Last updated: June 2026 | Reviewed by Fran A., Editor-in-Chief
Veterans Day is one of the most inconsistently observed federal holidays for trash collection in the United States. Some cities suspend service and delay routes. Others run their full normal schedule. And many fall somewhere in between — observing it in some districts but not others.
In 2026, Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11. Because it lands mid-week, knowing whether your city observes it matters a lot — a Wednesday delay pushes Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes forward by one day in cities that use the full-week delay system.
This guide tells you exactly what to expect, city by city.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Garbage collection schedules are set locally by your city government or private waste hauler. The information below reflects general publicly stated policies as of mid-2026.
Always verify your specific pickup day at your city’s official sanitation website or by calling 311 before Veterans Day.
Veterans Day 2026 – Key Facts
- Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Federal holiday: Yes
- Day of week: Wednesday
- Routes most affected if observed: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Because Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday, cities that use the one-day full-week delay system will push Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes forward by one day each. Monday and Tuesday routes are unaffected regardless.
This is different from Monday holidays like Labor Day or MLK Day, which delay every route that week. A Wednesday Veterans Day only affects the back half of the week.
Key insight: Veterans Day is one of the most inconsistently observed holidays for sanitation across U.S. cities. New York City and Washington DC observe it fully. Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Denver, Austin, and many others run a normal schedule. Always check your specific city before assuming a delay.
How a Wednesday Holiday Affects Your Trash Schedule
For cities using the full-week one-day delay system, here is what Veterans Day week looks like in 2026:
| Day | Regular Route | Veterans Day Week (if observed) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, Nov 9 | Monday pickup | ✅ Runs normally |
| Tuesday, Nov 10 | Tuesday pickup | ✅ Runs normally |
| Wednesday, Nov 11 | Veterans Day | ❌ Suspended (if observed) |
| Thursday, Nov 12 | Thursday pickup | ⚠️ Delayed to Friday (if observed) |
| Friday, Nov 13 | Friday pickup | ⚠️ Delayed to Saturday (if observed) |
In cities that do NOT observe Veterans Day: Every route that week — Monday through Friday — runs on its normal schedule.
Veterans Day Garbage Pickup 2026 – City by City
New York City, NY
Provider: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Observes Veterans Day: ✅ Yes
DSNY observes all 11 federal holidays, including Veterans Day. Wednesday routes are suspended on November 11. Wednesday pickup shifts to Thursday, Thursday to Friday, and Friday to Saturday for the remainder of that week.
Where to verify: nyc.gov/sanitation or NYC 311 app
👉 Related: Holiday Week Trash Schedule 2026 – All Changes in One Place
Los Angeles, CA
Provider: LA Sanitation (LASAN) Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No
LASAN does not observe Veterans Day. All routes the week of November 11 run on their normal schedule. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday pickups are unaffected.
Where to verify: lacitysan.org or MyLA311 app
Chicago, IL
Provider: City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Observes Veterans Day: ✅ Yes
Chicago observes Veterans Day. Wednesday routes are suspended on November 11. The remainder of the week shifts one day forward — Wednesday to Thursday, Thursday to Friday, Friday to Saturday.
Where to verify: chicago.gov/streets or CHI311 app
Houston, TX
Provider: City of Houston Solid Waste Management Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No (most districts)
Houston does not observe Veterans Day for sanitation purposes in most districts. Routes run normally the week of November 11. If your area uses a private contractor, verify directly with your hauler.
Where to verify: houstonsolidwaste.org
Phoenix, AZ
Provider: City of Phoenix Public Works Observes Veterans Day: ❓ Verify locally
Phoenix observes seven core holidays. Veterans Day is not consistently on that list — check your specific route at the city’s website to confirm whether your district is affected.
Where to verify: phoenix.gov/publicworks
Philadelphia, PA
Provider: Philadelphia Streets Department Observes Veterans Day: ✅ Yes
Philadelphia observes Veterans Day as one of its ten observed holidays. Wednesday routes are suspended on November 11. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday pickups shift one day forward.
Where to verify: phila.gov/streets
San Antonio, TX
Provider: City of San Antonio Solid Waste Management Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No
San Antonio does not observe Veterans Day for sanitation purposes. All routes run normally the week of November 11.
Where to verify: sanantonio.gov/swmd
San Diego, CA
Provider: City of San Diego Environmental Services Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No
San Diego does not observe Veterans Day. Collection runs on its normal schedule the week of November 11.
Where to verify: sandiego.gov/environmental-services
Dallas, TX
Provider: City of Dallas Sanitation Services Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No
Dallas does not observe Veterans Day for sanitation purposes. All weekday routes run normally the week of November 11.
Where to verify: dallascityhall.com/sanitation
Jacksonville, FL
Provider: City of Jacksonville Solid Waste Division Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No
Jacksonville does not observe Veterans Day. Routes run on their normal schedule the week of November 11.
Where to verify: coj.net/solid-waste
Austin, TX
Provider: Austin Resource Recovery Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No
Austin does not observe Veterans Day for sanitation purposes. All routes run normally the week of November 11.
