Bulk pickup Bulk trash pickup on James Island

Who collects: JIPSD or the City

James Island has two trash providers:

• James Island Public Service District (JIPSD): serves residents who are not annexed into the City of Charleston. This includes the Town of James Island, whose household garbage goes in the tan JIPSD carts.
• City of Charleston: City crews serve the parts of James Island annexed into the City. Those addresses follow the rules on our City of Charleston bulk pickup page.

If you're not sure which you have, the cart is a good clue, or call the JIPSD at 843-762-5260. Recycling on James Island is handled by Charleston County either way.

The JIPSD solid waste office is at 1739 Signal Point Road, Charleston, SC 29412, open Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How JIPSD bulk pickup works

Since March 1, 2020, the JIPSD has limited bulk pickup to 2 bulk items or 1 claw scoop of homeowner material per week. A claw scoop is about one 96-gallon cart's worth. Bulk items include furniture, mattresses and box springs.

Bulk items are collected on the same day as your yard debris. The JIPSD doesn't describe any advance booking, and it lists no bulk-pickup fee.

Pro tip if you're clearing out a lot of furniture, put out 2 pieces each week over several weeks, or take the extra to a full-service county center in one trip.

Appliances and repair materials

The JIPSD takes appliances as bulk items, along with mattresses and furniture. It also takes small amounts of homeowner repair materials, if you prepare them:

• Plumbing fixtures, doors, carpet and padding, windows and mirrors
• Lumber cut under 6 feet, with nails bent down
• Glass taped in an X
• Loose tile and sheetrock broken up and put in heavy-duty bags

Property owners and managers are responsible for eviction clean-outs.

What the JIPSD won't take

• Contractor-generated material
• Auto parts, including tires, rims and batteries
• Boats and motors
• Bricks, rocks, concrete, asphalt and dirt
• Roofing
• Hazardous materials and electronics
• Bulk cardboard
• Paint, unless it's fully dried with the lid off

The JIPSD sends residents to the county's Signal Point Road Convenience Center (1716 Signal Point Rd.) for electronics, motor oil and batteries. But Signal Point Road is not full service: it takes no household garbage, yard waste, bulky items, scrap metal, appliances or propane. For tires, furniture or appliances, go to a full-service center such as Bees Ferry Road (1344 Bees Ferry Rd.). See our Charleston County convenience center guide.

Yard debris rules

• Small trimmings, grass, pine cones and pine straw go in paper bags. Loose piles of leaves or grass aren't collected.
• Piles can be up to 5 cubic yards, about 25 bags, set parallel to the road and kept apart from other debris.
• Call 843-762-5260 before removing trees or setting large stumps at the curb.

The JIPSD's own documents disagree on limb length. The 2023 brochure says major limbs must be under 4 feet. The FAQ sheet says under 6 feet. Cut limbs under 4 feet to be safe, or call the JIPSD to confirm.

For hurricane debris, the Town of James Island and the JIPSD both use Charleston County's debris-removal contract.

When hiring a hauler makes sense

The 2-item limit is the main reason James Island residents hire help. If you're moving out, clearing an estate or emptying a garage, a junk removal crew can take everything in one visit instead of over several weeks. It also helps when the load includes things the JIPSD won't take. Our junk removal cost guide covers typical prices.

Frequently asked questions