Last updated: June 2026 | Reviewed by Fran A., Editor-in-Chief
Your bin was out on time. The truck came down your street. And your trash is still sitting there.
Reporting a missed pickup is fast — most cities resolve it within 1–3 business days — but the process is different in every city. This guide gives you the exact steps to report a missed trash pickup in 27 major U.S. cities, plus a universal method that works anywhere in the country.
⚠️ Before You Report – Check These First
Reporting a missed pickup when the schedule actually changed wastes your time and the city’s. Before submitting anything, confirm:
1. Was there a holiday this week? Holiday weeks shift pickup days in most cities. Your Wednesday pickup may have moved to Thursday. Check before reporting. 👉 Holiday Week Trash Schedule 2026 – All Changes in One Place
2. Was your bin out before 6:00–7:00 AM? If you put it out after the truck already passed, that’s not a missed pickup — the truck isn’t coming back. Wait for next week.
3. Did your bin have a closed lid and clear access? Trucks skip bins that are overfilled, blocked by a parked car, or contain prohibited items. Fix the issue before reporting so the return crew can collect it. 👉 Why Was My Trash Not Picked Up? 7 Common Reasons
4. Has it been at least 24 hours? Trucks run late on busy days and after holidays. Wait until the following morning before reporting.
The Universal Method – Works in Any U.S. City
If you’re not sure which city-specific method to use, or if your city isn’t listed below, this four-step process works everywhere:
Step 1 – Call or text 311 311 is the non-emergency city services line available in virtually every major U.S. city. Tell the operator:
- Your full address
- Your normal pickup day
- The type of service missed (trash, recycling, yard waste, bulk)
- That you’re reporting a missed collection
The operator will file the report and give you a reference number.
Step 2 – Use your city’s 311 app Most cities with 311 phone service also have a 311 app. Search “[your city] 311 app” in the App Store or Google Play. The app usually has a dedicated “Report Missed Collection” button that files the report directly without waiting on hold.
Step 3 – Go to your city’s sanitation website Search “[your city] report missed trash pickup” and look for an online form. Fill in your address, pickup day, and service type. Most forms take under two minutes to complete.
Step 4 – Save your service request number Every report generates a reference number. Save it — you’ll need it if you want to follow up and the crew hasn’t returned within the expected window.
How to Report a Missed Pickup – City by City
New York City, NY
Provider: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Expected return time: Within 24 hours
nyc.gov/311Method 1 – Online: Go to nyc.gov/311 → click “Report” → select “Missed Collection” → enter your address and service type.
Method 2 – NYC 311 App: Open the app → tap “Services” → “Report” → “Missed Collection.” The app auto-fills your location.
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK from outside NYC). Say “missed trash pickup” and provide your address.
What DSNY asks for: Address, borough, service type (trash, recycling, organics, bulk), and which day your pickup was scheduled.
After reporting: DSNY aims to return within 24 hours. Keep your bin at the curb or be ready to put it out again when notified.
Los Angeles, CA
Provider: LA Sanitation (LASAN) Expected return time: Within 2 business days
Method 1 – MyLA311 App: Download the MyLA311 app → tap “Request a Service” → select “Missed Collection.”
Method 2 – Online: Go to lacitysan.org → “Resident Services” → “Report a Missed Pickup.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (LA residents) or 213-473-3231. Select “solid waste” and report the missed collection.
What LASAN asks for: Address, service day, type of bin missed (black, blue, or green), and whether the bin was at the curb.
Chicago, IL
Provider: City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Expected return time: Within 1–2 business days
Method 1 – CHI311 App: Download CHI311 → tap “New Service Request” → select “Missed Collection.”
Method 2 – Online: Go to chicago.gov/311 → “New Service Request” → “Sanitation” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (Chicago residents). Say “missed garbage pickup” and provide your address and ward.
What Chicago asks for: Address, ward number, pickup day, bin color (blue cart, brown cart, or black cart).
Tip: Including your ward number speeds up routing. You can find your ward at chicago.gov/ward.
