact route.

⚠ Don’t know your day? Use the official Charleston Mapnet to look up your address. Or download the CHS TrashTracker app (iOS & Android). Or call (843) 724-7311. All contacts ↓

At a Glance

Charleston Waste Collection — Quick Facts

The City of Charleston Environmental Services Division provides garbage and trash/yard waste collection weekly to residential and commercial customers. Importantly, the City does not provide recycling — that is a separate service operated by Charleston County Environmental Management. Recycling carts are provided and billed by the County.

🗑

Garbage (Green Cart)

Weekly

City Environmental Services

🌿

Trash & Yard Waste

Weekly

Separate pile/stream

♻

Recycling

Every other week

Charleston County (not City)

📦

Bulk & Appliances

Weekly

On regular trash day, curbside

⚠

Set-Out Time

After 6 PM (night before)

Or by 6:30 AM day-of

⚠ Key distinction: The City of Charleston provides garbage and trash collection. Charleston County Environmental Management provides recycling. These are two separate programs, two separate carts, and may run on different schedules and days. Call the City at (843) 724-7311 for garbage and trash; call the County at (843) 720-7111 for recycling.

🔗 Related Guide Want to understand how trash collection works across the US? Read: How Trash Collection Works in the US (Schedules, Times & Rules)

Collection Streams

Charleston’s Three Separate Collection Streams

Understanding how Charleston collects waste requires knowing that garbage, trash/yard waste, and recycling are three distinct programs handled by different entities. Make sure you know which cart goes out on which day.

🗑

Green Cart — Garbage

Standard household waste. Semi-automated collection. City-issued cart. Only items inside the green cart are collected — loose items beside it will not be picked up.

Weekly • City of Charleston

🌿

Trash & Yard Waste

Dry trash, yard debris, and bulk items placed separately at curbside. Leaves and clippings in brown paper bags only. Weekly collection on your regular day.

Weekly • City of Charleston

♻

Recycling Cart — County

Single-stream (All-In-One) recycling collected every other week. This is a separate Charleston County service — a different cart and potentially a different schedule from garbage.

Biweekly • Charleston County

⏰ Set-Out Rules

Garbage containers: out no earlier than 6:00 PM the evening before and removed no later than 6:00 PM on collection day.
Trash/yard waste: out no earlier than two days before scheduled pickup.
Green garbage cart: handle facing away from the curb, within 2 feet of the curb, at least 3 feet from mailboxes, recycling containers, trees, and vehicles.
Cart lid must close fully. Nothing should stick out of the top or hang over the sides.
Only items inside the green garbage cart are collected. Cardboard and other items beside the cart will not be picked up for crew safety.

💡 Excess garbage? Items that don’t fit in your green cart can be taken to a Charleston County Convenience Center. Most centers are open Monday–Saturday, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM. Visit charlestoncounty.org for locations.

🔗 Related Guide Not sure what goes in each bin? See: Trash and Recycling Guide in the US (Rules, Pickup & Recycling Explained 2026)

Holiday Schedule

Charleston Holiday Trash Collection Schedule 2026

When the City of Charleston observes a holiday, garbage and trash collection shifts one day later for the entire week. The City publishes specific holiday schedule announcements on its website and Facebook page. Note: Trident Waste (Johns Island, Daniel Island, Cainhoy) may follow a different schedule — always check the CHS TrashTracker app or the City website for their specific announcement.

Holiday	2026 Date	City Crews Impact	Trident Waste Areas
New Year’s Day	Thu, Jan 1	1-Day Delay	Check city announcement
MLK Jr. Day	Mon, Jan 19	Possible delay	Check city announcement
Presidents’ Day	Mon, Feb 16	1-Day Delay	Normal (confirmed 2026)
Memorial Day	Mon, May 25	Likely 1-Day Delay	Check city announcement
Independence Day	Sat, Jul 4	Normal	Normal
Labor Day	Mon, Sep 7	Likely 1-Day Delay	Check city announcement
Thanksgiving Day	Thu, Nov 26	Likely 1-Day Delay	Check city announcement
Christmas Day	Fri, Dec 25	Likely 1-Day Delay	Check city announcement

💡 Best practice: During any holiday week, check the CHS TrashTracker app or the City’s website at charleston-sc.gov for the confirmed schedule specific to your area. Trident Waste areas (Johns Island, Daniel Island, Cainhoy) may not follow the same delay as city crews.

🔗 Related Guide Holiday delays confuse millions of US residents every year: Holiday Trash Pickup in the US (Schedule Changes & Delays Explained)

Recycling — Charleston County

Recycling in Charleston — Charleston County Environmental Management

The City of Charleston does not provide recycling services. Curbside recycling for Charleston residents is provided by Charleston County Environmental Management using a biweekly single-stream (All-In-One Recycling) program. To request a recycling roll cart or check your recycling schedule, contact Charleston County at (843) 720-7111.

