Trash & Recycling

The green-lid cart is designated for trash collection only and should not be used for recyclables or yard waste.

• Food scraps and waste
• Plastic bags and wrappers
• Styrofoam products (cups, plates, etc.)
• Used tissues, napkins and paper towels
• Non-recyclable plastic items such solo cups
• Non-recyclable glass or ceramics
• Pet waste and diapers

The yellow-lid cart is for recycling only and should not be used for trash, food waste, plastic bags or yard waste.

• Cans (aluminum, tin or steel)
• Cartons (food & beverage cartons)
• Glass bottles and jars
• Paper (newspaper, mail & flattened cardboard)
• Plastic bottles & containers (#1-5 & 7)

Remember: Only clean, dry, and empty items go into the recycling container. Rinse and replace lids on all applicable items. When in doubt, throw it out! 

Learn More About Curbside Recycling

Did you receive a green tag on your cart? Waste Management issues green tags to notify residents of violations. If you received a green tag, please correct the violation before your next service day to ensure service the following week. Waste Management will return on your next service day. No courtesy returns will be granted.

Waste Management provides pickup Monday through Friday each week. The Woodlands is divided into different zones based on the day of the week. Use the Address Lookup tool to find your trash and recycling pickup day. Simply enter your address to view your service details.

Address Lookup

Holidays
Waste Management will not collect trash or recycling on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Year's Day. 

2025 Holiday Schedule

General

• Items must be placed at the curb no later than 7 a.m. on your service day.
• Trucks must have clear access to your street and carts to provide service. Avoid parking on the street.
• NO household hazardous waste or construction debris.

Trash and Recycle Cart

• Must use wheeled carts provided by Waste Management.
• Place carts at the curb with handles facing the house.
• 4 feet between the cart and other items are needed for the automated arm to operate. See photo below.
• Cart lid must close completely.
• The weight limit for each cart is 200 pounds.

Extra Trash

Additional bags or boxes of household trash are not accepted for bulky oversized trash. Extra bags of household trash require a pink tag, available for $2.00 each at Kroger Customer Service counters in The Woodlands and The Woodlands Township Town Hall. These bags do not need to be scheduled for pick-up.

• Bags must be no larger than 55 gallons, no heavier than 40lbs
• Place bags beside trash cart, not on top of cart lid
• Trash cart must be at the curb beside the bags for the driver to load into the truck.

To report a missed pickup or service issue, schedule a cart repair/replacement, or schedule a bulk trash pickup, please contact Waste Management at 1-800-800-5804 or cssatex@wm.com, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you want to report an issue after hours or on the weekend, please email Waste Management at cssatex@wm.com. Include your name, street address, service day, Village, and issue details. Your message will be returned Monday morning.

For issues that have not been resolved through Waste Management customer service, please contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 for additional assistance.

Bulky trash collection is available for large household items that don’t fit in your regular trash cart, such as furniture, mattresses and appliances. This service is provided as a courtesy to residents at no additional cost and must be scheduled in advance. Explore more to learn what is accepted and how to schedule a pickup.

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Yard trimmings are collected curbside on the same day as your trash and recycling. This includes grass clippings, leaves, and small branches prepared according to service guidelines. Proper set-out helps ensure timely collection and supports eco-friendly waste management.

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Storms are common in The Woodlands, and due to our location in a hurricane-prone zone and the community’s heavily wooded environment, significant debris—such as fallen branches, fencing, and vegetation—can accumulate quickly.

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If an item cannot be placed in your trash or recycling cart, consider taking it to a local disposal or recycling facility. Various locations accept items such as electronics, chemicals, household hazardous waste, and other materials not suitable for curbside collection.

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