Houston, TX
Provider: City of Houston Solid Waste Management (or private contractor by district) Expected return time: Within 2–3 business days
Method 1 – Houston 311 App: Download the Houston 311 app → “Create Service Request” → “Solid Waste” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 2 – Online: Go to houston311.org → “Report a Problem” → “Solid Waste” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (Houston residents). Specify trash, recycling, or yard waste and your address.
Important: Some Houston addresses are served by private contractors. If 311 redirects you to a private hauler, call that company directly — their contact info will be on your utility bill.
Phoenix, AZ
Provider: City of Phoenix Public Works Expected return time: Within 2 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to phoenix.gov → “Resident Services” → “Report Missed Trash/Recycling Pickup.”
Method 2 – Call: Dial 602-262-7251 (Phoenix Public Works) or 602-262-6251. Say “missed collection” and provide your address.
Method 3 – PHX At Your Service App: Download the app → select “Missed Collection” → enter your address.
What Phoenix asks for: Address, service day, type missed (trash, recycling, bulk, or yard waste).
Philadelphia, PA
Provider: Philadelphia Streets Department Expected return time: Within 2–3 business days
Method 1 – phila.gov/311: Go to phila.gov/311 → “Report” → “Sanitation” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 2 – Philly311 App: Download the Philly311 app → “Report a Problem” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (Philadelphia residents). Tell the operator your address and which service was missed.
San Antonio, TX
Provider: City of San Antonio Solid Waste Management Expected return time: Within 2–3 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to sanantonio.gov/swmd → “Service Request” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 2 – SA311 App: Download the SA311 app → tap “Report” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (San Antonio residents) or 210-207-6000.
San Diego, CA
Provider: City of San Diego Environmental Services Expected return time: Within 2 business days
Method 1 – Get It Done App: San Diego’s primary reporting tool. Download “Get It Done” → select “Missed Collection” → confirm your address.
Method 2 – Online: Go to sandiego.gov → search “missed collection” → complete the service request form.
Method 3 – Call: Dial 619-236-5500 (Environmental Services) or 311.
Tip: The Get It Done app allows you to attach a photo of your bin at the curb, which speeds up verification and return time.
Dallas, TX
Provider: City of Dallas Sanitation Services Expected return time: Within 2–3 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to dallascityhall.com → “311 Service Requests” → “Sanitation” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 2 – Dallas 311 App: Download Dallas 311 → “New Request” → “Sanitation” → “Missed Pickup.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (Dallas residents) or 214-670-5111.
Jacksonville, FL
Provider: City of Jacksonville Solid Waste Division Expected return time: Within 2 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to coj.net → “Government” → “Public Works” → “Solid Waste” → “Report Missed Pickup.”
Method 2 – Call: Dial 630-CITY (630-2489) or 904-630-2489. Select “solid waste.”
Method 3 – MyJax App: Download MyJax → “Report an Issue” → “Solid Waste” → “Missed Pickup.”
Austin, TX
Provider: Austin Resource Recovery Expected return time: Within 2 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to austintexas.gov/arr → “Service Request” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 2 – Austin 311 App: Download Austin 311 → “New Request” → “Solid Waste” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (Austin residents) or 512-974-2000.
What ARR asks for: Address, service type (trash, recycling, compost, or brush), scheduled pickup day.
Fort Worth, TX
Provider: City of Fort Worth Environmental Services Expected return time: Within 2–3 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to fortworthtexas.gov → “311 Service Center” → “Environmental Services” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 2 – FW311 App: Download Fort Worth 311 → “Report” → “Missed Pickup.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 817-392-1234 (Fort Worth 311).
Columbus, OH
Provider: City of Columbus Refuse Collection Expected return time: Within 2 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to columbus.gov → “Service Requests” → “Refuse / Recycling” → “Missed Pickup.”
Method 2 – Columbus 311 App: Download Columbus 311 → “New Request” → “Refuse” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (Columbus residents) or 614-645-3111.
Charlotte, NC
Provider: City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services Expected return time: Within 2 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to charlottenc.gov → “311” → “Solid Waste” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 2 – Charlotte 311 App: Download Charlotte 311 → “New Service Request” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (Charlotte residents) or 704-336-7600.