📦 Recycling Cart Rules

Charleston County provides the recycling cart — call (843) 720-7111 or request online at charlestoncounty.org.
Recycling is collected every other week (biweekly). Your schedule may differ from your garbage day.
Charleston County also offers a free Recycle Coach app and prints the 2026 schedule annually. Download the app or check charlestoncounty.org for your specific schedule.
Only material inside the recycling cart is collected. Do not leave overflow material outside the cart — take extras to a County dropsite or convenience center.
All cardboard must be flattened.

✅ Accepted in the Recycling Cart

All paper: office paper, newspapers, magazines, junk mail, books, bags
Paperboard: cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, egg cartons
Cardboard (flattened)
Plastic bottles and containers (rinsed)
Aluminum and steel cans, aerosols
Glass bottles and jars (rinsed)

🚫 Never in the Recycling Cart

Plastic bags or film → grocery store drop-off
Styrofoam or bubble wrap packaging
Food waste → garbage cart
Shredded paper (too small to sort)
Electronics or batteries → County Convenience Centers
CFL bulbs or fluorescent tubes → County Convenience Centers

🔗 Related Guide Learn what the most common recycling mistakes are: How to Recycle Properly in the US (Rules, Bins & Common Mistakes)

Trash & Yard Waste

Charleston Trash & Yard Waste Collection Rules

The City’s trash/yard waste collection is a separate stream from garbage and recycling, collected weekly on your regular day. No household garbage may be placed with yard waste.

✅ Accepted as Trash/Yard Waste

Leaves, twigs, weeds, and grass clippings in brown paper bags (resident provides bags)
Tree limbs cut to 4-foot lengths and 4-inch diameter, stacked curbside clear of obstructions
Miscellaneous dry trash and metal scrap
Personal construction materials (small amounts)
Furniture, junk, and other bulk items placed in a separate pile
Appliances and white goods (see bulk section)

🚫 Not Accepted with Yard Waste

Household garbage → green garbage cart only
Loose leaves or clippings in plastic bags → not collected
Concrete, dirt, sod, sand, or plaster
Carpet or construction/renovation debris
Tires
Hot ashes
Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, batteries) → County Convenience Centers

⚠ Loose leaves in piles will not be collected. All leaves, twigs, weeds, and grass clippings must be placed in brown paper bags for yard waste collection. It is the resident’s responsibility to supply the bags. Yard waste in plastic bags is not collected.

🔗 Related Guide Yard waste rules vary significantly by city across the US: Yard Waste Pickup Rules in the US (What’s Allowed & What’s Not)

Bulk & Large Items

Charleston Bulk Item & Appliance Pickup

The City of Charleston collects bulk items, furniture, and large appliances (white goods) as part of the regular trash/yard waste collection service. No separate scheduling call is required for most items — place them at the curb on your regular trash collection day.

📦 Bulk Pickup Rules

Place bulk items and appliances separately at the curb (or edge of pavement) on your regular trash collection day. Keep separate from garbage and recycling carts.
For appliances: remove or secure all doors on refrigerators and freezers. Drain hot water heaters completely.
For furniture and large items: remove all doors and drawers if applicable before placing at the curb.
For specific items or large volumes, contact Environmental Services at (843) 724-7364 to confirm acceptance and timing.

✅ Accepted Bulk Items

Furniture: sofas, chairs, tables, bed frames (doors/drawers removed)
Mattresses and box springs
Appliances: refrigerators, washers, dryers (doors secured or removed)
Hot water heaters (completely drained)
Metal scrap and large metal items
Junk and miscellaneous large debris

🚫 Not Accepted — Bulk

Tires
Electronics (TVs, computers) → County Convenience Centers
Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals) → County Convenience Centers
Concrete, dirt, sand, sod, or plaster
Carpet
Construction or renovation debris
Hot ashes

🔗 Related Guide Bulky pickup rules vary widely across the US: Bulk Trash Pickup in the US (Rules, Scheduling & What’s Accepted)

Hazardous Waste & Electronics

Hazardous Waste & Electronics — County Convenience Centers

The City of Charleston does not collect electronics or hazardous waste. Charleston County Environmental Management operates multiple Convenience Centers where residents can drop off HHW and e-waste at no charge. Residents only — not for commercial use.

🚩 Staffed Convenience Centers

Open Monday–Saturday, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM

Closed Sunday

Multiple locations countywide. Visit charlestoncounty.org/recycle-locations for the full list.

Residents of Charleston County only. Bring proof of residency if required.

🚩 Signal Point Rd. Center (Limited)

1716 Signal Point Road, Charleston 29412

Open Tues–Sat, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Closed Sunday and Monday

Limited service: does not accept yard waste, household garbage, construction debris, scrap metal, appliances, or propane tanks.

