For more information regarding garbage collection and/or recycling, visit https://vhal.org/waste-collection-recycling.

• Who provides garbage collection service? Amwaste is the residential waste, recycling and bulk trash service provider for Vestavia Hills. (Businesses must contract with a waste collection agency of their choice.) The City’s Public Services department remains as the principal point of contact for requests and resolution of any issues – publicservices@vhal.org or 205.978.0150.
• How much does garbage service cost? Sanitation (garbage and recycling) collection is a municipal service included in the payment of property taxes.
• How do I start garbage service for an existing residence? If the previous owner left a garbage cart at the home, new owners may use the cart without any notification to the City or the sanitation provider. If the previous owner did not leave a cart, residents may request up to two carts for single family residences using Vestavia Hills Connect online or via the app. Requests for special collections, replacement carts, etc. may also be made through Vestavia Hills Connect.
• How do I start garbage service for a new house / new residential construction or a newly annexed property? To begin service to newly constructed homes, homes constructed on newly developed streets or annexed homes, contact Public Services directly at publicservices@vhal.org or 205.978.0150 so that cart(s) may be delivered and the residence may be added to the sanitation route.
• How do I start garbage service for my business? Businesses are not serviced as a part of the existing contract with the residential sanitation provider and must contract with a waste collection agency of their choice.
• Where should I place my cart or debris? If the cart/debris pile is unable to be placed to meet the criteria below, contact Public Services at publicservices@vhal.org or 205.978.0150.

– Place cart at the curb by 6:30am on your collection days with the arrows on the lid pointing to the street.
– Place materials no more than 3’ from the curb and away from obstructions. Items placed further than 3’ from the curb will not be collected.
– Do not place carts on sidewalk; storm drain cover; gutter; steep slope; elevated platform; under low-hanging utility line/ other obstruction. (If there is a low utility line, enter a Line Issues request in VH Connect or call 205.978.0150)
– Do not place carts within 6’ of a fixed object (mailbox, hedges, parked vehicle, etc.).
– Note: Vehicles parked near a garbage cart may prevent collection.

• What is back door service and how may I request the service? Residents may request back door service to have Amwaste collect garbage from a location near your home, generally near the “back door” of your residence. The collection days are the same as the regular curbside service for your location. To begin back door service, residents may submit a request using Vestavia Hills Connect or contact Public Services at publicservices@vhal.org or 205.978.0150. Residents who wish to have the service as a convenience may pay a monthly fee. For those with a certified medical need, the service is provided at no charge. A letter from the resident’s physician is required to verify medical need. Letters should be emailed to publicservices@vhal.org or faxed to 205.978.0199 and must include the resident’s name, address and a statement that the service is needed for medical reasons.
• Do I have to bag my garbage? When possible, garbage (including recyclables, which do not need to be separated) should be bagged to minimize litter during collection.
• Where is a landfill? There is no landfill in the City of Vestavia Hills; our sanitation provider transports garbage to its privately-owned landfill.
• What does the City sanitation service collect? Many of the less common items that residents wish to dispose of require special preparation or are items which the service does not collect. To view the list of items that are or are not collected, visit https://vhal.org/waste-collection-recycling. If an item is not listed or you are unsure of whether it can be placed for collection, contact Public Services at publicservices@vhal.org or 205.978.0150.
• How do I know my garbage days? Waste is collected twice per week: Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday. If you are unsure of the pick-up days at your address, click HERE to view a list sorted by street address or HERE to view the location map. Use the magnifying glass icon to search your address. NOTE: Collection days for areas highlighted in red are Tuesday/Friday; collection days for areas highlighted in blue are Monday/Thursday. Newly developed streets or newly created addresses may not be represented on the map. If your address is not in the database, contact Public Services at 205.978.0150 or publicservices@vhal.org.
• When is garbage pick-up or waste collection? Waste is collected twice per week: Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday. Materials should be out by 6:30am on your service days. (Routes begin at 7am.) To verify your garbage collection days, visit https://amwaste.net/vestaviahills and enter your home address.

