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Recycling

By reusing and recycling more, Fort Worth residents can have less trash and save space at the city landfill. But you have to recycle right!

Reminder: All carts need to be set out by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.

Rules

Step 1.Rules for recycle pickup

All recycling must be contained in blue cart.
As a general rule of thumb, recyclables put in the blue cart should be empty, clean and dry.
All carts must be placed in front of resident's address for collection.
The lid must be completely closed.
Overstuffed carts will not be picked up.
Bags left outside the cart will not be picked up (except city-issued Pay Bags).
All carts must be placed in front of resident's address for collection.
Carts placed at adjacent addresses or across the street will not be collected.
Collections take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please do not call before 7 p.m. on your pickup day to report a missed collection.
Missed pickup? Garbage, recycling and yard waste missed collections must be reported within 24 hours after your pickup day. To report a missed collection, contact the Customer Call Center at 817-392-1234.

Step 2.Pickup & Retrieve cart schedules for day of service

The cart must be at the curb by 7 a.m. on your pickup day.
You may set out your cart after 6 p.m. the night before your pickup day.
Retrieve cart from curb by midnight on your pickup day.

Step 3.Placement of blue carts

Place cart so that the handle faces your house and the serial number faces the street.
Place cart a few inches from the curb or edge of the street; do not place cart in street.

Step 4.Storage of all Carts, including Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Carts

When not placed for collection, carts shall be stored by the service unit in a secure place at that service unit. The carts shall be stored so as not to be visible to a person standing in front of the service unit.

Order blue cart and supplies

Step 1.Order a blue recycling cart

To order call 817-392-1234.

Recycling carts belong to the City of Fort Worth.
No cost to request a blue cart for the residents of the City of Fort Worth.
Blue carts are associated with your address.
If you move residences, the blue cart must stay to prevent additional charges on your final bill.

Carter the blue recycling cart is the face of the regional campaign.

Step 2.Expecting more trash than usual this month? Use Pay Bags.

Pay Bags are available in sets of five for $15 plus tax.

To order call 817-392-1234. Bags will be mailed to you and charged on your water bill.

What and how to recycle

Learn and watch the video on recycling.

Watch Video! videocam

Know What to Throw Video 15 seconds

“Know What to Throw” is a fun campaign that will remind residents about the correct items to recycle and what should go in the brown trash cart or be recycled somewhere else beyond the curb cart.

Put these in the blue cart:

Cans should be rinsed,but labels can be left on.

Paper and cardboard must be clean and dry.

Glass containers should be rinsed, but labels can be left on. All colors are accepted.

Plastic should be rinsed but leave the caps on afterward, and containers must be hard plastic. Plastic bags or film are not accepted.

Do not put these in the blue cart:


No plastic bags. These can be returned to the retail store or recycled at the drop-off stations.	No plastic bags.No garbage. Do not bag your recyclables.	Nothing that can tangle easily. This includes hoses, wires, chains or electronics.	No clothing or linens. These can be donated at drop-off stations .	No food, liquid or diapers. All containers should be emptied before recycling.

This is not an exhaustive list of items that should not be recycled. If you are still unsure, dispose of items in the brown garbage cart instead of attempting to recycle them. Remember: When in doubt, throw it out! Contact the Customer Call Center at 1234@fortworthtexas.gov or by calling 817-392-1234.

City of Fort Worth curbside garbage and recycling services are provided by Waste Management and Knight Waste Services.

Customer Service

For questions or to report an issue by phone:
817-392-1234

The call center is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Download

Get collection reminders and look up how to dispose of waste on your smartphone with the new City of Fort Worth Garbage & Recycling app.

Download the app

Educational Materials

Cart Placement

Set Out & Storage(PDF, 2MB)