Recycling

recycle paper and plastic to go cups Paper and plastic "to-go" beverage cups are now accepted for recycling in Fort Worth. Download the WM informational sheet(PDF, 227KB), for more information.
 

 

COFW-WAIT_WebGraphicFNL.jpg

By reusing and recycling more, Fort Worth residents can have less trash and save space at the city landfill. But you have to recycle right!

Reminder: All carts need to be set out by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.

America Recycles Day
Nov. 14 from 1-4 p.m.

City of Fort Worth is hosting its 2nd annual recycling education event! 

Join us for a fun, family-friendly experience where you can explore, engage, and learn more about recycling in Fort Worth. Choose between two exciting event locations and be part of the fun.

To learn more, visit the event page.

    envd-solid-waste-america-recycles-day-thumbnail-2026.jpg

 

What and how to recycle

Step 1.Put these in the blue cart:

paper items graphic

Paper/Cardboard

plastic bottles graphic

Plastic

metal items graphic

Metal

glass bottles graphic

Glass

  • Cardboard (flattened)

  • Mail

  • Newspaper

  • Cereal Box

  • Juice Carton

  • Pasta/Rice Box

  • Coffee/Soda Cup

 

  • Soda/Water Bottle

  • Milk Jug

  • Detergent Container

  • Coffee/Soda Cup

  • Aluminum Soda Can

  • Pie Pan

  • Food Tin

  • Food Jar

  • Glass Bottle

 

Step 2.Do not put these in the blue cart:

no plastic bags in the blue recycling cart
  
no cords in the blue recycling cart
no textiles in the blue recycling cart
no food waste in the blue recycling cart

No plastic bags. No garbage. Do not bag your recyclables.

 

Nothing that can tangle easily. This includes hoses, wires, chains or electronics. can tangle easily.

No clothing, linens, or textiles.

No food, liquid or diapers. All containers should be emptied before recycling.
 

 

Step 3. 

Step 4.Resources

Take a look at our Rethink Waste Recycling videos to learn more about recycling in Fort Worth, basics of recycling, and much more!

 

Rules

Step 1.Rules for recycle pickup

  • All recycling must be contained in blue cart.
  • As a general rule of thumb, recyclables put in the blue cart should be empty, clean and dry.
  • All carts must be placed in front of resident's address for collection. 
  • The lid must be completely closed.
  • Overstuffed carts will not be picked up.
  • Bags left outside the cart will not be picked up (except city-issued Pay Bags).
  • All carts must be placed in front of resident's address for collection.
  • Carts placed at adjacent addresses or across the street will not be collected.
  • Collections take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please do not call before 7 p.m. on your pickup day to report a missed collection.

Step 2.Pickup & Retrieve cart schedules for day of service 

  • The cart must be at the curb by 7 a.m. on your pickup day.
  • You may set out your cart after 6 p.m. the night before your pickup day.
  • Retrieve cart from curb by midnight on your pickup day. 

Step 3.Placement of blue carts

  • Place cart so that the handle faces your house and the serial number faces the street.
  • Place cart a few inches from the curb or edge of the street; do not place cart in street.

Step 4.Missed pickup?

  • Missed collections for garbage, recycling, and yard waste must be reported within 24 hours after your pickup day. 
  • Monday missed collections must be reported on Tuesday by 6 pm. 
  • Tuesday missed collections must be reported on Wednesday by 6 pm. 
  • Wednesday missed collections must be reported on Thursday by 6 pm. 
  • Thursday missed collections must be reported on Friday by 6 pm. 
  • Friday missed collections must be reported on Saturday by 4 pm. 
  • If a missed collection is reported after the 24-hour period required to report a miss, the contractor will not be able to return to empty the cart.
  • In the event of a missed collection, please:
  1. Leave carts or material at the curb.
  2. Report the missed collection to the 311 Contact Center, by one of the following ways:
  • Use the MyFW app.
  • Dial 311 from your cell phone.
  • Call (817) 392-1234.
  • Email 311@fortworthtexas.gov
  • 311 Contact Center Representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. 
    Reporting missed collections and related issues to the 311 Contact Center is the most efficient method to resolve issues and supports data collections. 

Step 5.Storage of all Carts, including Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Carts

  • When not placed for collection, carts shall be stored by the service unit in a secure place at that service unit. The carts shall be stored so as not to be visible to a person standing in front of the service unit. 

Garbage recycling cart placement diagram

Order blue cart and supplies

Order a blue recycling cart

 recycling cart graphic    

To order call 817-392-1234.

  • Recycling carts belong to the City of Fort Worth.
  • No cost to request a blue cart for the residents of the City of Fort Worth.
  • Blue carts are associated with your address.
  • If you move residences,  the blue cart must stay to prevent additional charges on your final bill.

 

This is not an exhaustive list of items that should not be recycled. If you are still unsure, dispose of items in the brown garbage cart instead of attempting to recycle them. Remember: When in doubt, throw it out! Contact the Customer Call Center at 1234@fortworthtexas.gov or by calling 817-392-1234.

City of Fort Worth curbside garbage and recycling services are provided by Waste Management.

Waste Management logo
 

Customer Service

For questions or to report an issue by phone:
817-392-1234

The call center is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 

Download

Get collection reminders and look up how to dispose of waste on your smartphone with the new City of Fort Worth Garbage & Recycling app.

 

 		  

Fort Worth waste icon

 

Download the app

 

Educational Materials

recylce-game.jpg

Cart Placement

Set Out & Storage(PDF, 10MB)

Back to top