Last updated: June 2026 | Reviewed by Fran A., Editor-in-Chief
Every year, millions of Americans put their trash bin out on the wrong day — because a holiday quietly shifted the schedule and nobody told them. It’s frustrating, it’s avoidable, and that’s exactly why this guide exists.
This is the most complete 2026 holiday garbage collection schedule available for U.S. residents. Below you’ll find:
- Every federal holiday that affects collection in 2026
- How the most common delay policies actually work
- What the largest U.S. cities do on each holiday
- What to do if your trash still wasn’t picked up
Bookmark this page before your next holiday. You’ll want it.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer Before You Read
Trash pickup schedules are set by individual cities and private waste haulers — not at the federal level. This guide reflects general policies and publicly reported schedules as of mid-2026. Policies change, and some cities update their holiday schedules each year.
Always verify your specific pickup day using your city’s official sanitation website, the 311 app, or your hauler’s customer portal. If a schedule below differs from what your city officially states, trust your city.
How the 2026 Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule Works
Before diving city by city, it helps to understand the three systems most American municipalities use.
The One-Day Delay Rule (Most Common)
When a holiday falls on a weekday, all collection routes for the rest of that week shift forward by one day. Example: if your normal pickup is Tuesday and Monday is a federal holiday, your bin goes out Wednesday instead.
This is the policy used by New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Columbus, Philadelphia, and dozens of other major cities.
The Holiday-Day-Only Delay
Only the route that was actually scheduled for the holiday day gets rescheduled — usually to Saturday. The rest of the week runs on its normal schedule. San Francisco uses a version of this.
No Change Policy
Some cities and private haulers don’t adjust their schedules for any holiday, or only for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Your bin goes out on the usual day regardless.
The takeaway: there is no single national rule. Your city decides — and so does your hauler if collection is contracted out.
2026 Federal Holidays That Affect Garbage Collection
This matters because a Monday holiday (like Labor Day or MLK Day) affects far more households than a Saturday holiday.
| Holiday | 2026 Date | Day | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | High |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday | High |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16 | Monday | High |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday | High |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19 | Friday | Medium |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Saturday | Low–Medium* |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday | High |
| Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day | October 12 | Monday | Medium |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday | Medium |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday | High |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | High |
*July 4th falls on a Saturday in 2026. Many cities will observe the holiday on Friday, July 3 — which means Friday routes may be affected.
Pro tip: Monday holidays cause the biggest disruptions because the one-day delay rule pushes every route that week back. If your pickup is Friday and Monday was a holiday, check whether your city applies the delay all week or only to Monday’s route.
2026 Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule – City by City
Note: The information below reflects each city’s publicly stated general policies as of mid-2026. Always confirm at your city’s official sanitation website before your holiday.
New York City, NY
Provider: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)
DSNY suspends all collection — trash, recycling, and organics — on all 11 federal holidays. If your pickup falls on a holiday, collection is delayed one day. Every route that week shifts forward by one day for the remainder of the week.
Holidays with full suspension in 2026: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: nyc.gov/sanitation or the NYC 311 app
👉 Related: Is Trash Pickup Delayed on Christmas Day 2026?
Los Angeles, CA
Provider: LA Sanitation (LASAN)
LASAN observes six major holidays with service suspension: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. When your route falls on one of these, all routes that week shift one day forward.
- MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day: regular schedule, no delay
- Juneteenth: check your route — policy may vary by district
Where to verify: lacitysan.org or the MyLA311 app
👉 Related: Los Angeles Trash Collection Calendar 2026
Chicago, IL
Provider: City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation
Chicago delays all routes by one day when a holiday falls on a weekday. This applies to blue cart recycling and brown cart organics too.
Holidays observed (one-day delay): New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: chicago.gov/streets or the CHI311 app
👉 Related: Chicago Garbage Pickup Days by District – Full 2026 Schedule
Houston, TX
Provider: City of Houston Solid Waste Management
Houston delays collection for any route that falls on or after a holiday in that week. The city observes five core holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
- MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day: check your district — some areas served by private contractors may follow different rules.
