Residents and businesses receive a comprehensive range of refuse disposal and waste management planning services from the Refuse Collection Division. Currently, the Refuse Collection Division provides service to approximately 109,000 residential customers and 5,600 businesses.
Automated Refuse Collection occurs weekly. Automated refuse trucks are equipped with a mechanical arm that lifts and empties a specially-designed refuse cart. These carts have wheels for easy hauling, and an attached lid that helps keep out insects and stray animals.
Automated carts are available in two sizes:
100-Gallon = 3 regular trash cans
64-Gallon = 2 regular trash cans
Container care and requests
Follow these steps after receiving your automated cart:
Complete the address label on the inside of the lid.
Only put acceptable items in your cart.
Keep your cart in a safe place to avoid theft.
Avoid overfilling the cart. The automated system works best if the lid is completely closed.
Do not place more than 200 lbs in your 100 gallon container.
Do not place more than 150 lbs in your 64 gallon cart.
Follow placement requirements for automated pickup.
Please remove your refuse cart from the alley or street within 12 hours after pick up.
Due to California's waste reduction law, your monthly service charge will be based on the size and number of carts that you use.
What goes in my cart?
Regular household trash (except for items you can recycle)
Yard waste like tree trimmings, grass clippings, etc. (...or use your yard waste for backyard composting.)
Do NOT place these items in your refuse cart:
Household hazardous waste (paint, motor oil, gasoline, household cleaners, etc.)
Rocks, concrete or dirt
Hot ashes
Debris from construction, remodeling or demolition
Heavy items requiring a special pick up
Proper Placement for Automated Collection
Place all trash inside your cart. The automated system cannot collect trash set out in other cans, bags or boxes.
Roll your cart to the alley or parkway and place it against the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day.
Make sure the arrow on the lid is pointing toward the street and the lid is closed.
Leave at least two feet of clearance on both sides and top of your cart so that the mechanical arm can function properly.
Holiday Schedule
Refuse and Recycling Collection
Refuse and recycling are collected on all holidays except Christmas and News Year's Day. When Christmas and News Year's Day fall on a weekday, collection for the Holiday and the remainder of that week will be delayed one day, ending Saturday.