Trash & Recycling in Berkeley, CA (2026)
4 verified trash & recycling rules for Berkeley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Berkeley Zero Waste Division provides weekly curbside collection of refuse, recycling, and compost. Carts must be at the curb by 6 a.m. on the scheduled day and removed by the end of collection day.
Berkeley Trash and Recycling Pickup
Some RestrictionsCalifornia SB 1383 (Lara, 2016) — Short-lived climate pollutants: organic waste: landfills
SB 1383, Lara. Short-lived climate pollutants: methane emissions: dairy and livestock: organic waste: landfills. This bill would require the state board, no later than January 1, 2018, to approve and begin implementing that comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants to achieve a reduction in methane by 40%, hydrofluorocarbon gases by 40%, and anthropogenic blac...
Bin Placement Rules
Berkeley carts must be placed at the curb with wheels against the curb, handles toward the house, and at least three feet of spacing between carts and from parked cars or obstacles.
Berkeley Cart Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Berkeley residents receive complimentary bulky-waste pickups each year by appointment through the Zero Waste Division for furniture, mattresses, and large items that do not fit in a cart.
Berkeley Bulky Item Pickup
Some RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Berkeley requires separation of recyclables and organics from trash for all residents and businesses under BMC 11.28 and California SB 1383, with fines for contaminated or commingled loads.
Berkeley Mandatory Recycling and Composting
Heavy RestrictionsCalRecycle — SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy
California's Organic Waste Reduction — SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy. To reduce methane pollution and other short-lived climate pollutants, California passed SB 1383 (Lara, 2016). The law set targets for 2025: 75% less organic waste sent to landfills. 20% of unsold, still-edible food sent to food recovery organizations. Collections: All jurisdictions need to provide o...
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Berkeley city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Alameda County →