Birmingham Trash Pickup, Recycling & Bulk Brush Schedule 2026
This guide is written like a Birmingham resident trying to solve the pickup problem quickly: what day your neighborhood gets household garbage, whether your recycling is Schedule 1 or Schedule 2, how the new 96-gallon cart rules work, when bulk trash and limbs should go out, where to drop off extra waste, and who to call when pickup is missed.
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Birmingham trash pickup schedule garbage collection is based on your neighborhood. Birmingham neighborhoods have one dedicated weekly household garbage day from Monday through Thursday, and each neighborhood is marked as recycling Schedule 1 or Schedule 2. Recycling is every other week on the same day as household garbage.
Bulk trash and brush are on a separate posted neighborhood schedule. The City says to place bulk trash out by 6:00 AM on the scheduled collection day. For missed bulk trash, missed garbage, missed recycling or illegal dumping, contact 311 or call 205-254-6314 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Birmingham Trash Pickup Day Lookup — Find Your Neighborhood, Day and Recycling Number
The City’s schedule page is the safest source because Birmingham has many neighborhood names that sound similar, such as East Lake, Eastlake, South Eastlake, North Eastlake, East Birmingham, East Brownsville and West Brownsville. A small naming mistake can send you to the wrong pickup day.
Start by finding your neighborhood under the Garbage Pickup Schedule. Your neighborhood will show a weekday and a recycling number, either 1 or 2. That number tells you whether your recycling goes out during Schedule 1 weeks or Schedule 2 weeks.
Open the official schedule
Use Birmingham’s Garbage, Recycle & Bulk Trash Schedules page. Search your browser page for your exact neighborhood name.
Write down the weekday
Your neighborhood has one dedicated household garbage day each week. Most routes are Monday through Thursday.
Write down Schedule 1 or Schedule 2
Recycling is every other week on the same day as household garbage, so your number matters as much as the weekday.
Check bulk separately
Bulk trash and brush are not the same as weekly cart garbage. Check the current monthly bulk schedule and the daily bulk updates if your area is behind.
Official schedule: Use the City page for your household garbage day, recycling week and current bulk/brush dates.
Open City ScheduleBirmingham Garbage Pickup Days by Neighborhood — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
The City’s complete list is long, so this section shows how to read it and gives high-search neighborhoods as examples. Always use the official page for the full list and spelling.
| Pickup Day | Example Neighborhoods | What to Check | Resident Warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Belview Heights, Crestline, East Lake, East Thomas, Highland Park, Hooper City, Redmont Park, South Eastlake, South Roebuck | Your recycling number: 1 or 2 | Do not confuse East Lake with South Eastlake or North Eastlake. |
| Tuesday | Airport Highlands, Collegeville, East Birmingham, Eastwood, Germania Park, Green Acres, North Birmingham, Overton, Powderly, South Woodlawn | Your recycling number: 1 or 2 | Check exact neighborhood spelling on the City list. |
| Wednesday | Arlington-West End, Bush Hills, Central Park, Crestwood North, Forest Park, Glen Iris, Graymont, Huffman, Smithfield, Spring Lake, Wylam | Your recycling number: 1 or 2 | Forest Park and Crestwood North follow different names than Crestwood South. |
| Thursday | Apple Valley, Central City, Crestwood South, Druid Hills, East Avondale, Ensley, Five Points South, Inglenook, Roebuck, Southside, Woodlawn | Your recycling number: 1 or 2 | Holiday weeks can push routes back one day when the holiday falls Monday-Thursday. |
New mover shortcut: If you just moved to Birmingham and do not know the neighborhood name used by Public Works, call 311. The City specifically tells new residents to call 311 to find out when household garbage and bulk trash are picked up on their street.
Birmingham 96-Gallon Garbage Cart Rules — Why Bags Beside the Cart May Be Left Behind
Birmingham’s uniform garbage cart system is the part residents get wrong most often. The City says garbage must be bagged and placed inside the complimentary 96-gallon cart. Garbage placed on top of the cart, beside the cart, in alleys, or on the ground in front of the residence will not be picked up.
- Bag household garbage before placing it in the cart.
- Put trash inside the city-issued 96-gallon cart.
- Face the cart opening toward the road.
- Use the arrow on the cart as a placement guide.
- Leave at least 3 feet of space from utility poles, cars, mailboxes and other objects.
- Bring the cart back to your house after pickup.
- Do not place garbage beside the cart.
- Do not place bags on top of the cart.
- Do not leave household garbage loose in the cart.
- Do not place the cart too close to poles, vehicles or obstacles.
- Do not use the blue recycling cart for household garbage.
- Do not assume old alley pickup habits still apply to automated cart service.
Hard rule: Extra household garbage outside the city-issued cart can be left behind and may prevent pickup. If you regularly have more waste than the cart holds, use the City’s district roll-off/drop-off guidance instead of piling bags beside the cart.
Birmingham Recycling Schedule 2026 — Schedule 1, Schedule 2 and What Goes in the Blue Cart
Birmingham recycling is collected every other week on the same day as household garbage. Your neighborhood’s recycling number controls the week. The City labels neighborhoods as Schedule 1 or Schedule 2.
Schedule 1 recycling runs during alternating weeks starting with the week of January 5, then January 19, February 2, February 16, and continuing every other week through December 21 in the City list.
Schedule 2 recycling runs during the opposite alternating weeks starting with the week of January 12, then January 26, February 9, February 23, and continuing every other week through December 28 in the City list.
- Paper such as newspapers, magazines, office paper and junk mail.
- Shredded paper placed in a stapled paper bag.
- Flattened cardboard and paperboard.
- Plastic #1 and #2 bottles, jugs and jars with caps.
- Plastic and cardboard detergent containers.
- Aluminum, steel and tin cans, rinsed.
- Glass.
- Plastic bags and freezer bags.
- Pizza boxes and food waste.
- Electronics, cables and cords.
- Clothing and textiles.
- Plastics #3 through #7.
- Foam products and bulky plastic items.
- Scrap metal, household garbage and yard waste.
Need a recycling cart? Birmingham residents can apply for a free 64-gallon recycling cart through the City’s Recycle Birmingham program. Eligibility limits apply.
Recycle BirminghamBirmingham Bulk Trash and Brush Pickup — Furniture, Limbs, Mattresses and Monthly Schedule
Bulk trash and brush pickup is separate from weekly household garbage. The City posts neighborhoods by date on the monthly bulk trash and brush schedule, and daily bulk updates show whether crews are on schedule or behind in certain neighborhoods.
- Furniture and large household items.
- Mattresses and similar bulky residential items.
- Trash and brush that does not fit the cart.
- Tree limbs and brush from normal residential cleanup.
- Items listed on the City’s current monthly pickup schedule.
- Hazardous items.
- Commercial construction materials.
- Contractor renovation debris.
- Household garbage that belongs inside the 96-gallon cart.
- Items placed out weeks before your scheduled area date.
Bulk pickup timing: Put bulk trash and limbs out for pickup on the day your area is scheduled. The City’s schedule notes say bulk trash should be placed out by 6:00 AM on collection day. Do not dump early and hope crews will come later.
Track delays: Use Daily Bulk Trash Updates when your neighborhood’s bulk pickup has not happened by the expected time.
Daily Bulk UpdatesBirmingham Public Works Video Guide — Garbage Pickup Ride-Along
The City of Birmingham links to an official Public Works video where Mayor Woodfin joins the Department of Public Works for a garbage pickup ride-along. It is useful for residents who want to understand why proper cart placement, route timing and crew access matter during weekly household garbage collection.
Best for: New residents, homeowners using the 96-gallon uniform cart, renters unsure about cart placement, and residents who want to understand how Birmingham DPW crews handle garbage routes.
This video supports the practical guidance in this article. For exact pickup days, holiday changes, recycling weeks, bulk trash dates, drop-off hours, missed collection and service alerts, residents should still verify details through the official City of Birmingham links above.
Birmingham 2026 Holiday Trash Pickup Schedule — When Garbage and Recycling Move Back One Day
The City’s Waste Services guidance says garbage and recycling collection moves one day back for all routes when a holiday falls between Monday and Thursday. Birmingham also posts specific holiday pickup updates, so use the holiday notice and schedule page together.
| 2026 City Holiday | Date | Expected Pickup Effect | Resident Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 | Thursday pickup moves to Friday; later notice may affect related routes. | Check the City notice before setting carts out. |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19 | Monday pickup moves to Tuesday; remainder of week delayed one day. | Follow City holiday update. |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 3 | Friday holidays usually do not affect Monday-Thursday neighborhood garbage days unless the City posts otherwise. | Check current notice if your area has special service. |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 | Monday holiday can push all routes back one day. | Use the official news notice and pickup page. |
| Juneteenth | Friday, June 19 | Friday holiday; verify official notice for any special adjustment. | Check City schedule and alerts. |
| Independence Day Observed | Friday, July 3 | Friday holiday; verify official notice. | Do not assume Monday-Thursday routes change unless posted. |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7 | Monday holiday normally delays routes one day. | Check official City news post. |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, November 11 | Wednesday holiday may push affected routes back one day. | Verify by neighborhood. |
| Thanksgiving | Thursday-Friday, November 26-27 | Thursday holiday affects Thursday service; Friday closure may affect related services. | Check City holiday notice before placing carts or bulk out. |
| Christmas Holiday | Thursday-Friday, December 24-25 | Thursday and Friday closures can shift service. | Verify exact posted holiday schedule. |
Holiday trap: Do not use a national holiday calendar alone. Birmingham’s route delay depends on the City’s posted service notice, the weekday of the holiday, and whether you are dealing with household garbage, recycling, or bulk trash.
