Last updated: June 2026 | Reviewed by Fran A., Editor-in-Chief
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of the most widely observed federal holidays for trash collection in the United States — but not every city suspends service. And because it always falls on a Monday, the cities that do observe it push every single route that week back by one day, affecting households with Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday pickups just as much as Monday households.
In 2026, MLK Day falls on Monday, January 19. It’s the first major trash pickup disruption of the new year — and 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 — not at the federal level. 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.
MLK Day 2026 – Key Facts
- Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Federal holiday: Yes
- Official name: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Day of week: Monday
- Routes most affected if observed: All weekday routes (Monday through Friday)
Because MLK Day always falls on a Monday, it is one of the highest-impact holidays for garbage collection. In cities that observe it with a full-week one-day delay, not a single weekday route runs on its normal day that week.
Key insight: MLK Day has broader observance than Presidents’ Day or Columbus Day — but narrower than Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Cities including New York, Chicago, DC, Philadelphia, Dallas, Columbus, Nashville, Fort Worth, Indianapolis, Baltimore, and Milwaukee observe it. Los Angeles, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Houston (most districts), and Las Vegas typically run normally.
How MLK Day Affects Your Full Week Schedule
For cities using the full-week one-day delay system, here is what MLK Day week looks like in 2026:
| Day | Regular Route | MLK Day Week (if observed) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, Jan 19 | MLK Day | ❌ Suspended (if observed) |
| Tuesday, Jan 20 | Tuesday pickup | ⚠️ Delayed to Wednesday |
| Wednesday, Jan 21 | Wednesday pickup | ⚠️ Delayed to Thursday |
| Thursday, Jan 22 | Thursday pickup | ⚠️ Delayed to Friday |
| Friday, Jan 23 | Friday pickup | ⚠️ Delayed to Saturday |
In cities that do NOT observe MLK Day: Every route runs on its normal Monday–Friday schedule with no changes.
MLK Day Trash Pickup 2026 – City by City
New York City, NY
Provider: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
DSNY observes all 11 federal holidays, including MLK Day. Monday, January 19 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 MLK Day: ⬜ No
LASAN does not observe MLK Day for sanitation purposes. All routes the week of January 19 run on their normal schedule. Monday pickup runs as usual.
Where to verify: lacitysan.org or MyLA311 app
Chicago, IL
Provider: City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Chicago observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward — Monday to Tuesday through Friday to Saturday.
Where to verify: chicago.gov/streets or CHI311 app
Houston, TX
Provider: City of Houston Solid Waste Management Observes MLK Day: ❓ Varies by district
Houston’s observance of MLK Day varies depending on whether your area is served by city crews or a private contractor. Some districts observe it and delay routes; others run normally. Check your specific zone at the city’s solid waste site or call 311.
Where to verify: houstonsolidwaste.org
Phoenix, AZ
Provider: City of Phoenix Public Works Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Phoenix observes MLK Day as one of its official sanitation holidays. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: phoenix.gov/publicworks
Philadelphia, PA
Provider: Philadelphia Streets Department Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Philadelphia observes MLK Day as one of its ten official sanitation holidays. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward through Saturday.
Where to verify: phila.gov/streets
San Antonio, TX
Provider: City of San Antonio Solid Waste Management Observes MLK Day: ⬜ No
San Antonio does not observe MLK Day for sanitation purposes. All routes run normally the week of January 19.
Where to verify: sanantonio.gov/swmd
San Diego, CA
Provider: City of San Diego Environmental Services Observes MLK Day: ⬜ No
San Diego does not observe MLK Day for sanitation purposes. Collection runs on its normal schedule the week of January 19.
Where to verify: sandiego.gov/environmental-services
Dallas, TX
Provider: City of Dallas Sanitation Services Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Dallas observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward through Saturday.
Where to verify: dallascityhall.com/sanitation
Jacksonville, FL
Provider: City of Jacksonville Solid Waste Division Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Jacksonville observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: coj.net/solid-waste
Austin, TX
Provider: Austin Resource Recovery Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Austin observes MLK Day. Routes scheduled for Monday are rescheduled to Saturday of that week. Tuesday through Friday routes run on their normal schedule — Austin uses the holiday-day-only rescheduling system rather than a full-week delay.
