Ready to clear out the garage, closets, and side yard without renting a dumpster? If you live in Allen, you can plan a simple Declutter Week around the city’s bulk, brush, yard waste, and HHW programs to move a lot out fast and the right way. You’ll avoid surprise fees, keep items out of the landfill where possible, and make pickup day smooth. Below is a friendly, step-by-step plan tailored to Allen’s schedule and rules. Let’s dive in.
How Allen’s bulk and brush pickup works
Bulk item basics
Allen’s bulky pickup happens once a month on a Saturday tied to your regular trash day:
- Monday trash day: 1st Saturday
- Tuesday trash day: 2nd Saturday
- Wednesday or Thursday trash day: 3rd Saturday
- Friday trash day: 4th Saturday
Set items at the curb by 7:00 a.m. that Saturday. The typical allowance is up to about 6 cubic yards total with each item under 150 lb. Loose household debris must be boxed or containerized no larger than 2' x 2' x 4' and 50 lb. See full guidelines on the CWD page for Allen’s services. (CWD service details)
Accepted examples include furniture, mattresses, appliances like washers and dryers, bundled carpet up to 6 feet, drained lawn equipment, grills with tanks removed, and refrigerators with refrigerant properly removed and tagged. Commercial construction debris, tires, batteries, propane tanks, car parts, HHW, and single items over 150 lb are not accepted. (CWD service details)
Brush and yard waste
- Weekly yard waste: Up to 15 biodegradable paper bags and 7 tied bundles per week on your trash day. Bundles should be about 4 feet by 2 feet and under 40 lb. Plastic bags are not accepted. (City yard waste rules)
- Large loose brush: Up to 3 cubic yards collected monthly on a designated Wednesday for your trash day. You must call CWD to schedule by noon the day before. (City yard waste rules)
For scheduling, missed pickup, or paid special collections, call CWD at 972-392-9300, option 2. (CWD service details)
Plan your Declutter Week
2 to 3 weeks before
- Make a list of large items and sort them into bulk, brush, donations, electronics, and HHW.
- If you have chemicals or paint, schedule Allen’s HHW pickup through MyAllen or by calling Community Services. (HHW program)
- Book any donation pickups for usable furniture or appliances. (Habitat ReStore pickup info)
7 to 10 days before
- Confirm which Saturday is your monthly bulky pickup and plan to set items out by 7:00 a.m.
- Start bundling branches and bagging leaves in biodegradable paper bags; keep bundles to about 4 feet by 2 feet and under 40 lb. (City yard waste rules)
1 to 2 days before
- If you have loose brush that exceeds weekly limits, call CWD by noon the day before your monthly loose-brush Wednesday. (City yard waste rules)
- Drain fuels from mowers and remove propane tanks. Have refrigerant removed from fridges or freezers by a licensed tech and attach the tag. (CWD service details)
Collection day
- Place items at your collection point by 7:00 a.m., with clear space around carts and piles. Return carts within 24 hours. (CWD service details)
What goes where
Bulk pile
- Furniture, mattresses, boxed household debris that meets size and weight rules.
- Appliances like washers, dryers, and fridges. For appliances with refrigerant, attach a tag showing proper removal.
- Keep each item under 150 lb and your total to about 6 cubic yards. (CWD service details)
Brush and yard waste pile
- Do not mix brush with bulk. Keep yard waste in biodegradable paper bags and tied bundles separate from bulky items.
- Place bundles and bags near your carts on your regular trash day, and schedule loose brush separately if needed. (City yard waste rules)
HHW and electronics
- HHW items like paints, automotive fluids, pool chemicals, and pesticides are not allowed in trash or bulk. Schedule pickup through the city and check out the Allen Chemical Reuse Center for reusable items. (HHW program) (Allen Chemical Reuse Center)
- Electronics are accepted at city events such as the spring Great American Cleanup and Allen Recycles Day in early November, or through recommended recyclers. (Electronics recycling info)
Donation and resale options
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
If your furniture, appliances, or building materials are in good shape, donate them to Habitat ReStore. They offer free pickup for large donations. (ReStore donation info)
Goodwill Dallas
Goodwill has attended donation centers in Allen for clothing and household goods. Check locations and hours before you go. (Goodwill donation info)
When to arrange a special pickup
Have more than your monthly allowance or contractor-generated debris from remodeling? The residential program does not remove contractor waste. Arrange a paid special collection with CWD or use a roll-off service. (CWD service details) (City yard waste rules)
Quick checklist
- Confirm your bulky pickup Saturday and stage items by 7:00 a.m. (CWD service details)
- Keep brush, bulk, yard waste, HHW, and electronics in separate piles or containers.
- Box small debris to 2' x 2' x 4' and 50 lb or less.
- Bundle branches to about 4 feet by 2 feet, under 40 lb; use biodegradable paper lawn bags.
- Schedule HHW pickup and check the Allen Chemical Reuse Center. (HHW program)
- Book donation pickups for usable items. (ReStore donation info)
A tidy home shows better, feels better, and simplifies your move or refresh. If you are prepping to sell, Declutter Week is a smart first step that pairs perfectly with great photos and a strong launch plan. For guidance on what to fix, what to stage, and when to list, reach out to Mike Farish. You’ll get local advice tailored to your timeline and goals.
FAQs
Bulk pickup schedule in Allen: when is my day?
- Bulk is collected once a month on a Saturday tied to your regular trash day. Place items by 7:00 a.m. on that Saturday. (CWD service details)
Allen brush vs bulk: can I mix them?
- No. Keep brush and bulky items in separate piles. Yard waste and loose brush are collected under different rules and schedules. (City yard waste rules)
Allen HHW disposal: how do I handle paint and motor oil?
- Schedule HHW pickup through the city and never place HHW with trash or bulk. You can also check the Chemical Reuse Center. (HHW program)
Volume limits in Allen: what if I exceed them?
- For volumes beyond program limits or for contractor debris, arrange a paid special collection with CWD or a roll-off service. (CWD service details)
Refrigerators and AC units: what tag is required?
- Appliances containing refrigerant must have Freon removed by a licensed technician and be tagged before curbside collection. (CWD service details)
