Trash Collection

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The City of Lawrence Solid Waste Division provides reliable trash, recycling, and yard waste collection for both residential and commercial customers. Whether you’re managing a household or running a business, our team is here to help keep your property clean and our community sustainable.

Residential Trash Collection -

The City of Lawrence begins residential collection service at 6 a.m. Please have all trash out by this time on your day of service. Trash is picked up once a week and should be placed within city-issued trash carts. Click here to download our mobile app and set up your service reminders.

To ensure proper collection, all refuse must be placed inside the container with the lid fully closed. Do not place trash bags or other items on top of the container, as this may prevent pickup.
Household sharps such as needles should be packaged in a puncture-proof container (detergent bottle, coffee can, etc.) with a secure taped lid for trash pick-up. Please label the container “Sharps”. Safe Sharps Disposal Information
Sawdust, cat litter, sweeping compounds, shredded paper, facial tissues, packaging materials, etc., all blow in the breeze when containers are emptied by the collectors. Please bag these items before putting them out for collection.
Please ensure that fireplace ashes are thoroughly cooled before bagging them for collection. It will take several days for a container of hot ashes to cool naturally.
Improper disposal of hazardous materials can cause pollution and endanger the health and safety of our Solid Waste employees. View more information on the Household Hazardous Waste facility.

Trash Carts

The City's Solid Waste Division collects trash from residential customers on a weekly basis. Single-family residences receive trash carts provided by the City.

Residents who wish to switch to a different cart size or receive additional trash carts may call the Solid Waste Division at (785) 832-3032 or fill out the Solid Waste Cart Change Request form. Current Solid Waste Rates can be found on the Utility Billing Rates page.

Cart Size Options

95-Gallon Cart: A 95-gallon cart is the right size for larger households (4+ people), and those who don't recycle on a regular basis. Generally, six or more standard-sized kitchen trash bags fit in a 95-gallon cart.
- Dimensions: 45.1" x 33.7" x 28.7"
65-Gallon Cart: A 65-gallon cart is the right size for a small household (2-4 people), who moderately recycle. Generally, up to four standard-sized kitchen trash bags fit in a 65-gallon cart.
- Dimensions: 40.5" x 28.1" x 26.7"

Other Residential Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the trash carts the city's property? Will the city complete any necessary repairs to these carts?

Yes. Please do not take the trash cart with you when you move to a different address. Trash carts are the property of the city and each cart should stay at the address it was delivered. The city is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the trash carts. However, the city will charge the owner or occupant a fee for any necessary repair or replacement due to the owner's or occupant's abuse, misuse or neglect of the cart. The replacement fee for each trash cart is commensurate with the cost of replacement.

When should I put my trash cart out, and what do I do about missed pick-ups?

Please set your trash carts out by 6 a.m. on your collection day.

If you’re unsure of your specific collection day, visit our Service Calendar & Reminders page to see when your collection day is. You can also visit the Residential Trash Collection page to learn more about how the City’s trash collection works.

On Holiday weeks, does residential trash pick-up change?

Beginning in 2025, trash and recycling collection will only pause for three holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. For these holidays, the delayed holiday schedule will be in effect, with pickup happening one day later for the rest of the week.

For all other holidays, we’ll be sticking to our regular schedule. That means your trash will still get picked up on its usual day—even if it’s a holiday!

Visit the Service Calendar & Reminders page to learn more and to set up trash reminders!

What do I do with large or bulky trash items, like a couch or refrigerator?

Fill out the Residential Special Item Pickup Service form to schedule curbside pickup for large or bulky items, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, hide-a-beds, etc.

What items are prohibited from your household trash?

Call the Solid Waste Division at 785-832-3032 for all questions regarding prohibited items or visit the Residential Trash Collection page for more information.

How do I dispose of construction waste?

There are different regulations on disposal of construction debris based on amount, frequency and residential/commercial location. Call the Solid Waste Division at 785-832-3032 for all questions regarding construction waste, such as lumber, rock, sheetrock, etc. Visit the Roll-Off Services page for more information.

What landfill does the city use for trash?

The Solid Waste Division takes all trash to the Republic Sanitary Landfill, located north of Lawrence. For additional questions regarding the landfill or dump, call Republic directly at 785-597-5111.

Can I request a different size cart or additional carts at any time?

Yes. Please complete the Solid Waste Cart Change Request form or call MSO Solid Waste Customer Service at 785-832-3032. The City will provide one cart size change per address (owner/occupant) per calendar year, free of charge. The City will charge a $31.75 service fee for any additional requests to change cart sizes. Additional trash carts are available for use; please see the Utility Billing Rates page for the additional cart monthly rate.

If I put out more trash than can fit in my cart, will I be charged for the extra trash?

All trash needs to be placed in the trash cart for collection. There may be a couple of special occasions each year (family reunion, holidays, etc.) when you may have an additional trash bag that does not fit in the cart. Your extra trash bag will be picked up the first and second times. During the second overflow event, city crews will leave a tag on your trash cart. The third time, the city will switch the cart for a better size for your residence. You may always call MSO Solid Waste Customer Service at 785-832-3032 to discuss any unusual situation.

What services are provided by my monthly fee for solid waste?

Your monthly solid waste fee pays for weekly trash and yard waste collection, every-other-week single-stream recycling collection, limited bulk item pick-up, household hazardous waste disposal services, city drop-off recycling locations, and other solid waste services.

Commercial Trash Collection -

Commercial services are provided through a variety of service types, depending on the character and volume of the trash. Rear-load dumpster service is provided for smaller volume generators and in areas where access is restricted. Higher volume generators are served by either front-load or roll-off services. Front-load container sizes range from four to ten cubic yards. Front-load service is provided up to six times per week. Roll-off services are suitable for large quantity generators, compacted wastes, and construction materials.