How Concord Handles Trash & Recycling: A Practical Guide
Concord maintains 85 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with trash & recycling. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Concord falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Recycling Requirements
California's Mandatory Commercial Recycling Law (AB 341) and Concord's franchise require all residents and businesses to recycle through Republic Services' blue cart program. Accepted items include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and rigid plastics #1, #2, and #5. Plastic bags, film, foam, and tanglers are prohibited. Contamination is subject to SB 1383 enforcement.
Key details: Single Stream: Single-stream blue cart — commingled recyclables. Plastics #1: Plastics #1, #2, #5 only (no film bags). Cardboard Flattened: Cardboard must be flattened. CRV Beverages: CRV beverages can go in cart or to buyback. Standards: AB 341 applies to commercial sites 4+ cy/week.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Bulk Item Disposal
Republic Services provides Concord single-family residential customers with two free on-call bulky-item cleanups per calendar year, each allowing up to three cubic yards of qualifying material such as furniture, mattresses, large appliances, and e-waste. Appointments must be scheduled in advance; items must be set out by 6:00 AM on the scheduled day.
Key details: Detail: Two free bulky pickups per year per household. Detail: Up to 3 cubic yards per appointment. Detail: Two white goods (appliances) allowed. Detail: No HHW, construction debris, or tires with rims. Requirement: Appointments required; call or book online.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around bulk item disposal in Concord lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Republic Services is the exclusive franchised solid waste, recycling, and organics hauler for Concord under a long-term franchise agreement. Weekly collection is scheduled by neighborhood route; residents receive a service-day calendar from Republic. Carts must be curbside by 6:00 AM on collection day and removed within 24 hours. Holiday weeks typically shift service one day later.
Key details: Republic Services: Republic Services is Concord's exclusive franchised hauler. Trash/Waste: Three carts: garbage, recycling, organics (SB 1383). Hours/Times: Carts out by 6 AM, removed within 24 hours. Hours/Times: Holiday weeks shift collection one day later. Restrictions: Scavenging carts is prohibited.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping of waste on public or private property in Concord is prohibited under Concord Municipal Code Title 6 and California Penal Code §374.3, which authorizes fines of $250 to $10,000 plus cleanup costs for repeat offenders. Concord Code Enforcement, Concord Police, and Contra Costa Environmental Health share jurisdiction. Report dumping via the Concord Fix-It reporting tool.
Key details: Penalties: PC §374.3 fines from $250 to $10,000. Vehicle used in: Vehicle used in dumping may be impounded. Property owners liable: Property owners liable for dumped material on their land. Report via Fix-It: Report via Fix-It Concord portal/app. Chronic sites may: Chronic sites may be under camera surveillance.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Concord's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Bin Placement Rules
Concord requires use of Republic Services-issued carts in three colors: gray (garbage), blue (recycling), and green (organics per SB 1383). Carts must be within 3 feet of the curb, lids fully closed, and not overfilled. Extra or overflow material outside the cart is not collected. Cart sizes are 20, 32, 64, or 96 gallons with rates scaled to volume.
Key details: Cart System: Three gray/blue/green. Overflow Ban: Lids must close full. Sizes: 20/32/64/96 gal tiered. Hazmat Ban: No batteries e-waste. Contamination: SB 1383 citations may trigger.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Concord's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Concord is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Concord's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.