Start, stop, or change Austin trash service

Short answer

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) runs curbside trash, recycling, and compost for Austin homes. Service is tied to the City of Austin utility account for the address: starting or stopping service happens with the account, and cart swaps, repairs, and extra trash stickers go through ARR by way of 311 or the ARR services pages. Cart repairs for normal damage are free, and extra bags beyond a closed lid need paid stickers.

Who this is for

Austin residents setting up service at a new home, changing cart sizes, replacing a damaged cart, or figuring out extra trash rules.

The steps, in order

1. Confirm the address gets city collection. Most single-family homes in Austin do; many apartments and condos use private haulers.
2. For a move: start or stop service with the City of Austin utility account, since trash is billed on the utility bill.
3. For a different cart size: pick the size that fits and request the swap through 311 or ARR. Monthly rates scale with cart size.
4. For a cracked or missing cart: report it through 311 for a repair or replacement delivery.
5. For extra bags beyond a closed lid: buy extra trash stickers before collection day instead of overfilling the cart.

Have this ready

• Your service address
• Your City of Austin utility account for start or stop requests
• The cart size you want if swapping
• Photos of the damage if requesting a cart repair

Common mistakes to avoid

• Overfilling the cart so the lid will not close. Overloaded carts get tagged or skipped; extra bags need stickers.
• Assuming a cart swap is instant. ARR delivers on a route schedule, so request it before you need it.
• Calling ARR about an apartment dumpster. Multifamily properties usually contract private hauling.

Common questions

How do I start trash service when I move into an Austin house?

Trash service rides on the City of Austin utility account for the address. Set up or transfer the utility account and the carts follow it.

What cart sizes does Austin offer?

ARR offers several trash cart sizes and the monthly rate scales with size. Recycling and compost carts come at set sizes. The residential services page lists the current options.

Is there a fee to replace a damaged cart?

Repairs for normal wear and damage are handled by ARR at no charge in most cases. Report the damage through 311.

Official sources

• Austin Resource Recovery residential services
• Austin Resource Recovery

Checked August 26, 2026. Recheck the official page monthly and when the official page changes.

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• Get rid of large items in Austin