Where to verify: austintexas.gov/arr
Fort Worth, TX
Provider: City of Fort Worth Environmental Services Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Fort Worth observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward through Saturday.
Where to verify: fortworthtexas.gov/environmental
Columbus, OH
Provider: City of Columbus Refuse Collection Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Columbus observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: columbus.gov/refuse
Charlotte, NC
Provider: City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Charlotte observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward through Saturday.
Where to verify: charlottenc.gov/solidwaste
Indianapolis, IN
Provider: Indianapolis Department of Public Works Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Indianapolis observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: indy.gov/dpw
San Francisco, CA
Provider: Recology (contracted) Observes MLK Day: ⬜ No
Recology only observes Thanksgiving and Christmas. MLK Day causes no schedule change in San Francisco. All routes run normally the week of January 19.
Where to verify: recology.com/san-francisco
Seattle, WA
Provider: Seattle Public Utilities / contracted haulers by zone Observes MLK Day: ⬜ No
Seattle Public Utilities does not consistently observe MLK Day for sanitation purposes. Most routes run on their normal schedule the week of January 19. Verify with your specific hauler if contracted.
Where to verify: seattle.gov/utilities
Denver, CO
Provider: Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Denver observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: denvergov.org/trash
Nashville, TN
Provider: Nashville Metro Public Works Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Nashville observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward through Saturday.
Where to verify: nashville.gov/public-works
Washington, DC
Provider: DC Department of Public Works (DPW) Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
DPW observes all 11 federal holidays, including MLK Day. Monday routes are fully suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward through Saturday. This includes trash, recycling, and bulk pickup.
Where to verify: dpw.dc.gov
👉 Related: 2026 Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule – All U.S. Cities
Las Vegas, NV
Provider: Republic Services (contracted) Observes MLK Day: ⬜ No
Republic Services does not observe MLK Day in most Las Vegas service areas. Routes run normally the week of January 19. Verify at their site with your address.
Where to verify: republicservices.com
Portland, OR
Provider: City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Portland observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: portland.gov/bes
Memphis, TN
Provider: City of Memphis Division of Public Works Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Memphis observes MLK Day — a holiday with particular significance in the city where Dr. King was assassinated in 1968. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: memphistn.gov/public-works
Louisville, KY
Provider: Louisville Metro Government Waste Management Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Louisville observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: louisvilleky.gov/government/waste-management
Baltimore, MD
Provider: Baltimore City Department of Public Works Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Baltimore observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward through Saturday.
Where to verify: publicworks.baltimorecity.gov
Milwaukee, WI
Provider: City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Milwaukee observes MLK Day. Monday collection is suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: city.milwaukee.gov/dpw
Albuquerque, NM
Provider: City of Albuquerque Solid Waste Management Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Albuquerque observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: cabq.gov/solidwaste
Tucson, AZ
Provider: City of Tucson Environmental Services Observes MLK Day: ✅ Yes
Tucson observes MLK Day. Monday routes are suspended on January 19. All routes that week shift one day forward.
Where to verify: tucsonaz.gov/es
MLK Day Trash Pickup 2026 – Quick Reference Chart
✅ = Delay confirmed | ⬜ = Normal schedule | ❓ = Varies or verify locally
| City | Observes MLK Day | Mon Jan 19 | Tue–Fri That 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 | ❓ By district | ❓ Check zone | ❓ Check zone |
| Phoenix, AZ | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Philadelphia, PA | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| San Antonio, TX | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| San Diego, CA | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Dallas, TX | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Jacksonville, FL | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Austin, TX | ✅ Yes* | ❌ Mon → Sat | ✅ Tue–Fri normal |
| Fort Worth, TX | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Columbus, OH | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Charlotte, NC | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Indianapolis, IN | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| San Francisco, CA | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Seattle, WA | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Denver, CO | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Nashville, TN | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Washington, DC | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Las Vegas, NV | ⬜ No | ✅ Normal | ✅ Normal |
| Portland, OR | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Memphis, TN | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Louisville, KY | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Baltimore, MD | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Milwaukee, WI | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Albuquerque, NM | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
| Tucson, AZ | ✅ Yes | ❌ Suspended | ⚠️ All routes +1 day |
*Austin reschedules only Monday routes to Saturday — Tuesday through Friday run normally.
Does MLK Day Affect Recycling and Bulk Pickup?