Indianapolis, IN
Provider: Indianapolis Department of Public Works Expected return time: Within 2–3 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to indy.gov → “Request Center” → “Solid Waste” → “Missed Pickup.”
Method 2 – RequestIndy App: Download RequestIndy → “New Request” → “Trash/Recycling” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 317-327-4622 (Indianapolis DPW).
San Francisco, CA
Provider: Recology (contracted) Expected return time: Within 1–2 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to recology.com/san-francisco → “Customer Service” → “Missed Pickup” → enter your address and service type.
Method 2 – Call: Dial 415-330-1300 (Recology San Francisco). This is a direct line to Recology, not a city 311 line — always call Recology directly for SF collection issues.
Important: San Francisco uses Recology, a private company. Do not call 311 for collection issues in SF — contact Recology directly for the fastest resolution.
Seattle, WA
Provider: Seattle Public Utilities / contracted haulers by zone Expected return time: Within 2 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to seattle.gov/utilities → “Report a Problem” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 2 – Find It, Fix It App: Download “Find It, Fix It” (Seattle’s official app) → “Utilities” → “Missed Pickup.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 206-684-3000 (Seattle Public Utilities).
Important: Some Seattle addresses are served by contracted haulers. The SPU online form will identify your hauler and route the report correctly.
Denver, CO
Provider: Denver DOTI Expected return time: Within 2 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to denvergov.org → “311 Service Center” → “Trash & Recycling” → “Missed Pickup.”
Method 2 – Denver 311 App: Download Denver 311 → “New Request” → “Trash Collection” → “Missed Pickup.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 720-913-1311 (Denver 311).
Nashville, TN
Provider: Nashville Metro Public Works Expected return time: Within 2–3 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to nashville.gov → “Metro 311” → “Public Works” → “Missed Trash Pickup.”
Method 2 – Nashville 311 App: Download Nashville 311 → “New Request” → “Refuse” → “Missed Pickup.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 615-862-5000 (Metro Nashville 311).
Washington, DC
Provider: DC Department of Public Works (DPW) Expected return time: Within 24 hours
Method 1 – Online: Go to 311.dc.gov → “Public Works” → “Trash and Recycling” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 2 – DC311 App: Download DC311 → “Report” → “Trash/Recycling” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (DC residents) or 202-737-4404.
Tip: DC DPW has one of the fastest turnaround times in the country — most missed pickups are resolved within 24 hours of a verified report.
Las Vegas, NV
Provider: Republic Services (contracted by municipality) Expected return time: Within 2–3 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to republicservices.com → log in or enter your address → “My Services” → “Report Missed Pickup.”
Method 2 – Republic Services App: Download the Republic Services app → “Report Missed Pickup” → confirm your address.
Method 3 – Call: Call the number on your Republic Services bill or statement. The number varies by service area.
Important: Las Vegas uses Republic Services, a private hauler. Do not call city 311 — contact Republic Services directly.
Portland, OR
Provider: City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Expected return time: Within 2 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to portland.gov/bes → “Report a Problem” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 2 – PDX Reporter App: Download PDX Reporter → “New Report” → “Garbage / Recycling” → “Missed Pickup.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 503-823-7202 (Portland BES).
Baltimore, MD
Provider: Baltimore City Department of Public Works Expected return time: Within 2–3 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to publicworks.baltimorecity.gov → “Request Services” → “Missed Trash Collection.”
Method 2 – Baltimore City 311 App: Download Baltimore City 311 → “New Request” → “Solid Waste” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (Baltimore residents) or 410-396-3100.
Milwaukee, WI
Provider: City of Milwaukee DPW Expected return time: Within 2 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to city.milwaukee.gov/dpw → “Report” → “Missed Pickup.”
Method 2 – MKE Mobile App: Download the MKE Mobile app → “Report an Issue” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 414-286-CITY (414-286-2489).
Memphis, TN
Provider: City of Memphis Division of Public Works Expected return time: Within 2–3 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to memphistn.gov → “311 Self Service” → “Solid Waste” → “Missed Pickup.”