– Your first collection of the week should be household garbage and yard waste (small amounts of bagged leaves, pine straw, grass clippings, small limbs, etc.). Everything collected that day will be taken to the landfill.
– Residents who want to participate in the recycling process are encouraged to retain recyclables until the second collection day each week. (Yard waste should NOT be included in this collection.) All solid waste collected on the second service day each week is transported to the Sylvan Springs landfill. At the landfill, there is a “dumping pad” where co-mingled solid waste, intended for recycling, is deposited and prepared for trucking to a recycling facility. There is no longer a requirement for recyclables to be pre-sorted, clean, dry and empty. Amwaste utilizes two facilities, depending on their availability – RePower South and Big Sky Environmental. The goal for both facilities is to recycle and/or repurpose as much as possible to divert waste from being deposited in the landfill.
– Nearly everything is recycled, other than food, organic waste (dirt, rocks, grass, etc.) and glass. (Large appliances – refrigerators, stoves, washers/dryers – are NOT recycled by our provider; they are transported to the landfill.) RePower South separates marketable commodities (paper, aluminum, etc.) and sells these baled materials into established commodity markets. Of the remaining waste, approximately 70% is converted into ReEF fuel, which is used as a replacement for coal in industrial and energy utility boilers. Big Sky repurposes all of the commodities into energy feedstock that is used as a replacement for coal for cement production facilities. (Energy pellets/fuel burns cleaner than coal and is desired by industrial and energy utilities for energy generation.)

