Last updated: June 2026 | Reviewed by Fran A., Editor-in-Chief
Columbus Day — increasingly recognized across the country as Indigenous Peoples’ Day — is one of the most inconsistently observed federal holidays when it comes to trash pickup. Some major cities fully suspend collection and delay routes. Others run their complete normal schedule. And a growing number of cities have renamed the holiday without changing their sanitation policy one way or the other.
In 2026, Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day falls on Monday, October 12. Because it lands on a Monday, cities that do observe it will delay every route that week by one day — the same impact as Labor Day or MLK Day.
This guide tells you exactly what to expect, city by city.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Garbage collection schedules are set locally by your city 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 the holiday.
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026 – Key Facts
- Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
- Federal holiday: Yes — officially Columbus Day at the federal level
- Also recognized as: Indigenous Peoples’ Day in many states and cities
- Day of week: Monday
- Routes most affected if observed: All weekday routes (Monday through Friday)
Because this holiday falls on a Monday, cities that observe it with a full-week delay will push every route that week back by one day — Monday to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday, Wednesday to Thursday, Thursday to Friday, Friday to Saturday.
Key insight: This is one of the most divided holidays in the U.S. for sanitation purposes. Cities in the Northeast — especially New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore — have historically observed it. Cities in the South and West — including Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Austin, Denver, and Portland — typically do not. Always check your city directly.
The Columbus Day vs. Indigenous Peoples’ Day Distinction — Does It Affect Trash Pickup?
As more cities and states formally rename the holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a common question comes up: does the name change affect the trash schedule?
The short answer: no. What matters for sanitation purposes is whether your city government officially observes the holiday as a day off for sanitation crews — not what it’s called.
Some cities that have adopted the Indigenous Peoples’ Day name still observe the same Monday holiday for operational purposes. Others have dropped the observance entirely when renaming it. A few never observed Columbus Day to begin with and continue not to.
The name on the calendar is separate from the sanitation policy. Check your city’s official holiday list regardless of which name they use.
How a Monday Holiday Affects Your Full Week Schedule
For cities using the full-week one-day delay system, here is what Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day week looks like in 2026:
| Day | Regular Route | Holiday Week (if observed) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, Oct 12 | Columbus Day | ❌ Suspended (if observed) |
| Tuesday, Oct 13 | Tuesday pickup | ⚠️ Delayed to Wednesday |
| Wednesday, Oct 14 | Wednesday pickup | ⚠️ Delayed to Thursday |
| Thursday, Oct 15 | Thursday pickup | ⚠️ Delayed to Friday |
| Friday, Oct 16 | Friday pickup | ⚠️ Delayed to Saturday |
In cities that do NOT observe the holiday: Every route runs on its normal Monday–Friday schedule without any changes.
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day Trash Pickup 2026 – City by City
New York City, NY
Provider: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Observes holiday: ✅ Yes — as Columbus Day
DSNY observes all 11 federal holidays, including Columbus Day. Monday, October 12 routes are fully suspended. All routes that week shift one day forward — Monday to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday, Wednesday to Thursday, Thursday to Friday, Friday to Saturday.
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 holiday: ⬜ No
LASAN does not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day for sanitation purposes. All routes the week of October 12 run on their normal schedule.
Where to verify: lacitysan.org or MyLA311 app
Chicago, IL
Provider: City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Observes holiday: ✅ Yes — as Columbus Day
Chicago observes Columbus Day. Monday routes are suspended on October 12. All routes that week shift one day forward through Saturday.
Where to verify: chicago.gov/streets or CHI311 app
Houston, TX
Provider: City of Houston Solid Waste Management Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Houston does not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day for sanitation purposes. All routes run normally the week of October 12. Verify with your contractor if collection is privately managed.
Where to verify: houstonsolidwaste.org
Phoenix, AZ
Provider: City of Phoenix Public Works Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Phoenix does not include Columbus Day among its observed sanitation holidays. All routes run normally the week of October 12.
Where to verify: phoenix.gov/publicworks
Philadelphia, PA
Provider: Philadelphia Streets Department Observes holiday: ✅ Yes — as Columbus Day
Philadelphia observes Columbus Day as one of its ten official sanitation holidays. Monday routes are suspended on October 12. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: phila.gov/streets
San Antonio, TX
Provider: City of San Antonio Solid Waste Management Observes holiday: ⬜ No
San Antonio does not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day. All routes run normally the week of October 12.
