Important updates for Lockhart trash cart and recycling

    The City of Lockhart is preparing for changes to trash, recycling, brush and bulk waste collection after the Lockhart City Council approved a new seven-year Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Services Agreement with Central Texas Refuse.

   The new agreement began on July 1, 2026, for commercial customers and August 1, 2026, for residential customers. City officials said the updated contract is designed to improve convenience, expand recycling opportunities and provide additional waste collection options for residents and businesses throughout Lockhart.

   One of the biggest changes for residential customers will be universal curbside recycling service. All residential customers will receive recycling service, including the ability to recycle glass. Recyclable materials collected in Lockhart will be taken to the Circular Services Commercial & Residential Material facility for processing.

   Residential trash will continue to be collected once per week, while recycling will be collected every other week on the customer’s regular service day. Recycling service will follow an alternating “A Week/B Week” schedule, and each household will receive a notice showing whether their address falls on the A or B recycling week.

   The new agreement will also include monthly brush and bulky waste collection. Residents may set out up to 4 cubic yards per month at no additional charge. Yard waste bundles must include limbs or brush cut into lengths of 4 feet or less and securely tied. No limbs may exceed 6 inches in diameter, and no bundle may weigh more than 50 pounds.

   Large bulk items will be serviced monthly on a rotating weekly schedule on the customer’s regular service day. Bulk, yard and brush waste will continue to be collected on the same day as trash service for materials placed outside the cart.

   The updated service will be cart-only. Each residence will receive one trash cart and one recycling cart. Residential carts will be approximately 96 gallons and will be maintained during the contract term. Senior customers may request a smaller 65-gallon cart.

   New trash and recycling carts will be delivered during the week of July 27–31 as part of the transition. Residents are asked to leave their current carts at the curb until the new carts are delivered and exchanged. Once carts are placed at the curb, they should remain there until crews have completed the exchange. City officials ask residents for patience if their carts have not been exchanged by July 31, as crews will continue working through the service area.

   Commercial customers will also have access to optional recycling services, giving local businesses another way to support sustainability efforts. The agreement includes new technology and equipment as well. New side-loading collection trucks will be deployed to improve efficiency and reliability. Customers will also have access to the “Track My Truck” mobile application, which allows users to receive notifications and monitor collection activity in real time.

   Lockhart residential customers will continue to have unlimited access to the Environmental Park 130 Landfill, located east of SH 130 and north of FM 1185, for residential waste disposal at no additional charge. Disposal visits are limited to up to 6 cubic yards per visit. To support the expanded services, the City Council also approved updated solid waste rates. Beginning August 1, 2026, the standard residential rate will increase from $18.50 to $23.56 per month. The discounted senior rate will increase from $12.10 to $18.50 per month.

   Updated commercial rates will take effect July 1, 2026. Detailed residential and commercial rate schedules will be available on the City of Lockhart website. Commercial customers will see the newly adopted rate reflected on August 20 bills. Residential customers will see the newly adopted rate reflected on September 20 bills. Residents may contact Republic Services Customer Service at 512-243-2833.