✅ Accepted at Convenience Centers

Paint: latex and oil-based (water-based & oil-based)
Paint thinner, rust remover, turpentine, furniture stripper
Electronics: TVs, computers, phones, tablets
Batteries (all types)
Motor oil & automotive fluids (at Bees Ferry)
CFL and fluorescent bulbs
Pool chemicals and household solvents
Propane tanks (must be emptied; leave with staff)
Appliances, scrap metal (at full-service centers)
Recycled latex paint available for purchase ($10/5-gal, Bees Ferry, Mon–Fri 8AM–2:30PM)

🚫 Not Accepted at Centers

Unlabeled containers with unknown contents
Commercial or business hazardous waste
Shingles, bricks, cement, stucco
Plastic bags, fireworks, gasoline
Animal carcasses
Regular household garbage or trash
Tires (charged separately: $90/ton)

💡 Sharps disposal: Place syringes and sharp items in a hard plastic or metal container (empty bleach bottle, etc.) labeled “WARNING: NEEDLES!” with at least 3/8-inch lettering. Place the labeled container at the top of your garbage cart so it is clearly visible to collection crews. Contact SCDHEC for additional sharps disposal guidance.

Trident Waste Areas

Johns Island, Daniel Island & Cainhoy — Trident Waste Service

Portions of Charleston served by Trident Waste (Johns Island and outer West Ashley; Daniel Island and Cainhoy) operate under a separate contractor from City crews. Holiday schedules for Trident Waste areas may differ from City-operated routes.

⚠ Key Differences for Trident Waste Areas

As confirmed for Presidents’ Day 2026: when City crews ran a one-day delay, Trident Waste ran on a normal schedule. This may apply to other holidays as well.
Always check the CHS TrashTracker app or the City’s website for the specific holiday announcement for your area.
General collection rules (set-out time, cart placement, accepted materials) are the same as for City-served areas.
For service issues in Trident Waste areas, contact the City Citizen Services Desk at (843) 724-7311.

⚠ If you live on Johns Island, outer West Ashley, Daniel Island, or Cainhoy: Do not assume the same holiday delay applies to your route as to other Charleston neighborhoods. Always verify your schedule on the CHS TrashTracker app or at charleston-sc.gov before each holiday.

Missed Pickup

What to Do If Your Trash Wasn’t Collected in Charleston

Confirm your collection day using the Mapnet address lookup or the CHS TrashTracker app. Verify whether your area is City-served or Trident Waste.
Check for a holiday delay. During holiday weeks, City-served routes run one day later. Trident Waste areas may run normally — check the City website for your specific area.
Verify cart and trash placement: garbage cart must be within 2 feet of curb, handle away from street, lid closed, 3 feet from obstructions. Trash/yard waste must be curbside. Loose items beside the green garbage cart will not be collected.
For garbage not collected: submit an online request at the City of Charleston request tracker, or call (843) 724-7311.
For recycling not collected: contact Charleston County Environmental Management at (843) 720-7111 (the County handles recycling, not the City).

Local Tips

Charleston Trash & Recycling Tips Every Resident Should Know

🏠 New to Charleston or Just Moved In?

New residents must request a garbage container from the City of Charleston. Submit an online request at charleston-sc.gov/346 or call (843) 724-7311. Containers come in three sizes (most residents use 96-gallon). For recycling, contact Charleston County at (843) 720-7111 to request a recycling roll cart. Use Mapnet to find your garbage and trash collection day.

🚫 5 Common Mistakes Charleston Residents Make

Assuming the City provides recycling — it doesn’t; contact Charleston County at (843) 720-7111
Putting loose leaves in piles or plastic bags — they won’t be collected; use brown paper bags
Setting the garbage cart out too early (no earlier than 6 PM the night before)
Leaving cardboard or items beside the green cart — only what’s inside the cart gets collected
Assuming Trident Waste areas follow the same holiday delay as City crews — check the TrashTracker app

🔐 Garbage Container Sizes

The City provides green garbage containers in three sizes. Most residential customers use the 96-gallon container. A record of each assigned container is maintained by the City. Containers are issued upon request to new residents — call (843) 724-7311 or submit the online request form.

