Last updated: 2026-11-12
Who Handles Trash in The Woodlands?
The Woodlands Township contracts with Waste Management for trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup for homes in The Woodlands. That includes bulky trash pickup for large household items that won't fit in your trash cart. It doesn't matter whether you're on the Montgomery County or Harris County side. If you're inside the Township, the same rules apply.
Rules and schedules can change, so always check The Woodlands Township's website for the latest details.
How to Schedule Bulky Trash Pickup
Bulky trash pickup has to be scheduled ahead of time. You need to contact Waste Management at least two business days before your normal service day. You can call them at 1-800-800-5804 or email cssatex@wm.com. The service is provided to residents at no extra cost.
A few things to know:
- Bulky pickup isn't offered on certain Mondays and Fridays because of the bulky cardboard schedule.
- Items have to be at the curb. Waste Management doesn't come into your house, garage, or backyard.
- Bulky waste means items too big to fit in your trash cart with the lid closed.
What Bulky Trash Pickup Takes
Common items that can be scheduled include:
- Furniture like couches, chairs, tables, and dressers
- Mattresses and box springs
- Appliances
- Carpet
- Other large household items that won't fit in the cart
What Bulky Trash Pickup Won't Take
This is where most people get stuck. Some of the biggest messes around a house can't go out for bulky pickup:
| Won't be picked up | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Branches and brush | Branches can't be scheduled for bulky pickup, so big piles of limbs after a storm or a trimming job need another option |
| Construction debris | Leftovers from remodels and DIY projects can't be scheduled for bulky pickup |
| Roofing, fencing, and siding | These can't go out as bulky trash or be set next to your carts |
| Hazardous waste | Paint, chemicals, oil, and similar items need special disposal |
If you've got any of these, you'll need a private hauler, a dumpster, or a trip to a disposal site.
Extra Bags of Trash
If you have more regular household trash than fits in your cart, extra bags need a special tag, usually called a pink tag, sold for about $2 each at Kroger customer service counters in The Woodlands, The Woodlands Township Town Hall, and The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park. Tagged bags don't have to be scheduled.
Bulky Cardboard
Big piles of moving boxes can go out for bulky cardboard pickup, which has to be scheduled at least two business days ahead and happens once a month on set days. Only cardboard is collected. Styrofoam packaging, packing peanuts, and plastic film don't go with it.
Before You Throw It Away
The Township encourages residents to donate items in good shape before scheduling bulky pickup, and to recycle what they can. Many local charities offer free pickup for good furniture. See our guide on where to donate or recycle furniture in The Woodlands.
When to Call a Junk Removal Company Instead
Bulky pickup works well for one or two items you can get to the curb. Junk removal makes more sense when:
- You've got branches, construction debris, roofing, fencing, or siding
- The items are heavy, upstairs, in the attic, or in the backyard
- You need it gone before your next service day
- You have a full garage, attic, or house to clear
- You don't want a pile sitting at the curb for days
That's what we do. We pick it up from wherever it is and haul it off in one visit. See our residential junk removal, yard waste and storm debris removal, and construction debris removal services.