• When is bulk and debris pickup? There is NOT a designated bulk trash pickup day. Submit a request for pickup of large piles of yard debris/ bulk trash in the VH Connect or call 205.978.0150. Bulk debris will be collected within 10 business days. If collection exceeds 10 days, contact Public Services at publicservices@vhal.org or 205.978.0150. Please do not create a second (duplicate) request in VH Connect. Small amounts of loose debris should be bagged and placed in cart for the first collection of each week. If it cannot be bagged, place small piles next to cart for first collection each week. Submit a pickup request for 15+ bags. Carts or single bags may not exceed 50 lbs. Branches may not be longer than 6’ long.
• Is there garbage collection on holidays? Amwaste observes that following annual holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. If the holiday occurs on a weekday, service is delayed by one day following the holiday. If the holiday falls on a weekend, service will not be interrupted.
• What do I do if my garbage collection was missed? Report a missed collection through VH Connect or contact Public Services at publicservices@vhal.org or 205.978.0150. Amwaste has direct access to VH Connect and will react to your request promptly. If the entire street was missed, please include that in your report.
• Why was my garbage not picked up? There are a number of reasons why your garbage may have been missed, and generally staff does not know the specific reason why an address was missed or whether a truck is running late. If your residence is missed, please report the issue immediately so that it can be promptly addressed. When there are delays, the collection crews may work into the evening or recover the next day. Reporting your missed collection will ensure you are on a list to be recovered. Be sure your cart is free from obstruction, as garbage trucks are not able to access areas blocked by a parked car, etc. If a construction project is going on which is preventing garbage collection, please call 205.978.0150 to advise.
• Is there a place I can drop off my mattress? No. Submit a “Debris or Bulk Collection” request and note that the item is a mattress to expedite collection. Collection cannot be scheduled, so please have the item to the curb when the request is placed, and it will be collected within 3-4 business days. Mattresses must be placed at the curb; mattresses propped against a wall, mailbox, etc. will not be collected.
• Can I use contractor bags? No. Contractor bags will not be collected.
• Will the City pick up landscaper or contractor materials? Only homeowner-generated materials will be collected. Contracted work (landscaping, construction, etc.) must be removed by the contractor. Tree services and landscapers must remove trees and large bushes which are generated from their work; home owners should check to ensure the contractor/landscaper/tree service is licensed and communicate the removal responsibility to the contractor.
• Can I put my gas grill out for pick-up? Yes. Ensure that all tanks have been removed and submit a bulk/debris request using VH Connect prior to placing to the curb.
• How can I dispose of shredded paper? The City of Vestavia Hills does not offer a shredding service. During the September waste disposal event, shredding is typically offered by an event partner. Shredded paper should be bagged before putting into cart.
• How do I dispose of a dead animal in my yard? For carcasses on private property, homeowners are responsible for bagging the carcass and placing it to the curb for pick-up. (The frontage of a residential yard or business is considered private property for this purpose.) Carcasses on the street are removed by Public Services. Residents should submit a request for service via Vestavia Hills Connect. For more information visit https://vhal.org/animal-control.
• Does the City have leaf collection service? No. Leaves should be bagged and placed in your cart or on the curb for collection. Carts/single bags may not exceed 50 lbs. Please place a request if there are 15 or more bags out for collection.
• Why does the City not provide leaf collection service? The City of Vestavia Hills does not provide leaf truck service for a variety of reasons, most importantly storm drain concerns. Loose leaves piled on the curb and gutter of residences often blow/wash into storm drains while awaiting collection. The accumulation of organic matter blocks storm drains and gutters from being able to quickly drain during a heavy rainfall. The organic matter also travels downstream into surrounding water sources.
• Do I have to bag leaves? Yes. Leaves and small debris must be bagged or otherwise containerized for collection. Loose leaves or clippings should not be put in the cart; if placed in the cart, they should be bagged. Small amounts of loose debris should be bagged and placed in cart for the first collection of each week. (Leaves and yard debris should not be placed in the cart for the second collection of the week, as it interferes with the recycling equipment.) If the small debris is too large and cannot be bagged, place small piles next to cart for first collection each week. Loose debris (leaves, pine straw, yard clippings) will not be collected unless bagged. Carts/ single bags may not exceed 50 lbs.
• What if my neighbor puts leaves or grass clippings in the storm drain? If you witness dumping or debris being blown into a storm drain, report it via the Storm Drain Violation option in VH Connect or, if the activity is ongoing, call the VHPD Desk Sergeant at 205.978.0140.
• What if my neighbor has unbagged leaves at the curb? You may anonymously report a “Storm Drain Violation” through VH Connect. This will not cause your neighbor to be cited for a violation or other punitive action. Our Code Compliance officer will contact the resident to remind them that leaves must be bagged for pick up. This prevents leaves and small debris from clogging the storm drains, keeps our City looking neater, and prevents loose leaves from blowing onto neighbors’ properties.
• How do I get a new garbage cart? Submit a “Cart, Deliver or Remove” request in Vestavia Hills Connect. If you do not have a working cart and must place garbage bags to the curb, contact Public Services at publicservices@vhal.org or 205.978.0150 so that it may be communicated with Amwaste and the bags will not be missed. If you are disposing of a broken or unwanted cart that can still be used, place a sign that says “REMOVE” on the cart if possible. It will be emptied as normal until the new cart is delivered. Please note that all requests must be submitted via VH Connect or by contacting Public Services. Amwaste does not manage cart delivery/removal and the collection crew cannot accept requests.
• How do I get a garbage cart removed? Submit a “Cart, Deliver or Remove” request in Vestavia Hills Connect. If you do not have a working cart and must place garbage bags to the curb, contact Public Services at publicservices@vhal.org or 205.978.0150 so that it may be communicated with Amwaste and the bags will not be missed. If you are disposing of a broken or unwanted cart that can still be used, place a sign that says “REMOVE” on the cart if possible. It will be emptied as normal until the new cart is delivered. Please note that all requests must be submitted via VH Connect or by contacting Public Services. Amwaste does not manage cart delivery/removal and the collection crew cannot accept requests.
• What if my cart is broken or I do not have a cart? Submit a “Cart, Deliver or Remove” request in Vestavia Hills Connect. If you do not have a working cart and must place garbage bags to the curb, contact Public Services at publicservices@vhal.org or 205.978.0150 so that it may be communicated with Amwaste and the bags will not be missed. If you are disposing of a broken or unwanted cart that can still be used, place a sign that says “REMOVE” on the cart if possible. It will be emptied as normal until the new cart is delivered. Please note that all requests must be submitted via VH Connect or by contacting Public Services. Amwaste does not manage cart delivery/removal and the collection crew cannot accept requests.
• How can I get a recycling cart? Recycling carts are no longer available for request, as recycling is no longer collected in a separate cart. Residents may continue to use the carts for regular garbage if they have one. If you no longer want to keep your former recycling cart, submit a “Cart Removal” request in the VH Connect.
• How can I get a smaller cart? With the current sanitation service, only the large cart is available. Use of personal carts is discouraged as the collection equipment is likely to lose the cart as it is emptied. Neither Amwaste nor the City is responsible for personal carts that are accidentally dumped into the garbage truck.
• Can I use my personal cart? Use of personal carts is discouraged as the collection equipment is likely to lose the cart as it is emptied. Neither Amwaste nor the City is responsible for personal carts that are accidentally dumped into the garbage truck. Note that each residence is allowed two carts per household. A surcharge will be assessed if more than two carts are placed for collection.
• How can I get a roll-off container? The City does not provide or empty roll-off containers. Use a roll-off dumpster for construction/renovation projects generating significant debris is recommended. Note that a permit is required and can be obtained by clicking the Online Services button on the homepage at vhal.org.
• Is there a recycling drop off location? No, there is no drop off within the City of Vestavia Hills.
• How do I recycle and what can be recycled? Residents who want to participate in the recycling process are encouraged to retain recyclables until the second collection day each week. (Yard waste should NOT be included in this collection.) No need to sort/clean recyclables – the City’s recycling vendor accepts bagged recycling and household waste co-mingled in a “mixed stream.” The second collection each week is put through a system of sorters that separate waste materials from recyclables.

