Solid Waste Services Frequently Asked Questions
1. What hours are you open?
Solid Waste Services Office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri; in event of an emergency contact Abilene Police and Fire @ 673-8331.
The Environmental Recycling Center is open seven days a week; 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday - Saturday and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
2. What time do you come to my neighborhood?
Put your container out by 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Our collection crews begin at 6:00 a.m. Leave your container at the curb until the truck services it. Containers should be removed from the curb no later than 8:00 a.m. the morning following your collection day. For example, if your collection day is Monday, the container should be removed from the curb no later than 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday. We can not give you the exact time of day the truck may come through your area. The times may vary and you may be picked up earlier or later on your collection day.
3. Why do I need to bag my trash?
Loose paper and trash that can easily blow in the wind and produce unwanted and unsightly litter in your neighborhood should be bagged. "Bagged trash stops litter." You can use plastic grocery bags that are secured or tied.
4. What am I not supposed to put in my container?
Lumber, tree limbs, concrete, yard waste, large over-sized items that have the potential of causing damage to the truck should not be placed in the container. Hot coals: Wet the coals from your fireplace or barbecue grill before placing them in the dumpster. The containers will melt and burn when hot ashes are placed into the container.
5. When can I put my items out on the curb for collection? When do you the crews pick up the curb items at my house?
See the City’s Solid Waste curb schedule map or call 676-6053. Put items out the weekend before.
6. When are they going to clean my alley?
For status, call 676-6053 or refer to alley map on the City’s web site:
Alley Map
7. Aren’t citizens supposed to roll the containers back to their house?
Yes. Keep the container off the curb on non-collecting days. You will be protecting the container and beautifying the appearance of your neighborhood. Containers do blow around in high wind and heavy rains may cause them to float away.
8. What can I do if my dumpster is stinky and dirty?
Maintain the cleanliness of the container. This will help to eliminate odors and bugs. If this is a 95-gallon roll-out container the customer is responsible to wash and sanitize the container. Pine cleaners do the job. If it is a large alley container, notify the Solid Waste Division at 676-6053.
9. My container is busted/wheels are off/lid is broken what can I do?
Call the Solid Waste Services Division at 676-6053 if your container requires repairs and we will repair it.