Contact

Contact Charleston Environmental Services & County

Contact	Details
City Citizen Services Desk	📞 (843) 724-7311 — garbage and trash requests, missed pickup reports, container requests, holiday schedules
Environmental Services Division	📞 (843) 724-7364 — direct line for refuse questions • prices@charleston-sc.gov
Charleston Mapnet (Address Lookup)	gis.charleston-sc.gov/interactive/mapnet — enter your address to find your garbage/trash collection day and area
CHS TrashTracker App	Free iOS & Android app — address-based schedule, holiday alerts, service change notifications, work order submissions
City Website	charleston-sc.gov/345/Environmental-Services — all city waste services, holiday announcements
Charleston County — Recycling	📞 (843) 720-7111 — recycling cart requests, biweekly schedule, 2026 recycling calendar • charlestoncounty.org/environmental-management
County Convenience Centers (HHW)	Mon–Sat 7:30 AM–6:00 PM • Multiple locations • charlestoncounty.org/recycle-locations

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — Charleston Trash Pickup

Your garbage and trash collection day depends on your address. Use the official Mapnet address lookup at gis.charleston-sc.gov/interactive/mapnet or the CHS TrashTracker app (iOS and Android) to find your exact day. You can also call the City Citizen Services Desk at (843) 724-7311.

No. The City of Charleston does not provide recycling services. Curbside recycling is provided separately by Charleston County Environmental Management. Contact Charleston County at (843) 720-7111 to request a recycling cart or find your biweekly recycling schedule. The City strongly encourages recycling but does not operate the program.

New residents must request a green garbage container by submitting an online request at charleston-sc.gov/346 or by calling (843) 724-7311. Containers come in three sizes; most residents use the 96-gallon option. The container is assigned to your address and tracked by the City.

During any City holiday week, Charleston’s garbage and trash collection generally runs one day later than normal. Trident Waste areas (Johns Island, Daniel Island, Cainhoy) may run on a normal schedule even when City crews are delayed — this was confirmed for Presidents’ Day 2026. Always check the CHS TrashTracker app or charleston-sc.gov for specific holiday announcements. Independence Day falls on Saturday in 2026, so there is no weekday impact.

Charleston County’s All-In-One recycling accepts: all paper products (newspapers, magazines, junk mail, office paper, books), paperboard (cereal boxes, egg cartons), flattened cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (rinsed), aluminum and steel cans and aerosols, and glass bottles and jars. Never put in: plastic bags or film, Styrofoam or packaging bubbles, food waste, shredded paper, electronics, or CFL bulbs.

Leaves, twigs, weeds, and grass clippings must be placed in brown paper bags (resident provides the bags). Loose piles or plastic bags will not be collected. Tree limbs must be cut to 4-foot lengths and 4-inch diameter and stacked curbside. No household garbage may be placed with yard waste. Yard waste is collected on your regular trash day.

The City collects bulk items and appliances on your regular trash collection day. Place them separately at the curb. Remove or secure all doors on refrigerators and freezers; drain hot water heaters. No advance call is required for most items, but for large volumes or specific items, call (843) 724-7364. Electronics are not accepted by the City — take those to a Charleston County Convenience Center.

Charleston County Environmental Management operates Convenience Centers open Monday–Saturday, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM. They accept paint, solvents, batteries, electronics, motor oil, CFL bulbs, and pool chemicals. The Signal Point Road Center (1716 Signal Point Rd) has limited hours and does not accept all items. Find all locations at charlestoncounty.org/departments/environmental-management/recycle-locations.php.

Submit a report through the online request tracker at charleston-sc.gov or call (843) 724-7311. First verify your collection day on Mapnet and check for any holiday delay announcement. Confirm your green cart was within 2 feet of the curb with the handle facing away from the street, lid closed, and 3 feet of clearance from all obstacles.

Official Source

Still Can’t Find Your Collection Day?

The official Mapnet tool is the most accurate way to find your Charleston garbage and trash collection day by address. Download the CHS TrashTracker app for ongoing alerts. For recycling, contact Charleston County directly.

🔍 Official Charleston Lookup & Contact Options

Use these authoritative sources for address-specific schedule information:

🔍 Open Mapnet Lookup 📞 Call (843) 724-7311

Charleston Mapnet	gis.charleston-sc.gov/interactive/mapnet — enter address to find your garbage/trash collection day and service area
CHS TrashTracker App	Free iOS & Android app — schedule by address, holiday alerts, work order submissions. Download from the App Store or Google Play.
City Environmental Services	charleston-sc.gov/345/Environmental-Services — all city waste rules, holiday announcements, garbage container requests
City Citizen Services	(843) 724-7311 — container requests, missed pickups, all city waste questions
Charleston County Recycling	(843) 720-7111 • charlestoncounty.org/environmental-management — recycling cart, biweekly schedule, 2026 calendar
County Convenience Centers (HHW)	charlestoncounty.org/recycle-locations — HHW & electronics drop-off locations and hours

You will leave this website when using any of the links above. Mapnet and the CHS TrashTracker app are the most complete sources for address-specific collection information.

Other Cities

Trash & Recycling Schedules for Other US Cities

Looking for waste collection information in another city? Here are cities we’ve already covered with full schedules, recycling rules, and bulk pickup guides:

🏭 New York City 🏭 Hartford 🏭 Rochester Hills 🏭 Sacramento 🏭 San Diego