Where to verify: houstonsolidwaste.org
Phoenix, AZ
Provider: City of Phoenix Public Works
Phoenix observes seven holidays. Routes scheduled on a holiday shift to the next available collection day, and the rest of the week follows a one-day delay.
Holidays observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
- Juneteenth and Columbus Day: normal schedule
- Presidents’ Day and Veterans Day: check your district
Where to verify: phoenix.gov/publicworks
Philadelphia, PA
Provider: Philadelphia Streets Department
Philadelphia suspends collection on ten federal holidays and delays all routes that week by one day.
Holidays observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: phila.gov/streets
👉 Related: Philadelphia Garbage Collection Days 2026
San Antonio, TX
Provider: City of San Antonio Solid Waste Management
San Antonio delays collection one day during weeks that include six major holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Other federal holidays typically do not affect the schedule.
Where to verify: sanantonio.gov/swmd
San Diego, CA
Provider: City of San Diego Environmental Services
San Diego delays all routes that week by one day when a holiday falls on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas Day.
Recycling and yard waste follow the same delay schedule. Use the city’s My Route tool to confirm your specific pickup day.
Where to verify: sandiego.gov/environmental-services
Dallas, TX
Provider: City of Dallas Sanitation Services
Dallas applies a one-day delay to all routes for the remainder of the week when a holiday falls on a weekday. Observed holidays: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: dallascityhall.com/sanitation
Jacksonville, FL
Provider: City of Jacksonville Solid Waste Division
Jacksonville delays all routes by one day when a holiday falls on a weekday. If a holiday falls on a Friday, routes are rescheduled to Saturday.
Holidays observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: coj.net/solid-waste
👉 Related: Labor Day Garbage Collection 2026
Austin, TX
Provider: Austin Resource Recovery
Austin takes a slightly different approach: routes that fall directly on a holiday are rescheduled to the following Saturday, rather than pushing all routes forward all week.
Holidays observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: austintexas.gov/arr
Fort Worth, TX
Provider: City of Fort Worth Environmental Services
Fort Worth delays all routes one day during weeks with a major holiday. Observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: fortworthtexas.gov/environmental
Columbus, OH
Provider: City of Columbus Refuse Collection
Columbus delays all routes by one day for the rest of the holiday week. This includes recycling and bulk collection.
Holidays observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: columbus.gov/refuse
Charlotte, NC
Provider: City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services
Charlotte delays collection one day during weeks with a holiday. Both trash and recycling routes are affected.
Holidays observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: charlottenc.gov/solidwaste
Indianapolis, IN
Provider: Indianapolis Department of Public Works
Indianapolis delays all routes one day during holiday weeks. Observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: indy.gov/dpw
San Francisco, CA
Provider: Recology (contracted)
San Francisco is one of the few major cities where the holiday garbage collection schedule does not change for most holidays. Recology only suspends service on two days: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. On those days, your pickup is rescheduled to the following Saturday.
All other federal holidays — including New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day — run on the normal schedule.
Where to verify: recology.com/san-francisco
Seattle, WA
Provider: Seattle Public Utilities / contracted haulers by zone
Seattle delays pickup to the next business day when your route falls on a holiday. All subsequent routes that week are also pushed back one day.
Holidays observed: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
- MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day: check your specific hauler
Where to verify: seattle.gov/utilities
Denver, CO
Provider: Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI)
Denver delays all collection routes by one day during holiday weeks.
Holidays observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: denvergov.org/trash
Nashville, TN
Provider: Nashville Metro Public Works
Nashville delays all routes one day when a holiday falls within the week.
Holidays observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: nashville.gov/public-works
Washington, DC
Provider: DC Department of Public Works (DPW)
Washington DC observes all 11 federal holidays with full collection suspension. All routes shift forward one day for the remainder of the week — including trash, recycling, and bulk pickup.
