Birmingham Trash Pickup Schedule, Recycling & Bulk Trash 2026
Find your Birmingham neighborhood’s garbage day, recycling week (Schedule 1 or 2), bulk trash & brush dates, and roll-off locations.
City of Birmingham · Department of Public Works · Waste Services Division · Updated May 2026
Find Your Birmingham Collection Day
Select your neighborhood to instantly see your garbage day, recycling schedule (1 or 2), bulk & brush pickup day, and 2026 holiday impacts.
👈 Select your neighborhood above to see your complete Birmingham collection schedule.
⚠ Don’t see your neighborhood? Call 311 or (205) 254-6314 (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm), or text BHAMREADY to 888-777 for non-emergency alerts. All contact options ↓
Birmingham Waste Collection — Quick Facts
The City of Birmingham Department of Public Works Waste Services Division serves approximately 70,000 households across the city. As of January 6, 2025, Birmingham uses a streamlined system: each neighborhood has one designated weekday for garbage, and recycling is collected on the same day every other week based on whether the neighborhood is on Schedule 1 or Schedule 2. Bulk trash and brush are also collected every other week.
Garbage, Recycling & Bulk Trash — Birmingham’s System Explained
Birmingham’s system is neighborhood-based. Each neighborhood has one assigned weekday for all three services: garbage, recycling (on recycling weeks), and bulk trash & brush (on bulk weeks). All three services occur on the same day — you just need to know your neighborhood’s day and which schedule (1 or 2) applies to recycling.
Gray/Black 96-Gal Cart — Garbage
All bagged household waste inside the city-issued cart. Automated truck lift only collects from the cart — nothing placed outside it.
Weekly • Bagged RequiredBlue 64-Gal Cart — Recycling
Free opt-in cart program. Paper, cardboard, plastics #1–2, aluminum & steel cans. No glass, no plastic bags. Biweekly same day as garbage.
Every Other Week • Opt-InCurbside — Bulk Trash & Brush
Furniture, appliances, yard waste, brush — placed at curbside. No call needed. Every other week by neighborhood, rotating with recycling weeks.
Every Other Week • No Call Needed⏰ Set-Out Rules
- Place garbage cart curbside; place by 6:00 a.m. on collection day. Household garbage should be set out between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Garbage must be bagged inside the 96-gallon city cart. The automated truck will not lift loose trash or items outside the cart.
- Bag all leaves and yard clippings for faster and cleaner service.
- Place bulk trash and brush at the curb by 6 a.m. on the scheduled neighborhood collection day.
- Place recycling cart at curb on the same day as garbage on your recycling week.
- Additional cart: residents may apply for a second cart for $120. Single-family homes limited to two carts maximum.
Birmingham Neighborhood Garbage Pickup Schedule by Day
Every neighborhood has one dedicated day each week for household garbage. Your recycling week is identified by Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 (noted after each neighborhood name). Bulk trash and brush run on a separate rotating biweekly calendar — see the official monthly bulk trash calendar for exact dates.
📅 Monday
- Acipco-Finley S2
- Belview Heights S1
- Brown Springs S2
- Crestline S1
- East Lake S2
- East Thomas S1
- Enon Ridge S2
- Fairmont S2
- Fairview S2
- Garden Highlands S1
- Gate City S2
- Highland Park S1
- Hooper City S2
- Industrial Center S1
- Jones Valley S1
- North Eastlake S2
- Oak Ridge Park S2
- Oxmoor S1
- Redmont Park S1
- Riley S1
- South Eastlake S2
- South Roebuck S2
- Thomas S2
- West End Manor S1
📅 Tuesday
- Airport Highlands S2
- Bridlewood S2
- Brownsville Hts S2
- Brummit Heights S2
- Central Pratt S1
- College Hills S2
- Collegeville S2
- East Birmingham S2
- Eastwood S1
- Germania Park S1
- Green Acres S1
- Harriman Park S2
- Killough Springs S2
- Maple Grove S2
- Mason City S1
- North Birmingham S2
- North Pratt S1
- North Titusville S1
- Norwood S2
- Overton S1
- Penfield Park S2
- Pine Knoll Vista S2
- Powderly S1
- Sandusky S1
- South Pratt S1
- South Titusville S1
- South Woodlawn S2
- Tuxedo S1
- Wahouma S2
- Woodland Park S1
- Zion City S2
📅 Wednesday
- Arlington West End S1
- Bush Hills S2
- Central Park S1
- Crestwood North S2
- Dolomite S1
- East Brownsville S1
- Forest Park S1
- Glen Iris S1
- Graymont S2
- Huffman S2
- North Avondale S2
- Oak Ridge S1
- Outlying Svc. Area S1
- Rising West Princeton S2
- Roosevelt S1
- Sherman Heights S1
- Smithfield S2
- Smithfield Estates S2
- Spring Lake S2
- West Brownsville S1
- Wylam S1
📅 Thursday
- Apple Valley S2
- Central City S2
- Crestwood South S1
- Druid Hills S2
- East Avondale S1
- Echo Highlands S2
- Ensley S1
- Ensley Highlands S1
- Evergreen S2
- Five Points South S1
- Fountain Heights S2
- Grasselli Heights S1
- Hillman S1
- Hillman Park S1
- Inglenook S2
- Kingston S2
- Liberty Highlands S2
- Oakwood Place S1
- Roebuck S2
- Southside S1
- Sun Valley S2
- Tarpley City S1
- West Goldwire S1
- Woodlawn S2
Birmingham Holiday Trash Collection Schedule 2026
Birmingham’s holiday rule is straightforward: if a holiday falls Monday through Thursday, all routes that week shift one day later. If the holiday is on a Friday or weekend, no change. The 311 center is closed on City holidays. Check official announcements for any updates.
