Fontana's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Fontana, California, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Bulk Item Disposal
Fontana residents receive bulky item pickups from Burrtec as part of their service. Schedule by phone; items like furniture, mattresses, and large appliances must be placed curbside on the assigned day.
Key details: Bulk pickup provider: Burrtec. Scheduling: Call in advance. Curbside set-out: By 6:00 a.m.. Illegal dumping penalty: Fines under Municipal Code.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Fontana gives residents more flexibility on bulk item disposal.
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Burrtec Waste Industries is the exclusive residential franchise hauler in Fontana. Weekly service includes trash, recycling, and organics carts collected on the same day, per route schedule.
Key details: Franchise hauler: Burrtec Waste Industries. Carts provided: Trash, recycling, organics. Set-out time: By 6:00 a.m.. Service frequency: Weekly.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Bin Placement Rules
Fontana residents must place carts at the curb with wheels facing the house, at least 2 feet apart, and away from vehicles, mailboxes, and fire hydrants. Store bins out of public view between pickups.
Key details: Spacing between carts: 2 to 3 feet. Clear of obstacles: 5 feet minimum. Out of view when stored: Required. Lid must close: Yes, no overfill.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Fontana is more permissive than most cities when it comes to bin placement rules. That said, there are still limits.
Recycling Requirements
Fontana complies with California AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383. All residents and businesses must separate recyclables and organic waste using Burrtec-provided blue and green carts.
Key details: Organics mandate: SB 1383. Commercial recycling: AB 341. Required cart colors: Blue, green, gray. Contamination: May result in fees.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Fontana gives residents more room on trash & recycling. 2 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
These rules come from Fontana's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.