Where to verify: dpw.dc.gov
👉 Related: Washington DC Trash Pickup Days 2026
Las Vegas, NV
Provider: Republic Services (contracted)
Republic Services observes six holidays in the Las Vegas area: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Routes affected that week are delayed to the next available collection day.
Where to verify: republicservices.com or your city’s utility portal
Portland, OR
Provider: City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services
Portland delays collection one day during weeks with an observed holiday. Recycling, compost, and yard waste follow the same schedule.
Holidays observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: portland.gov/bes
Memphis, TN
Provider: City of Memphis Division of Public Works
Memphis delays routes by one day during holiday weeks for the major federal holidays: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: memphistn.gov/public-works
Louisville, KY
Provider: Louisville Metro Government Waste Management
Louisville delays collection one day for weeks that include: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: louisvilleky.gov/government/waste-management
Baltimore, MD
Provider: Baltimore City Department of Public Works
Baltimore delays all routes one day during holiday weeks. This includes recycling and bulk trash.
Holidays observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: publicworks.baltimorecity.gov
Milwaukee, WI
Provider: City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works
Milwaukee delays collection one day when a holiday falls on a weekday. Both trash and recycling are affected.
Holidays observed: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: city.milwaukee.gov/dpw
Albuquerque, NM
Provider: City of Albuquerque Solid Waste Management
Albuquerque delays routes one day for weeks that include major holidays: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Where to verify: cabq.gov/solidwaste
Tucson, AZ
Provider: City of Tucson Environmental Services
Tucson delays collection one day during holiday weeks for major federal holidays. This includes trash, recycling, and bulk item pickup.
Where to verify: tucsonaz.gov/es
2026 Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule – Quick Reference Chart
Not sure at a glance? Use this table. ✅ = Delay confirmed | ⬜ = Normal schedule | ❓ = Verify locally before the holiday.
| City | MLK Day | Presidents’ Day | Memorial Day | July 4th | Labor Day | Thanksgiving | Christmas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Los Angeles | ⬜ | ⬜ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Chicago | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Houston | ❓ | ❓ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Phoenix | ✅ | ❓ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Philadelphia | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| San Antonio | ⬜ | ⬜ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| San Diego | ⬜ | ⬜ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dallas | ✅ | ⬜ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| San Francisco | ⬜ | ⬜ | ⬜ | ⬜ | ⬜ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Seattle | ⬜ | ❓ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Denver | ✅ | ⬜ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Washington DC | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Austin | ✅ | ⬜ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nashville | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Portland | ✅ | ⬜ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Baltimore | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Louisville | ✅ | ⬜ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Memphis | ✅ | ⬜ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Milwaukee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
What To Do When You Can’t Find Your City’s Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule
City not on the list? Moved recently? Here’s a fast 4-step process to get your answer before the holiday hits.
Step 1 – Go to your city’s official website Search “[your city] sanitation holiday schedule 2026.” Most large cities post a confirmed holiday schedule on their public works or sanitation page.
Step 2 – Use the 311 app or call 311 311 is the universal non-emergency city services line across the U.S. Operators handle trash schedule questions in under two minutes. Available in most major cities by phone or app.
Step 3 – Check your hauler’s website directly If your trash is collected by a private company (Republic Services, WM, Recology, etc.), go to their site, enter your address, and look for holiday schedule notices. They’re usually posted 1–2 weeks before each major holiday.
Step 4 – Set a phone reminder Even if you confirm the schedule today, things change. Set a reminder for the day before each holiday to double-check your pickup is still running as expected.
👉 Related: When Trash Is Delayed by a Holiday: How to Find Your New Day
What Happens If You Miss the Rescheduled Garbage Collection Day?
It happens. If your trash wasn’t collected after a holiday rescheduling — or if you missed the new day — here’s what to do:
- Wait 24 hours. Some cities run delayed routes into the evening or early the following morning.
- Use your city’s service portal. Look for a “Report Missed Collection” option on the sanitation department page.
- Call 311. Most cities will schedule a make-up collection within 1–3 business days once you report it.
- Don’t leave your bin out indefinitely. Many cities have ordinances about bins left on the curb more than 24 hours after collection day.
👉 Related: What Happens If I Miss Trash Pickup Day?
Does the 2026 Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule Affect Recycling Too?
A question that comes up constantly: does the holiday schedule change also apply to my recycling bin?
In most cities: yes. If regular trash is delayed one day, recycling follows the same shift. Bulk item pickup (furniture, appliances, mattresses) also typically follows the same holiday delay calendar as regular trash.
Exceptions worth knowing:
- Composting and organics bins: Some cities — particularly San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland — run green bin composting programs on separate contracts. Always verify your green bin schedule independently.
- Hazardous waste collection events: These are pre-scheduled, one-time events unaffected by weekly holiday delays.
- Private recycling haulers: If your recycling is collected by a different company than your trash, they may follow an entirely different holiday policy.
👉 Related: Holiday Week Trash Schedule 2026 – All Changes in One Place
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule
Is garbage collection always delayed the day after a holiday?
In most major U.S. cities that use the one-day delay rule, yes — but only for routes that fall on or after the holiday within that same week. If your pickup is Monday and Monday is the holiday, you go out Tuesday. If your pickup is Wednesday and Monday was the holiday, you go out Thursday. The delay cascades through the rest of the week.
What if my garbage collection falls on Christmas Day 2026?
Christmas 2026 falls on a Friday. Cities that observe Christmas (most of them) will either reschedule Friday routes to Saturday, or push them to Monday of the following week. Check your specific city’s section above or verify at your city’s official sanitation website.
July 4th is on a Saturday in 2026 — does that affect the garbage collection schedule?
Yes. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, most cities observe it on the preceding Friday (July 3). That means Friday routes could be affected that week. If your pickup is on Friday, check whether your city is moving the observation day to Thursday or Friday.
My city isn’t on this list. Where do I find the holiday garbage collection schedule?
Go to your city or county’s official website and search for “sanitation” or “solid waste.” Most public works departments post holiday schedules on their site. You can also call 311 from any U.S. city for a direct answer.
Does the holiday garbage collection schedule affect recycling the same way?
In most cities, yes — recycling routes follow the same delay schedule as regular trash collection. However, composting and organics pickups sometimes use separate schedules, especially in cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland. Always verify your green bin schedule separately.
I put my trash out on the correct rescheduled day, but it still wasn’t picked up. What do I do?
Wait until the following morning, then report it as a missed pickup through your city’s website or by calling 311. Don’t assume they’ll come back on their own — cities require a report to dispatch a return vehicle.
Which holidays cause the most disruptions to garbage collection schedules?
Thanksgiving and Christmas cause the highest disruption nationally because almost every city suspends service. Memorial Day, Labor Day, and MLK Day (all Mondays in 2026) also cause widespread delays because Monday holidays push the entire week’s routes back.
Related Holiday Garbage Collection Guides
- Is Trash Pickup Delayed on Christmas Day 2026? – City-by-City Guide
- Thanksgiving Garbage Collection 2026 – What Happens to Your Trash?
- New Year’s Day Trash Schedule 2026 – Is Garbage Picked Up?
- Memorial Day Trash Pickup 2026 – Is Collection Running?
- Labor Day Garbage Collection 2026 – Changes by City
- Holiday Week Trash Schedule 2026 – All Changes in One Place
- Complete U.S. Trash Pickup Guide 2026 – Everything You Need to Know
This page is reviewed and updated annually as cities confirm their official holiday schedules. Last review: June 2026. If you notice an error or outdated information for your city, contact us and we’ll update it within 48 hours.
Written and maintained by Fran A., Founder & Editor-in-Chief — trashpickupscheduleday.com