| Holiday | 2026 Date | Impact | What Happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thu, Jan 1 | All Routes +1 Day | Holiday falls Thu (Mon–Thu rule applies). All routes shift one day later that week. |
| MLK Jr. Day | Mon, Jan 19 | All Routes +1 Day | Holiday falls Mon. All routes shift one day later that week. |
| Presidents’ Day* | Mon, Feb 16 | Check Officially | Verify with 311 — city may observe this holiday with a delay. Check birminghamal.gov for confirmation. |
| Memorial Day | Mon, May 25 | All Routes +1 Day | No City services on May 25. All routes shift one day later. Check the May bulk trash schedule (official PDF) for your neighborhood’s adjusted date. |
| Independence Day | Sat, Jul 4 | Normal | Falls on Saturday — no weekday impact. Regular service all week. |
| Labor Day | Mon, Sep 7 | All Routes +1 Day | Holiday falls Mon. All routes shift one day later that week. |
| Veterans Day | Wed, Nov 11 | All Routes +1 Day | Holiday falls Wed (Mon–Thu rule applies). All routes shift one day later that week. |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu, Nov 26 | All Routes +1 Day | Holiday falls Thu. All routes shift one day later that week. |
| Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25 | Normal | Falls on Friday — the Mon–Thu rule does not apply. Check for any city announcement closer to the date. |
Birmingham Recycling — What Goes in the Blue Cart
Birmingham’s curbside recycling program uses a free 64-gallon blue cart distributed through an opt-in program. Recycling is collected every other week on your regular garbage day, based on whether your neighborhood is on Schedule 1 or Schedule 2. Items must be rinsed, clean, and dry. Note: Birmingham does NOT accept glass in the blue curbside recycling cart — a notable difference from many other cities.
✅ Accepted in the Blue Cart
- Paper: newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail
- Shredded paper — must be in a paper bag, stapled shut
- Cardboard: flattened boxes, tissue boxes, cereal boxes
- Plastics #1 and #2 only: bottles, jugs, jars with caps
- Plastic and cardboard detergent containers
- Aluminum cans, steel cans, tin cans (rinsed)
🚫 NOT Accepted in the Blue Cart
- Glass — Birmingham does not accept glass curbside
- Milk cartons, juice cartons, plastic drink pouches
- Plastic bags, freezer bags, chip bags
- Hardback books
- Pizza boxes
- Garden hoses, cables, cords, rope, string
- Electronics, vacuum cleaners
- Clothing and textiles
- Plastics #3–#7: Solo cups, take-out containers, yogurt tubs, straws, DVDs, CDs
- Wire hangers, rubber balls, foam products
- Used HVAC filters, scrap metal
- Food waste, household garbage, yard waste
- Bulky plastic items (coolers, toys)
Birmingham Bulk Trash & Brush Pickup — Every Other Week, No Call Required
Birmingham collects bulk trash and brush every other week by neighborhood. Unlike many cities, you do not need to schedule an appointment or call ahead for bulk pickup. Simply place items at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your neighborhood’s scheduled bulk collection day. Check the official monthly bulk trash calendar at birminghamal.gov for the exact dates for your neighborhood each month.
📦 How to Use Bulk & Brush Pickup
- Check the monthly Bulk Trash Schedule at birminghamal.gov to find your neighborhood’s next bulk collection date. Dates are published monthly and updated daily for completed collections.
- Place bulk items and brush at the curbside by 6:00 a.m. on your neighborhood’s scheduled date. No call or appointment needed.
- Keep bulk items away from garbage carts. The city uses different trucks for bulk/brush pickup and garbage pickup.
- The City will not haul building materials or trees cut down by private contractors. Do not place construction debris or contractor-removed trees at the curb for city pickup.
