Address Identification
Help us, help you
Per Plano City Ordinance 8-17, Numbered addresses must be placed on all structures in a position as to be plainly visible from the street and rear alley.
Single family occupancies shall have approved numerals of a minimum of three (3) inches in height and a color contrasting with the background clearly visible and legible from the street fronting the property and rear alleyway where such alleyway exists.
By having your house properly identified it helps emergency vehicles and other city services when responding to your requests.
Cart Collection Tips
(Residential trash and recycle carts)
Have your carts out by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day.
Our drivers start their routes at 7:00 a.m. and by having your carts out first thing in the morning you will ensure service. We occasionally change the way routes are run, so collection times can vary in your neighborhood.
By following these simple guidelines your cart can be serviced safely 
and efficiently:
Allow a minimum of 2 feet of space between your cart and any other object, including another cart, gas meter, mailbox, vehicle and landscape waste.
Carts should be side by side or on opposite sides of the driveway with wheels facing the garage and lid opening toward the alley.
Allow a minimum of 6 inches from your fence.
Make sure your household trash is bagged and the lid on the trash cart is completely closed.
Bagging household trash keeps your trash cart clean and prevents loose trash from falling on the ground or blowing in the wind. By completely closing the lid, you help prevent trash from falling out of the cart while the cart is being serviced.
Please note: Recycling items should be placed loose (no bag) in your recycle cart, except shredded paper. Shredded paper should be in clear plastic bags.
Click here for information on Cart Maintenance.
Recycling Collection Service Tips
Did you know … You do not have to separate your recyclable items?
The City of Plano residential recycling collection is “single-stream recycling.” This means that all of the acceptable items can go into your recycle cart together. You do not need to separate paper from other items. (See Recycling under Residential Collections for a list of acceptable materials.)
Did you know … You can have the divider removed from your recycle cart?
Since we use a single-stream recycling system, you no longer need the divider in your recycle cart. Call Customer Service at (972) 769-4150 to have the divider removed.
By removing the divider it gives you room to recycle more and prevents items from getting stuck in the cart.
Did you know … You should not bag your recyclable items, with the exception of shredded paper?
Your recyclable items should be placed loose in the recycling cart. The only item that should be bagged is shredded paper. Shredded paper should be placed in a sealed clear plastic bag. Clear plastic bags can be purchased at office supply stores. Or you can reuse the clear plastic from your dry cleaning; just be sure to tie both ends off.
Did you know … The only plastic the City accepts is plastic bottles numbered 1 and 2?
Plastic bottles that have a number 1 or 2 on the bottom are the only plastic we currently accept in our residential recycling program.
The City’s philosophy towards our recycling program is to make it as easy and comprehensive as possible, while ensuring that the materials accepted are collected and recycled by an end market/user. Presently, the end market/user for other plastics is too variable to ensure the materials are recycled on a sustainable basis. However, please note that we are constantly evaluating opportunities to expand our residential recycling program to divert additional volumes and materials from the landfills. Therefore, at some point in the future other plastics could be added to our accepted list of recyclable materials.
Did you know … You can request an additional recycle cart at no additional fee?
The City will provide you with an extra recycling cart at no additional cost. Call Customer Service at (972) 769-4150 to request an extra recycle cart.
Live Green in Plano Environmental Calendar 2008
The Sustainability & Environmental Services Department recently developed an environmental calendar for Plano residents. In addition to helpful information about Plano’s residential services, it is full of environmental tips you can use no matter where you live.
PLEASE NOTE: The Live Green in Plano Environmental Calendar 2008 replaces the magnetic recycling schedule and bulky waste brochure issued in previous years.
How do I determine when my recycling will be collected?
First, locate the Recycling Collection map near the back of calendar.
Determine if you reside in the blue or green area. For example, if you live south of Parker Rd between Custer Rd and Independence Pkwy you will be in the Green Week.
Then refer to the weekly schedule each month. For example, in February the Green Recycling collection weeks occur the week of February 10th and February 24th. (Remember, your recycling is collected the same day as your trash is picked up; however, it is done bi-weekly.)
When is my Bulky Waste collected?
First, locate the Bulky Waste Collection map near the back of the calendar.
Determine if you are Blue, Green, Gold or Red Week. For example, if you reside south of State Hwy 121, between Independence Pkwy and Coit Rd you will be Red Week on Tuesday (refer to Pick-Up Week Legend for specific day).
Then refer to the schedule each month. For example, in March, the Red Week Bulky Waste collection occurs the week of March 23rd. If you are Tuesday of that week, then your bulky waste will be collected on Tuesday, March 25th. (Remember, bulky waste is only collected one day per month and may not coincide with the same day your trash is collected.)
Other Calendar Tips:
An overview of your collection services can be found in January 2008.
North Texas Municipal Water District Transfer Station locations and hours can be found in January 2008, with disposal guidelines found at the back of the calendar.
Recycling information, what we recycle and drop-off locations, can be found in May 2008.
Electronic Recycling information can be found in May 2008.
Information on Plano Material Exchange can be found at the back of the Calendar.
Household Chemical Collections, Household Chemical Reuse Center and Cooking Oil Recycling can be found in November 2008.