What counts as bulk trash?

Generally, large household items that don't fit in your cart: furniture, mattresses, rugs and some appliances. Each city has its own list and limits.

How early can I put bulk items on the curb?

Most cities allow it the evening before your pickup day. Check your city's rules, because items left out too early can lead to a code violation.

Will city bulk pickup take a refrigerator?

Usually not, because of the refrigerant. A hauler can take it and send it for refrigerant recovery and recycling.

Bulk pickup checklist: how to get big items out of the house

By PickUp Haulers · October 31, 2026

Short answer: check whether your city's bulk pickup takes the item and when, prep it so it's safe and accepted, and put it out only on the allowed day. If the item is excluded, too heavy to get to the curb, or you need it gone today, book a private pickup instead.

Step 1: Check if city bulk pickup will take it

Every city around Austin has different rules. Our bulk trash rules guide has the details. In short:

Austin: up to three on-demand bulk collections a year for curbside customers, booked online, in the Austin Recycles app or through 311.
Round Rock: one free scheduled pickup a year, booked at least a week ahead.
Cedar Park: up to seven bulk items next to your cart on trash day.
Pflugerville and Lakeway: check your city's trash program for current limits.

Most programs don't take: appliances with refrigerant, brush, construction debris, tires, paint, chemicals and, in some cities, TVs.

Step 2: Make a list and measure

Write down every item that's going.
Note anything heavy (sleeper sofas, dressers with drawers full, appliances).
Measure items that need to fit through doors or down stairs.
Count items if your city has a limit per pickup.

Step 3: Prep each item

Mattresses and box springs: many cities and landfills ask that they be wrapped in plastic, which also helps with bed bugs. Check your city's rules.
Couches and chairs: remove loose cushions if they're going to donation separately. Check for items in the cushions.
Dressers and cabinets: empty every drawer. Remove glass doors and tape them, or lay them flat and mark them.
Appliances: unplug, empty and dry the inside. Tape doors shut. Never set out a fridge with a latching door on the curb, because a child could get trapped.
Grills: remove propane tanks. They can't go in bulk pickup.
Furniture with glass tops: remove the glass or tape it.

Step 4: Place it right (for city pickup)

Put items out no earlier than the city allows, usually the evening before. Items left out too long can bring a code violation notice.
Keep items off the street, clear of mailboxes, meters, cars and low branches.
Don't block the sidewalk or your trash and recycling carts.
Group small pieces together and bag loose items.

Step 5: If the city won't take it

A private pickup is the easy fix when:

The item is excluded, like a fridge, brush, remodel debris or a TV in some cities.
It's inside and too heavy to get to the curb.
You've used up your free pickups for the year.
You can't wait a week or more.

With PickUp Haulers, a few bulky items usually fit in a quarter trailer ($125–$225). We load from inside the house, so nothing has to sit at the curb.