- For missed bulk pickups, call 311 or (205) 254-6314 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm) or report online via MyBHAM311.
✅ Accepted as Bulk Trash
- Furniture: sofas, chairs, tables, dressers, bed frames
- Mattresses and box springs
- Large appliances (fridge, washer, dryer, AC, stove)
- Yard waste: bagged leaves, grass clippings
- Brush: tree limbs, branches (placed separately from yard waste)
- Scrap metal and other oversized household items
🚫 Not Accepted as Bulk
- Building materials (wood, drywall, concrete, decking)
- Trees or limbs cut by private contractors
- Commercial or business waste
- Hazardous materials → Jefferson County HHW events
- Tires → Jefferson County HHW events or auto recyclers
- Electronics → Jefferson County e-waste events (free)
Birmingham District Roll-Off Dumpsters — Free Extra Waste Drop-Off
The City of Birmingham operates four Waste District Roll-Off facilities where residents can drop off extra waste that doesn’t fit in the city-issued cart — free of charge. These are useful for move-outs, home cleanouts, or any time you have more trash than your cart holds.
🚩 Southside District / Admin Office
501 6th Ave. South, Birmingham
Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–4pm • Sat 7am (limited hrs)
🚩 Eastern Waste & Horticulture District
307 96th St. North, Birmingham
Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–4pm
🚩 Ensley/Western Waste District
1044 Avenue W, Birmingham
Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–4pm
🚩 Northern Waste and Horticulture District
2413 27th St. North, Birmingham
Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–4pm
Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Events in Birmingham
The City of Birmingham does not have a permanent HHW facility. Instead, Jefferson County funds periodic Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events and Electronic Drop-Off events throughout the year, free to Jefferson County residents including Birmingham. In partnership with the City of Mountain Brook and Nucor Steel Birmingham, Jefferson County also holds electronics shredding events.
📅 2026 Jefferson County HHW Events
- April 25, 2026 — 8am–11:30am • Site 1: First Baptist Church Gardendale South (940 Main St.) • Site 2: Classic Car Motoring (3900 Grants Mill Rd, Irondale) • Site 3: City of Bessemer Public Works (1205 15th Ave. N.)
- October 17, 2026 — 8am–11:30am • Site 1: Camp Bessemer, 3295 King Street • Site 2: Camp Ketona, 121 County Shop Road
📅 2026 Jefferson County Electronics & Paper Shredding Events
- January 31, 2026 — 9am–11:30am • Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba River Rd
- March 14, 2026 — 9am–11:30am • Jefferson County Village Reclamation Facility, 1440 Pleasant Hill Rd
- May 9, 2026 — 9am–11:30am • Jefferson County Center Point Satellite Courthouse, 2651 Center Point Pkwy
- June 13, 2026 — 9am–11:30am • Jefferson County Valley Reclamation Facility, 3923 Clear Water Dr, Bessemer
- September 12, 2026 — 9am–11:30am • Birmingham City Hall / Lynn Henley Park, 710 20th St. North
✅ Accepted at HHW Events
- Auto: batteries, cleaners, fluids, motor oil, tires (no rims, limit 8)
- Household: aerosols, all battery types, ballasts, chemicals, light bulbs
- Outdoor: bug killers, pool chemicals, yard chemicals (lime, pesticides, herbicides)
- Paint: paints, stains, varnishes, solvents, adhesives
- Glass bottles & jars (all colors), plastics #1 & #2, aluminum cans (rinsed) — at HHW events only
- Used household oil and grease
- Propane tanks, fire extinguishers, mercury items
💾 Accepted at Electronics Events
- Cable boxes, modems, routers
- Cell phones and tablets
- Computers, laptops, monitors
- Cords, cables, wire, chargers
- Printers, scanners, fax machines
- Rechargeable batteries
- Small appliances: coffee makers, hair dryers, irons, microwaves, toasters, vacuums
- TVs and monitors (all types)
- Regular paper shredding (5 box limit)
🔌 Year-Round Electronics Drop-Off Options
Outside of event days, several local businesses accept electronics for recycling. Most items are free; TVs, CRT monitors, and some printers may have a fee. Call ahead for hours:
- Secure Shredding and Recycling — 135 Distribution Dr, Homewood, AL 35209 • (205) 549-2120
- Gone For Good — 101 Oslo Circle, Birmingham, AL 35211 • (205) 943-5252
- UAB Recycling Center — 620 11th Street S, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 996-9040
- Bessemer Recycling Center — 1601 1st Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020 • (205) 425-0068
What to Do If Your Trash Wasn’t Collected in Birmingham
- Confirm your neighborhood’s collection day using the Day Finder above or the official schedule at birminghamal.gov/waste-schedules.
- Check for a holiday delay. If a holiday fell Monday through Thursday that week, all routes shift one day later. Verify at birminghamal.gov or text BHAMREADY to 888-777.