Nearly everything is recycled, other than food, organic waste (dirt, rocks, grass, etc.) and glass. (Large appliances – refrigerators, stoves, washers/dryers – are NOT recycled by our provider; they are transported to the landfill.) Approximately 70% of remaining materials are converted into two products:

– Sold commodities. Recyclable commodities are baled and sold into established commodity markets.
– ReEF fuel. Some materials, such as non-recyclable papers and some plastics, are not able to be sold as a commodity. These materials are converted into “ReEF” fuel, which is used as a replacement for coal in industrial and energy utility boilers.

• Is there a compost drop off location? No, there is not a compost drop off in Vestavia Hills.
• How do I get rid of household chemicals? Small quantities may be disposed of in your regular household garbage. If multiple bottles of chemicals are to be disposed, please spread the disposal over several collection days in order to reduce the chance that the chemicals mix in a dangerous way. Do NOT put gasoline in the garbage or trash. Hazardous waste events for Vestavia Hills are typically offered in September and May. Contact the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to inquire about other events which may be available. Please also consider donating usable chemicals.
• When are the Hazardous Waste Collection Days? There are typically two Hazardous Waste Collection Days offered annually in the City of Vestavia Hills for the disposal of: paint; bulbs (including CFLs, fluorescent bulbs and other bulbs that contain mercury); and batteries (lithium and “button” batteries). Batteries Plus and major hardware stores typically accept batteries. The fall hazardous waste collection day typically is on the second Saturday of September, is for residents only, and includes hazardous waste collection, shredding, electronic waste collection, and medication collection. More information about the event is publicized in the weeks preceding the event. Gas cans and propane cans are not accepted at these events. The spring hazardous waste collection day typically is in May, is for residents only, and includes hazardous waste collection only. Gas cans and propane cans are not accepted.