Missed trash, recycling, or compost pickup in Austin

Short answer

For missed City trash collection, Austin says to report after 4 p.m. on collection day and within two business days. Its recycling and compost pages say within two days. Check the official schedule, then contact Austin 311 promptly and save your service request number. Ask 311 if the timing is unclear.

Who this is for

Residents with Austin Resource Recovery curbside collection. If your property uses a private collection service, contact the property manager or that provider.

Next steps

1. Check the official collection schedule for your address and collection type, including any holiday change.
2. Confirm the cart was at the curb by 5:30 a.m., with its lid closed, five feet from other carts, and without blocking a bike lane or sidewalk.
3. Contact Austin 311: for trash, after 4 p.m. on collection day and within two business days; for recycling or compost, within two days. If 311 does not connect, call 512-974-2000. Save the service request number.
4. Ask 311 for the next step and cart instructions. Check status and follow up using the same number rather than starting a duplicate report.

Have this ready

• Your collection type: trash, recycling, or compost
• Your scheduled collection day and whether the cart was set out on time
• Your address for the official report; keep it out of public posts
• An existing 311 number if you already reported the missed pickup

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until the next day by default or overlooking the reporting window for your collection type
• Assuming every holiday changes collection or that every property uses City curbside service
• Leaving carts blocked, overfilled, or on a sidewalk or bike lane
• Assuming a guaranteed return date or filing duplicates instead of following up

Key facts

• Trash: report after 4 p.m. on collection day and within two business days.
• Recycling and compost: the official pages say to report within two days; they do not specify business days.
• Carts must be at the curb by 5:30 a.m., with lids closed and five feet between carts.
• Check the official schedule for your address; not every holiday changes collection.

Checked October 10, 2026 against the official source.

Common questions

When should I report a missed pickup?

For trash, Austin says to report after 4 p.m. on collection day and within two business days. Its recycling and compost pages say within two days. Confirm your collection day and contact 311 promptly; ask 311 if you are unsure which timing applies.

Does every holiday change my collection day?

No. Collections scheduled on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Day, or later in that same week, move one day later. A holiday on Saturday or Sunday does not change the schedule. Check the City's My Schedule tool for your address.

When will the crew return, and should I leave the cart out?

The City does not give a specific return date on these pages. Ask 311 for the next step and instructions for your cart, then follow up with the same service request number.

Official sources

• Austin Resource Recovery trash reporting window
• Austin Resource Recovery recycling reporting window
• Austin Resource Recovery compost reporting window
• Austin Resource Recovery cart set-out guidelines
• Austin collection schedule and holiday changes
• Austin 311 reporting and status options

Last reviewed October 10, 2026 against the official source.

Related resident guides

• Austin 311 help: report and track a city issue
• Austin curbside composting: green cart rules and schedule
• Austin recycling rules and pickup schedule