- Verify cart placement: garbage must be bagged and inside the city-issued 96-gallon cart, not on the ground or on top. The automated truck will not collect anything placed outside the cart.
- Check your recycling week. Make sure it was your Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 recycling week. If it wasn’t your recycling week, the recycling truck did not come. Check the official recycling calendar online.
- Report a missed pickup by calling 311 (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm) or (205) 254-6314, or submit a report through the MyBHAM311 app (iOS & Android).
Birmingham Trash & Recycling Tips Every Resident Should Know
🏠 New to Birmingham or Just Moved In?
A 96-gallon city garbage cart should be at your address when you move in. If missing or if you need a replacement, contact 311. Apply for a free blue recycling cart at forms.office.com/g/FNSzvppYHS or email recycle@birminghamal.gov. Sign up for text alerts by texting BHAMREADY to 888-777 to receive non-emergency city updates including collection schedule changes.
📦 No Appointment Needed for Bulk Pickup
Unlike many cities, Birmingham does not require residents to call or schedule bulk and brush pickup. Simply check the monthly bulk trash calendar at birminghamal.gov for your neighborhood’s next scheduled date and place items at the curb by 6 a.m. The city posts daily updates showing which neighborhoods were completed and which are upcoming.
🚫 5 Common Mistakes Birmingham Residents Make
- Placing bagged trash on the ground beside the cart — the automated truck only collects from the cart itself, not loose items outside it
- Putting glass in the blue recycling cart — Birmingham does not accept glass curbside; take it to a Jefferson County HHW event
- Forgetting which recycling schedule (1 or 2) applies to their neighborhood — double-check the official schedule to avoid missing your week
- Setting out bulk items hoping for same-week pickup without checking the monthly bulk calendar — bulk is not daily, it rotates by neighborhood
- Not bagging leaves and yard clippings — bagging speeds up collection and keeps crews working efficiently
Contact Birmingham Public Works & Waste Services
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| 311 — City of Birmingham | 📞 311 (within Birmingham) • (205) 254-6314 • Mon–Fri 8am–5pm • Missed pickups, bulk complaints, illegal dumping, cart requests |
| MyBHAM311 App | Free iOS & Android app — report missed pickups, request services, submit complaints. Online at birminghamal.gov/311 |
| Public Works Department | (205) 254-6316 • Joshua.Yates@birminghamal.gov • Mon–Fri 7am–4pm |
| Recycling Cart Requests | recycle@birminghamal.gov • Online opt-in form for free blue cart |
| Garbage & Recycling Schedules | birminghamal.gov/waste-schedules — full neighborhood schedule, recycling calendar, monthly bulk trash PDF |
| Daily Bulk Trash Updates | birminghamal.gov/daily-bulk-trash-updates — daily progress and next-day schedule |
| Text Alerts | Text BHAMREADY to 888-777 for non-emergency city announcements and collection schedule updates |
| Additional Cart Request | $120 fee for second cart • Send check payment to: City of Birmingham – Dept. of Public Works Waste Cart Program, 501 6th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35205 |
| Jefferson County HHW & Electronics | 📞 (205) 325-8741 • jccal.org — HHW Events |
| Southside District Roll-Off | 501 6th Ave. South • (205) 254-6316 • Mon–Fri 7am–4pm, Sat 7am (limited hrs) |
Frequently Asked Questions — Birmingham Trash Pickup
Still Need Help with Your Birmingham Collection Schedule?
The official Birmingham Department of Public Works waste schedules page has the complete neighborhood list, full 2026 recycling calendar, and downloadable monthly bulk trash PDF. You can also call 311 or use the MyBHAM311 app for immediate assistance.
🔍 Official Birmingham Public Works Lookup & Contact Options
All of the following are free and will confirm your neighborhood’s exact collection schedule:
🔍 View Official Schedules 📞 Call 311| Garbage, Recycling & Bulk Schedules | birminghamal.gov/waste-schedules — full neighborhood list, Schedule 1 & 2 recycling calendar, monthly bulk trash PDF |
| 311 Customer Service | Call 311 within Birmingham or (205) 254-6314 • Mon–Fri 8am–5pm • Closed City holidays |
| Daily Bulk Trash Updates | birminghamal.gov/daily-bulk-trash-updates — check which neighborhoods were completed and which are scheduled next |
| MyBHAM311 App | Free iOS & Android — report missed pickups, submit complaints, request services |
| Text Alerts | Text BHAMREADY to 888-777 for non-emergency city updates |
| Recycling Cart Opt-In | forms.office.com/g/FNSzvppYHS • Email: recycle@birminghamal.gov |
You will leave this website when using any of the links above. The Birmingham Department of Public Works is the authoritative source for all waste collection schedules and service information.
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: