holiday week trash schedule 2026

Last updated: June 2026 | Reviewed by Fran A., Editor-in-Chief

Every holiday week, the same question pops up across neighborhoods from coast to coast: is trash pickup running this week, and if not — when exactly does it come?

This guide puts every 2026 holiday week trash schedule change in one place. Instead of hunting through your city’s website before every holiday, bookmark this page and come back whenever you need it.

You’ll find every federal holiday that affects collection in 2026, how the delays work week by week, and a city-by-city breakdown for the holidays that cause the most disruption.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Trash collection schedules are determined locally — by your city government or private waste hauler — not at the federal level. The information on this page reflects general publicly stated policies as of mid-2026.

Always verify at your city’s official sanitation website or by calling 311 before any holiday. If what you find there differs from what’s listed here, trust your city.

How Holiday Week Trash Schedules Work

When a federal holiday falls on a weekday, most U.S. cities shift their garbage collection routes. The most widespread policy is a one-day delay for the rest of that week — but not every city follows this rule, and not every holiday triggers a change.

There are three systems in use across the country:

Full-week one-day delay — All routes from the holiday day forward shift one day. The most common system in large city-run sanitation departments.

Holiday-day-only rescheduling — Only the route scheduled on the actual holiday moves, usually to Saturday. The rest of the week runs normally.

No change — Some cities and private haulers maintain their regular schedule regardless of the holiday, or only make exceptions for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Not sure which system your city uses? Check the city-by-city breakdown below or read When Trash Is Delayed by a Holiday: How to Find Your New Day.

Every Holiday Week in 2026 – What to Expect

Here is every federal holiday in 2026, when it falls, and what it means for your trash pickup that week.

Week of January 1 – New Year’s Day (Thursday)

New Year’s Day 2026 falls on a Thursday.

In cities using the full-week delay system, Thursday and Friday routes shift one day forward — Thursday pickups move to Friday, Friday pickups move to Saturday. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday routes are unaffected.

Most affected pickup days this week: Thursday and Friday

Cities confirmed to delay: New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Columbus, Nashville, Baltimore, Milwaukee, and most other major city-run systems.

Cities that run normally: San Francisco (Recology only observes Thanksgiving and Christmas).

Week of January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday)

MLK Day 2026 falls on a Monday — the day that causes the most widespread disruption of any holiday, because the full-week delay pushes every single route that week back by one day.

In cities using the full-week delay: Monday routes move to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday, Wednesday to Thursday, Thursday to Friday, Friday to Saturday.

Most affected pickup days this week: All weekday routes

Cities confirmed to delay: New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Columbus, Dallas, Nashville, Fort Worth, Indianapolis, and most other large city-run systems.

Cities that run normally: Los Angeles, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, and cities served by haulers that do not observe MLK Day.

Week of February 16 – Presidents’ Day (Monday)

Presidents’ Day 2026 falls on a Monday. Like MLK Day, this pushes all routes that week forward by one day in cities that observe it — but fewer cities observe Presidents’ Day than MLK Day.

Most affected pickup days this week: All weekday routes (where observed)

Cities confirmed to delay: New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Columbus, Fort Worth, Indianapolis, Nashville, Baltimore, Milwaukee.

Cities that typically run normally on Presidents’ Day: Los Angeles, Houston (most districts), San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Denver, Austin, Seattle (most haulers).

Week of May 25 – Memorial Day (Monday)

Memorial Day is one of the most universally observed holidays for trash collection across the U.S. Almost every city-run sanitation department suspends Monday collection and delays all routes that week by one day.

Most affected pickup days this week: All weekday routes

Cities confirmed to delay: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Jacksonville, Austin, Fort Worth, Columbus, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Seattle, Denver, Nashville, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Portland, Memphis, Louisville, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Albuquerque, Tucson, and most other major U.S. cities.

Cities that run normally: San Francisco.

Week of June 19 – Juneteenth (Friday)

Juneteenth 2026 falls on a Friday. This is a growing federal holiday, but not all cities and private haulers have added it to their observed holiday list yet.

In cities that observe it: Friday routes shift to Saturday. Monday through Thursday run normally.

Most affected pickup days this week: Friday only (where observed)

Cities confirmed to delay: New York City, Washington DC, and some others — check your city’s official list.

Cities that may run normally: Many — Juneteenth is not yet universally observed for sanitation purposes. Verify locally before this one.

Week of July 4 – Independence Day (Saturday)

Independence Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, which makes it different from most years.

Because the holiday is on a weekend, many cities observe it on Friday, July 3 instead. In cities that do this, Friday routes are delayed by one day (move to Saturday). The rest of the week runs normally.

Some private haulers do not observe Saturday holidays on a weekday at all — in those cases, the entire week runs on its normal schedule.

Most affected pickup days this week: Friday only (where observed on July 3)

Cities expected to observe Friday, July 3: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Diego, Dallas, Jacksonville, Fort Worth, Columbus, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Seattle, Denver, Nashville, Washington DC, Portland, Memphis, Louisville, Baltimore, Milwaukee.

Cities that run normally: San Francisco. Check your hauler if collection is privately contracted.

Week of September 7 – Labor Day (Monday)

Labor Day is observed by nearly every city-run sanitation department in the country. Like Memorial Day and MLK Day, it falls on a Monday — meaning all routes that week shift one day forward in cities that observe it.

Most affected pickup days this week: All weekday routes

Cities that run normally: San Francisco.

Week of October 12 – Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Monday)

Columbus Day — increasingly recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day — falls on a Monday in 2026. Observance for trash collection purposes varies significantly by city and region.

Most affected pickup days this week: All weekday routes (where observed)

Cities confirmed to delay: New York City, Washington DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, Columbus, Baltimore, Milwaukee, and others with strong Columbus Day observation history.

Cities that typically run normally: Los Angeles, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Austin, Denver, Nashville, Seattle, Portland, and many others.

Week of November 11 – Veterans Day (Wednesday)

Veterans Day 2026 falls on a Wednesday — a mid-week holiday, which means only Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes are affected in cities that observe it with the full-week delay.

Most affected pickup days this week: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Cities confirmed to delay: New York City, Washington DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, Columbus, Baltimore, Milwaukee, and others.

Cities that typically run normally: Los Angeles, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Austin, Denver, Nashville, Seattle, Portland, and many others.

Week of November 26 – Thanksgiving Day (Thursday)

Thanksgiving is the most universally observed holiday for trash collection in the United States. Nearly every city suspends collection on Thanksgiving Thursday. In cities with the full-week delay, Thursday and Friday routes shift forward by one day.

Most affected pickup days this week: Thursday and Friday

Cities confirmed to delay: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Jacksonville, Austin, Fort Worth, Columbus, Charlotte, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Nashville, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Portland, Memphis, Louisville, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Albuquerque, Tucson — essentially all major U.S. cities.

Week of December 25 – Christmas Day (Friday)

Christmas 2026 falls on a Friday. Cities that observe Christmas — which is almost all of them — will delay Friday routes by one day, moving them to Saturday. Monday through Thursday run on their normal schedule.

Most affected pickup days this week: Friday only

Cities confirmed to delay: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Jacksonville, Austin, Fort Worth, Columbus, Charlotte, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Nashville, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Portland, Memphis, Louisville, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Albuquerque, Tucson, and virtually all major U.S. cities.

2026 Holiday Week Trash Schedule – Full Year At-a-Glance {#city-by-city}

Use this table to see, across the entire year, which holidays delay collection and which pickup days are most affected.

Holiday	Date	Day	Routes Affected	Delay Risk
New Year’s Day	Jan 1	Thursday	Thu + Fri	🔴 High
MLK Day	Jan 19	Monday	All week	🔴 High
Presidents’ Day	Feb 16	Monday	All week	🟡 Medium
Memorial Day	May 25	Monday	All week	🔴 High
Juneteenth	Jun 19	Friday	Friday only	🟡 Medium
Independence Day	Jul 4	Saturday	Friday (Jul 3)	🟡 Medium
Labor Day	Sep 7	Monday	All week	🔴 High
Columbus Day	Oct 12	Monday	All week	🟡 Medium
Veterans Day	Nov 11	Wednesday	Wed–Fri	🟡 Medium
Thanksgiving	Nov 26	Thursday	Thu + Fri	🔴 High
Christmas Day	Dec 25	Friday	Friday only	🔴 High

🔴 High = nearly universal delay across U.S. cities 🟡 Medium = common but not universal — always verify locally

Holiday Week Trash Schedule by City – Quick Reference

This table shows which cities observe each major holiday for sanitation purposes. ✅ = delay expected | ⬜ = normal schedule | ❓ = verify locally.

City	MLK	Pres.	Mem.	Jul 4	Labor	Thanks.	Xmas
New York City, NY	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Los Angeles, CA	⬜	⬜	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Chicago, IL	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Houston, TX	❓	❓	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Phoenix, AZ	✅	❓	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Philadelphia, PA	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
San Antonio, TX	⬜	⬜	✅	❓	✅	✅	✅
San Diego, CA	⬜	⬜	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Dallas, TX	✅	⬜	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
San Francisco, CA	⬜	⬜	⬜	⬜	⬜	✅	✅
Seattle, WA	⬜	❓	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Denver, CO	✅	⬜	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Washington, DC	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Austin, TX	✅	⬜	✅	❓	✅	✅	✅
Nashville, TN	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Jacksonville, FL	✅	⬜	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Portland, OR	✅	⬜	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Baltimore, MD	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Louisville, KY	✅	⬜	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Memphis, TN	✅	⬜	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Milwaukee, WI	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Las Vegas, NV	⬜	⬜	✅	❓	✅	✅	✅
Albuquerque, NM	✅	⬜	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Tucson, AZ	✅	⬜	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Columbus, OH	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅

What To Do If Your City Isn’t on This List

The table above covers 25 of the largest U.S. cities. If your city isn’t listed, here is how to find your holiday week trash schedule in under two minutes:

Option 1 – Your city’s official website Search “[your city name] holiday trash schedule 2026” or “[your city name] sanitation holiday.” Most public works departments post this on their website, often as a downloadable PDF calendar.

Option 2 – Call or text 311 311 connects you to non-emergency city services in virtually every major U.S. city. Ask: “Is trash pickup delayed this week because of [holiday]?” You’ll get a direct answer in under two minutes.

Option 3 – Your private hauler’s website If collection in your area is handled by Republic Services, WM (Waste Management), Recology, or another contractor, go to their website, enter your address, and check your holiday schedule. Private haulers post holiday notices 1–2 weeks in advance.

Option 4 – This site’s individual city guides We cover 100 U.S. cities across 46 states. Find your city at trashpickupscheduleday.com and check the holiday section of your city’s page.

What Happens If Collection Is Missed During a Holiday Week?

Holiday weeks are the most common time for missed pickups — whether because crews ran late, routes changed, or bins weren’t out at the right time.

If your trash wasn’t collected during a holiday week:

Wait 24 hours. Holiday routes sometimes extend into the evening or roll into the next morning.
Report it through your city’s website or 311. Look for “Report Missed Collection” — most cities will schedule a make-up visit within 1–3 business days.
Keep overflow contained. Don’t leave bags loose on the curb. Use a closed bin and wait for the make-up pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every federal holiday delay trash pickup in 2026?

No. Which holidays cause delays depends entirely on your city or hauler. Most large city-run sanitation departments observe five to eleven federal holidays. Some private haulers only adjust for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Always verify before each holiday.

Which 2026 holiday week will cause the biggest trash pickup disruption?

Thanksgiving and Christmas affect the most households nationally, since nearly every city observes them. Among weekday holidays, Memorial Day and Labor Day — both Mondays in 2026 — cause the widest disruption because a Monday holiday delays every route that week in cities using the full-week delay system.

If the holiday falls after my pickup day, is my schedule still affected?

No. If the holiday falls on a day later in the week than your regular pickup, your collection runs normally that week. For example, if your pickup is Monday and the holiday is Thursday, you are not affected.

Does the holiday week trash schedule also affect recycling pickup?

In most cities, yes. Recycling follows the same holiday delay schedule as regular trash. Yard waste and bulk item pickup typically follow the same calendar too. Composting and organics programs sometimes run on separate contracts — always verify your green bin pickup independently.

My pickup runs on Friday. Which 2026 holidays affect me the most?

In 2026, the holidays most likely to affect Friday routes are: New Year’s Day (Thu Jan 1 — Friday delay), Juneteenth (Fri Jun 19 — direct hit), Independence Day (Sat Jul 4, observed Fri Jul 3 in most cities), Thanksgiving (Thu Nov 26 — Friday delay), and Christmas Day (Fri Dec 25 — direct hit). That’s up to five affected Fridays in 2026.

My pickup runs on Monday. Which 2026 holidays affect me the most?

Monday routes are affected by every Monday holiday. In 2026 those are: MLK Day (Jan 19), Presidents’ Day (Feb 16), Memorial Day (May 25), Labor Day (Sep 7), and Columbus Day (Oct 12) — though Presidents’ Day and Columbus Day are not observed by all cities. That’s potentially five affected Mondays for Monday-route households in cities with broad holiday observance.

Is Christmas trash pickup different in 2026?

Christmas 2026 falls on a Friday. In cities that observe Christmas — which is virtually all of them — Friday routes are delayed by one day and move to Saturday. Monday through Thursday routes run normally that week.

All Holiday Trash Pickup Guides for 2026

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

Holiday Week Trash Schedule 2026 – All Changes in One Place

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

How Holiday Week Trash Schedules Work

Every Holiday Week in 2026 – What to Expect

Week of January 1 – New Year’s Day (Thursday)

Week of January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday)

Week of February 16 – Presidents’ Day (Monday)

Week of May 25 – Memorial Day (Monday)

Week of June 19 – Juneteenth (Friday)

Week of July 4 – Independence Day (Saturday)

Week of September 7 – Labor Day (Monday)

Week of October 12 – Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Monday)

Week of November 11 – Veterans Day (Wednesday)

Week of November 26 – Thanksgiving Day (Thursday)

Week of December 25 – Christmas Day (Friday)

2026 Holiday Week Trash Schedule – Full Year At-a-Glance {#city-by-city}

Holiday Week Trash Schedule by City – Quick Reference

What To Do If Your City Isn’t on This List

What Happens If Collection Is Missed During a Holiday Week?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every federal holiday delay trash pickup in 2026?

Which 2026 holiday week will cause the biggest trash pickup disruption?

If the holiday falls after my pickup day, is my schedule still affected?

Does the holiday week trash schedule also affect recycling pickup?

My pickup runs on Friday. Which 2026 holidays affect me the most?

My pickup runs on Monday. Which 2026 holidays affect me the most?

Is Christmas trash pickup different in 2026?

All Holiday Trash Pickup Guides for 2026

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Holiday Week Trash Schedule 2026 – All Changes in One Place

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

How Holiday Week Trash Schedules Work

Every Holiday Week in 2026 – What to Expect

Week of January 1 – New Year’s Day (Thursday)

Week of January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday)

Week of February 16 – Presidents’ Day (Monday)

Week of May 25 – Memorial Day (Monday)

Week of June 19 – Juneteenth (Friday)

Week of July 4 – Independence Day (Saturday)

Week of September 7 – Labor Day (Monday)

Week of October 12 – Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Monday)

Week of November 11 – Veterans Day (Wednesday)

Week of November 26 – Thanksgiving Day (Thursday)

Week of December 25 – Christmas Day (Friday)

2026 Holiday Week Trash Schedule – Full Year At-a-Glance {#city-by-city}

Holiday Week Trash Schedule by City – Quick Reference

What To Do If Your City Isn’t on This List

What Happens If Collection Is Missed During a Holiday Week?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every federal holiday delay trash pickup in 2026?

Which 2026 holiday week will cause the biggest trash pickup disruption?

If the holiday falls after my pickup day, is my schedule still affected?

Does the holiday week trash schedule also affect recycling pickup?

My pickup runs on Friday. Which 2026 holidays affect me the most?

My pickup runs on Monday. Which 2026 holidays affect me the most?

Is Christmas trash pickup different in 2026?

All Holiday Trash Pickup Guides for 2026

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