Where to verify: austintexas.gov/arr
Fort Worth, TX
Provider: City of Fort Worth Environmental Services Observes Veterans Day: ❓ Verify locally
Fort Worth observes several federal holidays but Veterans Day is not consistently listed. Verify at the city’s official website before the holiday.
Where to verify: fortworthtexas.gov/environmental
Columbus, OH
Provider: City of Columbus Refuse Collection Observes Veterans Day: ✅ Yes
Columbus observes Veterans Day. Wednesday routes are suspended on November 11. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday pickups shift one day forward for the rest of the week.
Where to verify: columbus.gov/refuse
Charlotte, NC
Provider: City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No
Charlotte does not observe Veterans Day for sanitation purposes. All routes run normally the week of November 11.
Where to verify: charlottenc.gov/solidwaste
Indianapolis, IN
Provider: Indianapolis Department of Public Works Observes Veterans Day: ❓ Verify locally
Indianapolis observes several federal holidays. Veterans Day observance for sanitation purposes varies — check the city’s official holiday schedule before November 11.
Where to verify: indy.gov/dpw
San Francisco, CA
Provider: Recology (contracted) Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No
Recology only observes Thanksgiving and Christmas. Veterans Day causes no schedule change in San Francisco. All routes run normally the week of November 11.
Where to verify: recology.com/san-francisco
Seattle, WA
Provider: Seattle Public Utilities / contracted haulers by zone Observes Veterans Day: ❓ Verify by hauler
Seattle Public Utilities does not consistently list Veterans Day as an observed holiday. Some contracted haulers in the area may follow different rules. Check your specific hauler’s holiday schedule.
Where to verify: seattle.gov/utilities
Denver, CO
Provider: Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No
Denver does not observe Veterans Day for sanitation purposes. All routes run normally the week of November 11.
Where to verify: denvergov.org/trash
Nashville, TN
Provider: Nashville Metro Public Works Observes Veterans Day: ❓ Verify locally
Nashville observes several federal holidays but Veterans Day is not consistently confirmed for sanitation. Verify at the city’s official public works page before November 11.
Where to verify: nashville.gov/public-works
Washington, DC
Provider: DC Department of Public Works (DPW) Observes Veterans Day: ✅ Yes
DPW observes all 11 federal holidays, including Veterans Day. Wednesday routes are fully suspended on November 11. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday pickups shift one day forward.
Where to verify: dpw.dc.gov
👉 Related: 2026 Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule – All U.S. Cities
Las Vegas, NV
Provider: Republic Services (contracted) Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No
Republic Services does not observe Veterans Day in most Las Vegas service areas. Routes run normally the week of November 11. Verify at their site with your address.
Where to verify: republicservices.com
Portland, OR
Provider: City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No
Portland does not observe Veterans Day for sanitation purposes. All routes run normally the week of November 11.
Where to verify: portland.gov/bes
Memphis, TN
Provider: City of Memphis Division of Public Works Observes Veterans Day: ❓ Verify locally
Memphis observes several federal holidays. Veterans Day observance for sanitation varies — check the city’s public works page before November 11.
Where to verify: memphistn.gov/public-works
Louisville, KY
Provider: Louisville Metro Government Waste Management Observes Veterans Day: ⬜ No
Louisville does not observe Veterans Day for sanitation purposes. Collection runs normally the week of November 11.
Where to verify: louisvilleky.gov/government/waste-management
Baltimore, MD
Provider: Baltimore City Department of Public Works Observes Veterans Day: ✅ Yes
Baltimore observes Veterans Day. Wednesday routes are suspended on November 11. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday pickups shift one day forward for the rest of the week.
Where to verify: publicworks.baltimorecity.gov
Milwaukee, WI
Provider: City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Observes Veterans Day: ✅ Yes
Milwaukee observes Veterans Day. Wednesday collection is suspended on November 11. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes shift one day forward.
Where to verify: city.milwaukee.gov/dpw
Albuquerque, NM
Provider: City of Albuquerque Solid Waste Management Observes Veterans Day: ❓ Verify locally
Albuquerque observes several federal holidays but Veterans Day is not consistently confirmed for sanitation purposes. Check the city’s solid waste page before November 11.
Where to verify: cabq.gov/solidwaste
Tucson, AZ
Provider: City of Tucson Environmental Services Observes Veterans Day: ❓ Verify locally
Tucson observes major federal holidays but Veterans Day observance for sanitation varies. Verify at the city’s environmental services page before November 11.
Where to verify: tucsonaz.gov/es
Veterans Day Garbage Pickup 2026 – Quick Reference Chart
✅ = Delay confirmed | ⬜ = Normal schedule | ❓ = Verify locally before November 11
| City | Observes Veterans Day | Wed Nov 11 | Thu Nov 12 | Fri Nov 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ +1 day | ⚠️ +1 day |
| Los Angeles, CA | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Chicago, IL | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ +1 day | ⚠️ +1 day |
| Houston, TX | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Phoenix, AZ | ❓ Verify | ❓ Check | ❓ Check | ❓ Check |
| Philadelphia, PA | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ +1 day | ⚠️ +1 day |
| San Antonio, TX | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| San Diego, CA | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Dallas, TX | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Jacksonville, FL | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Austin, TX | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Fort Worth, TX | ❓ Verify | ❓ Check | ❓ Check | ❓ Check |
| Columbus, OH | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ +1 day | ⚠️ +1 day |
| Charlotte, NC | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Indianapolis, IN | ❓ Verify | ❓ Check | ❓ Check | ❓ Check |
| San Francisco, CA | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Seattle, WA | ❓ Verify | ❓ Check | ❓ Check | ❓ Check |
| Denver, CO | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Nashville, TN | ❓ Verify | ❓ Check | ❓ Check | ❓ Check |
| Washington, DC | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ +1 day | ⚠️ +1 day |
| Las Vegas, NV | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Portland, OR | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Memphis, TN | ❓ Verify | ❓ Check | ❓ Check | ❓ Check |
| Louisville, KY | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Baltimore, MD | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ +1 day | ⚠️ +1 day |
| Milwaukee, WI | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ +1 day | ⚠️ +1 day |
| Albuquerque, NM | ❓ Verify | ❓ Check | ❓ Check | ❓ Check |
| Tucson, AZ | ❓ Verify | ❓ Check | ❓ Check | ❓ Check |
Does Veterans Day Affect Recycling and Bulk Pickup?
In cities that observe Veterans Day for sanitation purposes, yes — recycling follows the same delay as regular trash. If Wednesday recycling is suspended, it shifts to Thursday. Thursday recycling shifts to Friday. Friday recycling shifts to Saturday.
Bulk item and yard waste pickup: Bulk collection typically follows the same holiday calendar as regular trash. If your city observes Veterans Day, expect bulk routes to shift the same way.
Composting and green bins: Cities with separate organics programs — San Francisco, Seattle, Portland — run composting on independent schedules. Always verify your green bin pickup separately around Veterans Day.
👉 Related: When Trash Is Delayed by a Holiday: How to Find Your New Day
What To Do If Your City Isn’t on This List
If your city isn’t covered above, here’s how to get a confirmed answer before Veterans Day:
Step 1 – Check your city’s sanitation website Search “[your city] holiday trash schedule 2026” or “[your city] public works Veterans Day.” Most departments post their full list of observed holidays.
Step 2 – Call or use 311 311 connects you to non-emergency city services in virtually every major U.S. city. Ask directly: “Is trash pickup delayed on Veterans Day this year?”
Step 3 – Check your private hauler If collection is handled by Republic Services, WM, Recology, or another contractor, go to their website, enter your address, and look for Veterans Day notices. Private haulers post holiday updates 1–2 weeks in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions – Veterans Day Garbage Pickup 2026
Is trash pickup running on Veterans Day 2026?
It depends entirely on your city. Some cities — including New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Columbus, Baltimore, and Milwaukee — observe Veterans Day and delay Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes. Many others, including Los Angeles, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, and Portland, run their normal schedule. Check the quick reference chart above for your city.
What day does Veterans Day fall on in 2026?
Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 11. That means only Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes are potentially affected in cities that observe it — Monday and Tuesday routes are not impacted.
My pickup is on Wednesday — will it be delayed on Veterans Day 2026?
If your city observes Veterans Day (see chart above), your Wednesday pickup moves to Thursday. If your city does not observe it, your Wednesday pickup runs normally on November 11.
My pickup is on Thursday or Friday — am I affected?
If your city observes Veterans Day, Thursday routes shift to Friday and Friday routes shift to Saturday. If your city does not observe it, Thursday and Friday routes run normally.
My pickup is on Monday or Tuesday — is Veterans Day relevant to me?
No. Because Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday, Monday and Tuesday routes are never affected — even in cities that observe the holiday with a full-week delay.
Does San Francisco delay collection on Veterans Day 2026?
No. Recology, which handles collection in San Francisco, only observes Thanksgiving and Christmas. Veterans Day does not affect the San Francisco collection schedule.
Does the Veterans Day delay also apply to recycling?
In cities that observe Veterans Day for sanitation, yes — recycling follows the same one-day delay as regular trash. Check your specific city in the chart above.
Is Veterans Day observed the same way every year for trash pickup?
Not necessarily. Some cities change which holidays they observe for sanitation purposes from year to year, especially as newer federal holidays like Juneteenth get added to the calendar. Always verify at your city’s official website rather than relying on what happened the previous year.
Related Holiday Trash Pickup Guides
- 2026 Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule – All U.S. Cities
- Holiday Week Trash Schedule 2026 – All Changes in One Place
- Thanksgiving Garbage Collection 2026 – What Happens to Your Trash?
- Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day Trash Pickup 2026
- Is Trash Pickup Delayed on Christmas Day 2026?
- When Trash Is Delayed by a Holiday: How to Find Your New Day
This page is reviewed and updated annually as cities confirm their official holiday schedules. Last review: June 2026. If you notice an error 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
