How to Properly Dispose of Hard-to-Recycle Items in San Antonio

Taking out the trash and recycling plastics is a simple routine, but what about those tricky items—old batteries, paint cans, household chemicals, or even furniture? Improper disposal can harm the environment, violate city regulations, and even lead to fines.

San Antonio makes it easy for residents to dispose of hard-to-recycle items through designated drop-off centers, bulk pickup services, and community hazardous waste events. Here’s everything you need to know about properly handling these materials in the Alamo City.

Where to Drop Off Hard-to-Recycle Items

If you have items that can’t be placed in your regular trash or recycling bin, you can drop them off at one of San Antonio’s four Bulky Waste Collection Centers.

San Antonio Drop-Off Locations:

✅ Bitters Bulky Waste Collection Center – Near SAT Airport
✅ Frio City Road Center – Palm Heights neighborhood
✅ Culebra Bulky Waste Collection Center – Located at Culebra & Loop 410
✅ Rigsby Road Bulky Waste Collection Center – Near Comanche Park

📅 Operating Hours:

• Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Closed Sunday & Monday

💡 Pro Tip: The City of San Antonio hosts Free Landfill Days each year, allowing residents to dispose of bulk items at no cost. Mark your calendar for the next Free Landfill Day: Saturday, February 8.

What You CAN & CAN’T Drop Off

Not everything is accepted at the bulky waste centers. Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare:

✅ Accepted Items:

✔ Carpeting
✔ Furniture (couches, chairs, tables, etc.)
✔ Large appliances (stoves, washers, dryers)
✔ Mattresses

❌ Not Accepted Items:

✘ Household garbage
✘ Brush, leaves, and yard waste
✘ Clothing and bed linens
✘ Unbagged insulation

Need the full list? Visit SARecycles.org for a breakdown of what’s accepted and what’s not.

Bulk Pickup: Let the City Haul it Away for You

Don’t want to drive to a collection center? San Antonio offers two free curbside bulk pickups per year for residents.

How It Works:

📌 Door Hanger Notification: The city will notify you 7-10 days before your neighborhood’s scheduled pickup date.
📌 Placement Rules: Items must be neatly placed at the curb and cannot block sidewalks or streets.
📌 Find Your Pickup Date: Use this tool to check your next collection window.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal

Some items—like paint, motor oil, pesticides, electronics, and chemicals—need special handling. The City of San Antonio offers Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) events, where residents can safely dispose of dangerous materials for free.

Next HHW Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
📍 Location: Bitters Recycling Center, 1800 Wurzbach Pkwy
💰 Cost: Free (Must show a valid ID & CPS Energy bill)

✅ Accepted Hazardous Materials:

✔ Paint
✔ Oil & automotive fluids
✔ Household chemicals (Freon, fertilizers, pesticides)
✔ Batteries (car & household)
✔ Electronics

❌ Not Accepted:

✘ Household garbage
✘ Ammunition & fireworks
✘ Medications & biohazard waste

💡 Important Disposal Tips:

• Keep materials in original containers if possible.
• If a container leaks, transfer it to a leak-proof box.
• Never mix different chemicals together.
• Transport hazardous waste in your trunk or truck bed—a technician will safely remove it for you.

Final Thoughts: Keep San Antonio Clean & Green

Proper waste disposal is not only about following the law—it’s about keeping San Antonio’s environment safe and sustainable. Whether it’s using the city’s bulk pickup, dropping off items at waste centers, or participating in hazardous waste events, small actions make a big difference.

📌 Remember:

• Check your neighborhood bulk pickup schedule and plan ahead.
• Visit a Bulky Waste Center for items that can’t go in the trash.
• Mark your calendar for the next Household Hazardous Waste event and Free Landfill Day.

For more waste management tips and resources, visit SARecycles.org.

Thinking about moving to a home with more storage or better waste management options? Contact Kristen Smith, Realtor, to find the perfect home in a community that fits your lifestyle!

Kristen Smith Realtor, Best Realtor in San Antonio