Lake Charles Announces Christmas & New Year Garbage Schedule

Lake Charles, LA [KNGT-FM] - The holidays are here, and starting tomorrow, after Santa makes his visit to Southwest Louisiana, families and friends will gather for presents and family dinners. During the holidays, you will accumulate more trash than usual with boxes, wrapping paper, food, and even your real Christmas tree all piling up on your property.

You need to be aware that your trash day pickup days and times have changed due to the Christmas and New Year holidays if you live in the city limits of Lake Charles. The city will be observing the holidays, which means services you're used to receiving will not be available. Here's what you need to know.

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2025 Christmas Holiday Garbage/Trash Collection Schedule for Lake Charles, LA

Thursday routes: Will be collected the day on Christmas Eve on Wednesday, Dec. 24, beginning at 6:00 am. Be aware that your trash cans must be curbside of your property by 6:00 am.
Friday routes: Will be collected a day later on Saturday, Dec. 27th, with the same hours that you are used to on your regular Friday pickup.

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2025 New Year’s Holiday Garbage/Trash Collection Schedule for Lake Charles, LA

Monday and Tuesday routes: No changes.
Thursday routes: Will be collected the day after on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Friday routes: Will be collected the day after on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.

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Now, if you are looking to get rid of your real Christmas tree, Katie Harington with the city of Lake Charles explains how to do it, saying,

Live Christmas trees may be placed curbside with all decorations and lights removed.
A Christmas Tree Recycling Drop-off event will take place Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Nelson Road/Alma Lane Recycling Station. -City Of Lake Charles

So make a note of your assigned trash pickup times so that you don't end up with piles of trash. Enjoy your holiday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.