In cities that observe MLK Day for sanitation, yes — recycling follows the same one-day delay as regular trash. Monday recycling 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 MLK Day, expect bulk routes to shift the same way — Monday bulk pickup moves to Tuesday, and so on.
Composting and green bins: Cities with separate organics programs — San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland — handle composting on independent schedules. San Francisco does not observe MLK Day at all. Seattle and Portland run composting on their normal schedule that week. Always verify your green bin pickup separately.
👉 Related: When Trash Is Delayed by a Holiday: How to Find Your New Day
MLK Day vs. Presidents’ Day – Are They Treated the Same?
A question that comes up often in January: if my city observes MLK Day, does it also observe Presidents’ Day four weeks later?
Not necessarily — and this is one of the most common mistakes households make in February.
MLK Day has notably broader observance than Presidents’ Day across U.S. cities. Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, and San Antonio do not observe either holiday. But cities like Dallas, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Denver, Louisville, Memphis, and Portland observe MLK Day but not Presidents’ Day.
If your city delayed routes for MLK Day, don’t assume the same thing will happen on February 16. Always check independently before Presidents’ Day.
👉 Related: Presidents’ Day Trash Schedule 2026 – City Collection Updates
What To Do If Your City Isn’t on This List
Step 1 – Check your city’s sanitation website Search “[your city] MLK Day trash schedule 2026” or “[your city] holiday garbage collection January.” Most public works departments publish a complete list of observed holidays each year.
Step 2 – Call or use 311 311 is available in virtually every major U.S. city. Ask directly: “Is trash pickup delayed on Martin Luther King Jr. 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 MLK Day notices. Private haulers typically post holiday updates 1–2 weeks in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions – MLK Day Trash Pickup 2026
Is garbage collection running on MLK Day 2026?
It depends on your city. The majority of large city-run sanitation departments observe MLK Day — including New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Dallas, Phoenix, Fort Worth, Columbus, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Nashville, Denver, Portland, Memphis, Louisville, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Albuquerque, and Tucson. Major cities that run normally include Los Angeles, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Las Vegas. Check the quick reference chart above for your specific city.
What day does MLK Day fall on in 2026?
MLK Day 2026 falls on Monday, January 19. As a Monday holiday, it is one of the highest-impact holidays for garbage collection — cities that observe it delay every single weekday route that week by one day.
My pickup is on Monday — is it suspended on MLK Day 2026?
If your city observes MLK Day (check the chart above), yes — Monday January 19 routes are suspended and shift to Tuesday. If your city does not observe it, your Monday pickup runs normally.
My pickup is on Friday — am I affected by MLK Day 2026?
If your city uses the full-week one-day delay system and observes MLK Day, yes — your Friday pickup shifts to Saturday. This is one of the less obvious impacts of a Monday holiday: Friday households are affected even though the holiday is at the start of the week.
Does Los Angeles delay trash collection on MLK Day 2026?
No. LA Sanitation (LASAN) does not observe MLK Day. All routes in Los Angeles run normally the week of January 19. Monday pickup is unaffected.
Does San Francisco suspend collection on MLK Day 2026?
No. Recology, which handles collection in San Francisco, only observes Thanksgiving and Christmas. MLK Day has no impact on the San Francisco collection schedule.
Does the MLK Day delay apply to recycling too?
In cities that observe MLK Day for sanitation, yes — recycling follows the same one-day delay as regular trash collection. Monday recycling shifts to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday, and so on through the week.
What is the next holiday after MLK Day that affects trash pickup in 2026?
The next federal holiday is Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 16. It is observed by fewer cities than MLK Day — check the Presidents’ Day Trash Schedule 2026 for your city. The next universally observed holiday is Memorial Day on Monday, May 25.
Related Holiday Trash Pickup Guides
- 2026 Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule – All U.S. Cities
- Holiday Week Trash Schedule 2026 – All Changes in One Place
- Presidents’ Day Trash Schedule 2026 – City Collection Updates
- Memorial Day Trash Pickup 2026 – Is Collection Running?
- New Year’s Day Trash Schedule 2026 – Is Garbage Picked Up?
- When Trash Is Delayed by a Holiday: How to Find Your New Day
- Complete U.S. Trash Pickup Guide 2026 – Everything You Need to Know
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
