How you can help conquer unsightly curbside trash heaps during the annual spring student exodus

By Caroline Ask, Solid Waste Division Manager

May flowers typically follow April showers, but college towns usually face hills of couches and other furniture instead of wildflowers.

It’s no secret that cities with high student populations result in more discarded items, especially near graduation. The City of College Station manages the seasonal excess tonnages through various programs and outreach.

To ensure your next move is all roses, the Solid Waste Division recommends taking a few minutes to review our collection procedures, including recycling and donation options.

Household Waste

Household garbage must be bagged and placed inside your city-issued solid waste container. Place your container curbside by 8 a.m. on your collection day.

Bulk Collection

Place your bulk items at least four feet from stationary objects such as parked vehicles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, utility boxes, and low-hanging utility lines or tree branches. Note that refrigerators won’t be collected unless the Freon unit is removed and the appliance has a certified tag.

Recycling Collection

Recycling containers won’t be collected if bagged household waste is inside. In addition, contamination fees apply if we are asked to collect the contents of recycling containers.

Leave the Container Behind

Solid waste and recycling containers are assigned to addresses, not residents. So please don’t take them with you when you move out.

Finish strong this spring and enjoy the summer!

<strong><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-medium-gray-color"><em>About the Blogger</em></mark></strong>
About the Blogger


Carolina Ask is in her fifth year with the city and second as the solid waste division manager. She previously served as an engineering program specialist and environmental inspector and held environmental health positions at Texas A&M and Houston’s Texas Children’s Hospital. She earned a bachelor’s degree in bioenvironmental sciences from A&M in 2012.

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