Where to verify: sanantonio.gov/swmd
San Diego, CA
Provider: City of San Diego Environmental Services Observes holiday: ⬜ No
San Diego does not observe this holiday for sanitation purposes. Collection runs on its normal schedule the week of October 12.
Where to verify: sandiego.gov/environmental-services
Dallas, TX
Provider: City of Dallas Sanitation Services Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Dallas does not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day. All weekday routes run normally the week of October 12.
Where to verify: dallascityhall.com/sanitation
Jacksonville, FL
Provider: City of Jacksonville Solid Waste Division Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Jacksonville does not observe this holiday for sanitation purposes. Routes run normally the week of October 12.
Where to verify: coj.net/solid-waste
Austin, TX
Provider: Austin Resource Recovery Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Austin does not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day. All routes run on their normal schedule the week of October 12.
Where to verify: austintexas.gov/arr
Fort Worth, TX
Provider: City of Fort Worth Environmental Services Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Fort Worth does not observe this holiday for sanitation purposes. Collection runs normally the week of October 12.
Where to verify: fortworthtexas.gov/environmental
Columbus, OH
Provider: City of Columbus Refuse Collection Observes holiday: ✅ Yes — as Columbus Day
Columbus, Ohio observes Columbus Day — fittingly. Monday routes are suspended on October 12. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: columbus.gov/refuse
Charlotte, NC
Provider: City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Charlotte does not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day for sanitation purposes. All routes run normally the week of October 12.
Where to verify: charlottenc.gov/solidwaste
Indianapolis, IN
Provider: Indianapolis Department of Public Works Observes holiday: ❓ Verify locally
Indianapolis observes several federal holidays but Columbus Day observance for sanitation is not consistently confirmed. Check the city’s official holiday schedule before October 12.
Where to verify: indy.gov/dpw
San Francisco, CA
Provider: Recology (contracted) Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Recology only observes Thanksgiving and Christmas. Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day causes no schedule change in San Francisco. All routes run normally the week of October 12.
Where to verify: recology.com/san-francisco
Seattle, WA
Provider: Seattle Public Utilities / contracted haulers by zone Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Seattle formally recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day but does not suspend sanitation services for it. All routes run on their normal schedule the week of October 12. Verify with your specific hauler if contracted.
Where to verify: seattle.gov/utilities
Denver, CO
Provider: Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Denver does not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day for sanitation purposes. All routes run normally the week of October 12.
Where to verify: denvergov.org/trash
Nashville, TN
Provider: Nashville Metro Public Works Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Nashville does not observe this holiday for sanitation purposes. Collection runs on its normal schedule the week of October 12.
Where to verify: nashville.gov/public-works
Washington, DC
Provider: DC Department of Public Works (DPW) Observes holiday: ✅ Yes — as Columbus Day
DPW observes all 11 federal holidays, including Columbus Day. Monday routes are fully suspended on October 12. All routes that week shift one day forward through Saturday.
Where to verify: dpw.dc.gov
Las Vegas, NV
Provider: Republic Services (contracted) Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Republic Services does not observe Columbus Day in most Las Vegas service areas. Routes run normally the week of October 12. Verify at their site with your address.
Where to verify: republicservices.com
Portland, OR
Provider: City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Portland formally recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day but does not adjust its sanitation schedule for it. All routes run normally the week of October 12.
Where to verify: portland.gov/bes
Memphis, TN
Provider: City of Memphis Division of Public Works Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Memphis does not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day for sanitation purposes. All routes run normally the week of October 12.
Where to verify: memphistn.gov/public-works
Louisville, KY
Provider: Louisville Metro Government Waste Management Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Louisville does not observe this holiday for sanitation purposes. Collection runs normally the week of October 12.
Where to verify: louisvilleky.gov/government/waste-management
Baltimore, MD
Provider: Baltimore City Department of Public Works Observes holiday: ✅ Yes — as Columbus Day
Baltimore observes Columbus Day. Monday routes are suspended on October 12. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: publicworks.baltimorecity.gov
Milwaukee, WI
Provider: City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Observes holiday: ✅ Yes — as Columbus Day
Milwaukee observes Columbus Day. Monday collection is suspended on October 12. All routes that week shift one day forward through Saturday.
Where to verify: city.milwaukee.gov/dpw
Albuquerque, NM
Provider: City of Albuquerque Solid Waste Management Observes holiday: ❓ Verify locally
Albuquerque observes several federal holidays. Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day observance for sanitation is not consistently confirmed. Check the city’s solid waste page before October 12.
Where to verify: cabq.gov/solidwaste
Tucson, AZ
Provider: City of Tucson Environmental Services Observes holiday: ⬜ No
Tucson does not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day for sanitation purposes. All routes run normally the week of October 12.
