Moving day and spring cleanouts feel great until you hit the “What do I do with all this stuff?” moment. If you live in Round Rock, knowing the rules for trash, recycling, bulk items and drop‑offs saves time and fees. This quick guide walks you through curbside basics, the city’s new on‑demand bulk pickup, and where tricky items like brush, paint and electronics really go. Let’s dive in.
Curbside basics in Round Rock
Round Rock contracts with Republic Services for residential trash and recycling. Trash is weekly and recycling is every other week. Place carts at the curb by 7 a.m., lids closed, with wheels facing the curb. If your street is missed by 6:30 p.m., contact Republic for help. You can confirm rules and schedule details on the city’s garbage and recycling overview.
What you can set out weekly
On your normal service day you may place your cart plus up to seven extra items. Each extra item must be under 40 pounds and no larger than 4 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet. For bigger items, schedule bulk pickup or use drop‑off options.
Holiday schedule at a glance
Only Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day pause collection. If one falls on a weekday, pickup shifts one day later for the rest of that week. Other holidays do not affect service.
How the new bulk pickup works
As of January 2025, in‑city water customers get one free scheduled bulk pickup per calendar year. You can set out up to 5 cubic yards of acceptable bulk items. Call Republic at least one week before your regular collection day to schedule and place items at the curb by 7 a.m. on your assigned pickup date. See the city’s bulk pickup guide for full details.
Accepted vs. not accepted bulk items
- Commonly accepted: non‑Freon appliances like washers, dryers, stoves and water heaters, furniture, scrap metal, mattresses, and lumber 4 feet or shorter with metal removed.
- Not accepted: any Freon appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and AC units, TVs and many electronics, automotive products, paints and chemicals, tires, construction or demolition debris, and loose brush or large tree limbs. Use the Recycling Center, HHW program, county options or private recyclers for these.
Brush and yard waste options
Loose brush is not accepted in bulk pickup. Small amounts may fit within your weekly limits if contained or bundled to size rules. For larger loads, the Brush Recycling Center at 310 Deepwood Drive accepts tree trimmings and brush. City tax‑paying residents can drop off up to 2 cubic yards free with proof of residency. Details and fees are listed on the city’s brush recycling page.
Paid curbside brush service
If you prefer a pickup, you can request curbside brush collection. Charges appear on your city water bill and are based on truck time. Review scheduling, size limits and pricing on the brush recycling page.
What to do with TVs, Freon appliances and e‑waste
Do not place TVs or Freon‑containing appliances at the curb for bulk. Round Rock points residents to the Recycling Center and regional recyclers for these items. The city’s bulk pickup guide outlines alternatives and restrictions.
Recycling Center and HHW drop‑off
The Round Rock Recycling Center on Deepwood Drive accepts many items that do not belong in your cart, including scrap metal, non‑Freon appliances, glass, limited quantities of automotive fluids and mattresses. It also operates a Re‑USE building where some household products are available for free under a waiver. Check accepted materials and hours on the Recycling Center page.
Household hazardous waste hours
Round Rock expanded HHW drop‑off at the Recycling Center to Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m., with volume limits. Proof of residency is required for free drop‑off and a non‑resident fee applies. Review the update and accepted items via the city’s HHW hours announcement.
Fees, billing and who to call
Solid‑waste service is billed through your City of Round Rock water account. Some special services, such as brush pickup or extra bulk pickups, are billed to your water bill. Rates can change based on the city’s contract, so check the latest numbers on the water, sewer and garbage rates page.
Key contacts:
- Republic Services customer service and bulk scheduling: 512‑255‑4980
- Recycling Center: 512‑218‑5554 or [email protected]
- Brush Recycling Center and Forestry: 512‑218‑5540
Quick prep checklist for pickup day
- Put carts out by 7 a.m., lids closed, wheels to the curb, and keep them clear of cars or trailers.
- Limit weekly extras to seven pieces, each under 40 pounds and within 4 by 4 by 4 feet.
- For bulk day, stage items neatly at the curb by 7 a.m. and keep restricted items out.
- Remove fluids and hazardous materials, and cut lumber to 4 feet or less with metal removed.
- If service is missed by 6:30 p.m., call Republic at 512‑255‑4980.
If you live in a MUD
Some Round Rock neighborhoods are served by Municipal Utility Districts. If you do not receive a City of Round Rock water bill, your solid‑waste services and cleanup events may be different. The city directs MUD residents to contact their district for details. See the note on the city’s bulk pickup page.
Getting your home market‑ready often starts with a clean slate. If you are planning a move in or out of Round Rock and want a simple plan for what to fix, keep, donate or haul, reach out to Esther Talley for local guidance that pairs neighborhood know‑how with a streamlined selling and buying process.
FAQs
How often are trash and recycling collected in Round Rock?
- Trash is weekly and recycling is every other week; set carts out by 7 a.m. with lids closed and wheels to the curb.
How do you schedule your free annual bulk pickup?
- If you are an in‑city water customer, call Republic at least one week before your regular day to book one free pickup of up to 5 cubic yards.
What items are not allowed in Round Rock’s bulk pickup?
- TVs, electronics, Freon appliances, paints and chemicals, tires, construction debris and loose brush are not accepted.
Where can you take household hazardous waste in Round Rock?
- Use the Recycling Center’s HHW drop‑off Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m., with proof of residency and volume limits.
What are your options for brush and yard waste?
- Drop off up to 2 cubic yards free at the Brush Recycling Center with proof of residency, or request paid curbside brush pickup billed to your water account.
Who do you call for missed pickups or cart issues?
- Contact Republic Services at 512‑255‑4980 if your collection was missed by 6:30 p.m. or for bulk scheduling.
What if you live in a MUD within Round Rock?
- Contact your MUD directly, since service details and cleanup events may differ from city‑served addresses.