Method 2 – Memphis 311 App: Download Memphis 311 → “New Request” → “Solid Waste” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 901-636-CITY (901-636-2489).
Louisville, KY
Provider: Louisville Metro Government Expected return time: Within 2–3 business days
Method 1 – Online: Go to louisvilleky.gov → “311 Online” → “Solid Waste” → “Missed Pickup.”
Method 2 – Louisville 311 App: Download Louisville 311 → “New Request” → “Solid Waste” → “Missed Collection.”
Method 3 – Call: Dial 311 (Louisville residents) or 502-574-5000.
After You Report – What Happens Next
Once your report is filed, here is what to expect:
You receive a service request number. Save it — this is your proof of report and your reference for follow-up.
The report is routed to your district. The city or hauler assigns a return crew to your route.
A crew returns within the expected window. Most city-managed departments return within 1–3 business days. Private haulers typically respond within 2–5 business days.
Keep your bin ready. Some cities ask you to leave your bin at the curb after reporting. Others ask you to bring it in and put it back out when notified. Check the instructions in your confirmation or on your city’s website.
If no one comes: Follow up with your service request number. If it’s been more than 5 business days with no resolution, escalate through your city council member’s office — this is often the fastest escalation path for persistent service issues.
What Information to Have Ready When You Report
Regardless of which city or method you use, having this information ready makes the process faster:
- Your full street address including zip code
- Your normal pickup day (Monday, Tuesday, etc.)
- The service type missed (regular trash, recycling, yard waste, bulk, or compost)
- The date the pickup was missed
- Whether your bin was at the curb by the required time
- Whether there were any obstructions (parked car, blocked access)
- A photo of your bin at the curb (optional but helpful — many apps allow photo attachments)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a make-up pickup after reporting?
Most city-managed sanitation departments return within 1–3 business days. Washington DC and NYC DSNY often resolve within 24 hours. Private haulers like Republic Services and WM typically respond within 2–5 business days. Always check the expected return time listed in your confirmation.
Do I need to report every missed pickup or will the city notice on their own?
Always report it. Cities rarely proactively identify individual missed bins — the routing system shows the route was completed, not that one specific bin was skipped. A report is the only reliable way to get a return crew dispatched to your address.
What if I report it and no one comes?
Follow up using your service request number through the same portal or app you used to report. If the issue persists after two follow-ups, contact your city council representative — they have direct channels to sanitation department supervisors and can escalate quickly.
Can I report a missed recycling pickup the same way as regular trash?
Yes — the same 311 app, online form, or phone number handles all service types. Just specify “recycling” when prompted for the service type. The report goes to the same department or hauler.
Is there a time limit for reporting a missed pickup?
Most cities ask you to report within 24–48 hours of the scheduled pickup. Reports filed several days later may be deprioritized or declined. Report as soon as you confirm the truck isn’t coming back.
What if my entire street was missed — do all my neighbors need to report separately?
One report is usually sufficient to trigger a street-level return. However, if multiple neighbors report independently, it increases priority. Check with neighbors before filing to avoid duplicate reports for the same incident.
I reported it but the crew came and my bin wasn’t out — what do I do?
File a new report and explain the situation. Most cities will make one more attempt. Ensure your bin is at the curb before the return crew arrives — once they pass without collecting, you typically need to wait for your next regular pickup day.
Related Guides
- What Happens If I Miss Trash Pickup Day? (Your Options)
- Why Was My Trash Not Picked Up? 7 Common Reasons
- How to Find My Trash Pickup Zone in Any U.S. City
- Is Trash Pickup Every Week or Every Two Weeks?
- When Trash Is Delayed by a Holiday: How to Find Your New Day
- Holiday Week Trash Schedule 2026 – All Changes in One Place
- How Early Should You Put Trash Out the Night Before?
- Complete U.S. Trash Pickup Guide 2026 – Everything You Need to Know
This page is reviewed and updated regularly. 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
Pingback: What Happens If I Miss Trash Pickup Day? (Your Options Explained)
Pingback: Why Was My Trash Not Picked Up? 7 Common Reasons Explained