Curbside GuideThanksgiving trash guide 2026
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. Pickup days shift, fryers leave gallons of oil, and the recycling bin fills up with boxes. Here's what each city officially says.
Cities covered so far
- Thanksgiving trash pickup in New York City, NY
- Thanksgiving trash pickup in Philadelphia, PA
- Thanksgiving trash pickup in Houston, TX
- Thanksgiving trash pickup in Phoenix, AZ
- Thanksgiving trash pickup in San Diego, CA
- Thanksgiving trash pickup in Jacksonville, FL
- Thanksgiving trash pickup in Charlotte, NC
- Thanksgiving trash pickup in Columbus, OH
- Thanksgiving trash pickup in Indianapolis, IN
- Thanksgiving trash pickup in Chicago, IL
More cities are added every few days.
Anywhere: holiday trash checklist
- Check your city's holiday schedule. Thanksgiving week pickups often run a day late.
- Cool fryer oil completely. Never pour it down a drain.
- Flatten boxes so the recycling lid closes, and keep recyclables loose, not bagged.
- Keep trash lids closed. Overflowing carts may be skipped.
FAQ
Is trash picked up on Thanksgiving?
In most big cities, no. Thanksgiving Day is a sanitation holiday and collection usually slides one day later for the rest of the week, but every city handles it differently. Pick your city below for the official schedule.
How do I get rid of turkey fryer oil?
Never pour it down a sink, toilet, drain or storm drain. Let it cool completely, then either seal it in a non-recyclable container and put it in the trash, mix it with an absorbent like cat litter, or take it to a city drop-off that recycles cooking oil if yours has one.
Can I recycle wrapping paper and boxes?
Flattened, clean cardboard is recyclable almost everywhere. Wrapping paper rules vary: some cities take non-metallic wrapping paper and others say put it in the trash. Never bag your recyclables.
What about Christmas trees?
Christmas tree pickup and drop-off details will be added to this guide after Thanksgiving.