Where to verify: tucsonaz.gov/es
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026 – Quick Reference Chart
✅ = Delay confirmed | ⬜ = Normal schedule | ❓ = Verify locally before October 12
| City | Observes Holiday | Mon Oct 12 | Rest of Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Los Angeles, CA | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Chicago, IL | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Houston, TX | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Phoenix, AZ | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Philadelphia, PA | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| San Antonio, TX | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| San Diego, CA | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Dallas, TX | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Jacksonville, FL | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Austin, TX | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Fort Worth, TX | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Columbus, OH | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Charlotte, NC | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Indianapolis, IN | ❓ Verify | ❓ Check | ❓ Check |
| San Francisco, CA | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Seattle, WA | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Denver, CO | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Nashville, TN | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Washington, DC | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Las Vegas, NV | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Portland, OR | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Memphis, TN | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Louisville, KY | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Baltimore, MD | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Milwaukee, WI | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Albuquerque, NM | ❓ Verify | ❓ Check | ❓ Check |
| Tucson, AZ | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
Does Columbus Day Affect Recycling and Bulk Pickup?
In cities that observe the holiday for sanitation, yes — recycling follows the same one-day delay as regular trash. If Monday recycling is suspended, it shifts to Tuesday. Tuesday to Wednesday, and so on through the week.
Bulk item and yard waste pickup: Bulk collection typically follows the same holiday calendar as regular trash. If your city observes Columbus Day, expect bulk routes to shift the same way as regular collection.
Composting and green bins: Cities with separate organics programs — San Francisco, Seattle, Portland — run composting on independent schedules and do not observe Columbus Day. Green bin pickup in those cities runs normally the week of October 12.
👉 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
Step 1 – Check your city’s sanitation website Search “[your city] holiday trash schedule 2026” or “[your city] Columbus Day garbage collection.” Most public works departments publish their full list of observed holidays.
Step 2 – Call or use 311 311 is available in virtually every major U.S. city. Ask: “Is trash pickup delayed on Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ 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 and enter your address to see holiday notices. Private haulers post updates 1–2 weeks before major holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is garbage collection running on Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026?
It depends on your city. Cities in the Northeast — including New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Columbus, Baltimore, and Milwaukee — typically observe this holiday and delay all routes that week. Most cities in the South and West — including Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Denver, Portland, and San Francisco — run their normal schedule. Check the quick reference chart above.
What day does Columbus Day fall on in 2026?
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 12. As a Monday holiday, it affects every route that week in cities that observe it — pushing all weekday pickups back by one day.
My city calls it Indigenous Peoples’ Day — does that mean trash pickup is different?
Not necessarily. The name your city uses for the holiday does not determine whether sanitation services are suspended. What matters is whether your city lists it as an official sanitation holiday. Some cities that have renamed it still observe it for operational purposes. Others have quietly dropped the observance. Check your city’s official public works page to confirm.
My pickup is on Monday — is it suspended on Columbus Day 2026?
If your city observes the holiday, yes — Monday, October 12 routes are suspended and shift to Tuesday. If your city does not observe it, your Monday pickup runs normally. Check the chart above for your city.
Does San Francisco delay collection on Columbus Day 2026?
No. Recology only suspends service on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day has no impact on the San Francisco collection schedule.
Does Seattle delay collection for Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026?
No. While Seattle formally recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Seattle Public Utilities does not suspend sanitation services for it. All routes run normally the week of October 12.
Does the Columbus Day delay apply to recycling pickup too?
In cities that observe the holiday, yes — recycling follows the same one-day delay as regular trash. If your city is in the “observes” column in the chart above, expect your recycling to shift the same way as your trash that week.
Which upcoming 2026 holidays cause the most trash pickup disruption after Columbus Day?
After Columbus Day in October, the next major disruptions come from Veterans Day (Wed Nov 11 — in some cities), Thanksgiving (Thu Nov 26 — nearly universal), and Christmas Day (Fri Dec 25 — nearly universal). See the full breakdown in the Holiday Week Trash Schedule 2026.
Related Holiday Trash Pickup Guides
- 2026 Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule – All U.S. Cities
- Holiday Week Trash Schedule 2026 – All Changes in One Place
- Veterans Day Garbage Pickup 2026 – City-by-City Schedule
- Thanksgiving Garbage Collection 2026 – What Happens to Your Trash?
- Labor Day Garbage Collection 2026 – Changes by City
- 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