Birmingham Drop-Off Dumpsters and Eastern Area Landfill — When the Cart or Bulk Schedule Is Not Enough
The City lists resident drop-off options for extra waste that does not fit in the city-issued cart. The City says district dumpsters are available for mattresses, household garbage/refuse, trash and brush, but no hazardous items or commercial construction materials are permitted.
| Location | Address | Hours / Use | Resident Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ensley District | 1044 Avenue West, Birmingham, AL 35214 | Monday-Friday, 7 AM-4 PM | District dumpster option for allowed resident material. |
| Eastend District | 301 96th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35206 | Monday-Friday, 7 AM-4 PM | No hazardous items or commercial construction materials. |
| North Birmingham District | 2413 27th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35234 | Monday-Friday, 7 AM-4 PM | Bring only allowed residential materials. |
| Southside District | 501 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205 | Monday-Friday, 7 AM-4 PM | Good option when extra waste will not fit in the city cart. |
| Eastern Area Landfill Public Unloading Area | 2787 Alton Road, Birmingham, AL 35210 | Monday-Friday 10 AM-3 PM; Saturday 8 AM-12 PM; Sunday closed | Residents must show a driver’s license proving Jefferson County residency. Residential disposal is listed as no fee. |
- Bagged household garbage and rubbish.
- Plastic appliances and furniture.
- TVs and similar materials.
- One computer per household.
- Scrap metal such as copper, aluminum, steel, tin and old metal appliances.
- Bagged or boxed recyclable paper.
- Selected recyclable plastics.
- Liquids or hazardous solid waste.
- Compressed air containers.
- Fluorescent bulbs.
- Wooden doors or wooden pallets.
- Paint, tires and batteries.
- Construction and demolition waste.
- Bulk trees and brush.
Eastern Area Landfill Map
Missed Trash Pickup Birmingham AL — What to Check Before You Call 311
A missed pickup is not always a route failure. Birmingham’s automated cart rules, recycling schedule numbers and bulk schedule can all make a pile look “missed” when it was actually placed out incorrectly.
Check your neighborhood day
Confirm your neighborhood’s listed weekday on the official schedule page. Similar neighborhood names are easy to confuse.
Check cart placement
Trash must be bagged inside the 96-gallon cart. Bags beside or on top of the cart may not be collected.
Check recycling week
If the blue cart was not collected, confirm whether your neighborhood is Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 and whether this is your recycling week.
Check bulk schedule and updates
Bulk trash and brush are scheduled separately. If crews are behind, the Daily Bulk Trash Updates page may show the status.
Report through 311
For missed garbage, missed recycling, missed bulk or illegal dumping, contact 311, use MyBHAM311, or call 205-254-6314 during weekday business hours.
Best proof: Take a photo of the cart or bulk pile in correct placement before reporting repeat issues.
Report via 311Birmingham Public Works Phone Number, Drop-Off Addresses, Map and Official Links
| Need | Official Contact / Address | Use This For |
|---|---|---|
| 311 Call Center | 205-254-6314 | Missed garbage, missed bulk, missed recycling, illegal dumping, pickup schedule questions. |
| Public Works Department | 205-254-6316 | General Public Works routing and department information. |
| Southside District | 501 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205 | District dumpster / Public Works location shown by city pages. |
| Eastern Area Landfill | 2787 Alton Road, Birmingham, AL 35210 | Public unloading area for accepted resident materials. |
| Illegal Dumping Evidence | illegaldumping@birminghamal.gov | Send date, location, description, vehicle tag, photos or video of illegal dumping. |
Public Works Southside District Map
Official Birmingham Waste Links
Related Trash Pickup Guides — Internal Links for Bulk, Recycling and Holiday Help
Use these related trash-pickup.org guides when comparing holiday delay rules, bulk pickup systems, recycling weeks and city pickup troubleshooting.
Birmingham Trash Pickup FAQ — Local Questions Residents Actually Ask
Source Verification and Editorial Note
Independent information guide — not affiliated with the City of Birmingham. trash-pickup.org is a public information resource. We do not operate Birmingham garbage collection, recycling carts, bulk trash pickup, district dumpsters, landfills, 311, MyBHAM311, or illegal dumping enforcement.
Neighborhood pickup structure, Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 recycling, 96-gallon uniform cart rules, bulk trash notes, missed pickup contacts, recycling materials, holiday guidance, district dumpster locations and Eastern Area Landfill details were checked against official City of Birmingham Public Works and City resources as of May 2026. Routes, dates, delays, city holidays, drop-off access and accepted materials can change. Always verify through official Birmingham links before placing items outside or driving to a drop-off site.
Official Sources — Verified May 2026
- City of Birmingham — Garbage, Recycle & Bulk Trash Schedules
- City of Birmingham — Waste Services Division
- City of Birmingham — Uniform Garbage Carts
- City of Birmingham — How to Use New Garbage Carts
- City of Birmingham — Recycle Birmingham
- City of Birmingham — Daily Bulk Trash Updates
- City of Birmingham — Illegal Dumping and Drop-Off Options
- City of Birmingham — 2026 City Holidays
- City of Birmingham — Public Works Blog and Official DPW Video Links
Franklin TN Trash Tools
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