URGENT UPDATE: The City of Austin has just announced significant changes to curbside trash pickup during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Residents need to be aware of these adjustments to avoid missed collections.
City offices will close on December 24, December 25, and January 1, 2026, but essential services will continue with some modifications. Most notably, curbside trash collection will shift for many households. Austin Resource Recovery confirms that Thursday and Friday pickups will be delayed by one day during both holiday weeks. Specifically, Thursday pickups will move to Friday, and Friday pickups will shift to Saturday. Regular collection will remain unchanged from Monday to Wednesday.
Residents can verify their specific pickup days through the Austin Recycles app or by visiting austintexas.gov/myschedule. This is critical information for families planning their holiday schedules.
Additionally, some drop-off services will experience interruptions. The Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center will be closed on December 24, December 25, and January 1. Furthermore, Austin Water’s Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant will not accept yard trimmings or large brush drop-off on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
For those wondering about utility payments, city services will still process payments during the holiday closures. Customers can pay their utility bills online at coautilities.com or by calling 1-833-375-4949. In-person payments will be accepted at various locations, including H-E-B, CVS, Randalls, and Walmart.
As for outdoor activities, most city parks will remain open, providing residents with opportunities for recreation. However, the Great Lawn at Zilker Park will be closed. Golf courses will operate on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, with the last reservations for Golf ATX taken at 10 a.m. on December 24. Notably, Barton Springs Pool will remain open, though it will be unguarded.
This announcement from Austin officials underlines the importance of planning ahead during the holiday season. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these changes to ensure their holiday festivities are uninterrupted. Share this news to keep your neighbors in the loop!
