Trash & Recycling in Merced, CA (2026)
5 verified trash & recycling rules for Merced, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
The City of Merced's own Refuse Division collects all solid waste within city limits, serving residential, commercial and industrial customers, plus special programs like Street Sweeping, seasonal Leaf Collection, Alley Cleanup and Tire Amnesty. Residential service uses grey (garbage), blue (recycling) and green (green waste) containers.
Merced Trash Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
The City of Merced sets specific cart timing: refuse containers may be placed at the curb no earlier than 4:00 p.m. the day before service and must be removed no later than 9:00 p.m. on the day of service. Container lids must be able to close, and a full container must weigh less than 200 pounds.
Merced Cart / Bin Placement
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
The City of Merced operates a Bulky Item Drop-Off Site at the corner of N. Hwy 59 and Yosemite Ave for City residents to dispose of extra/bulky trash. It is open Tuesday-Friday 12-3 p.m. and the 1st and 3rd Saturday 8 a.m.-12 p.m.; residents must show two forms of ID proving they live within city limits.
Merced Bulky Item Disposal
Few RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
The City of Merced provides every residence a blue commingled recycling container, serviced by the City Refuse Division. The blue cart accepts CA CRV bottles and cans plus plastic bottles, jars and jugs; recyclables go in loosely (not bagged), and plastic bags go in the grey trash cart or store drop-off, not the blue cart.
Merced Recycling Requirements
Some RestrictionsMandatory Organics Recycling
The City of Merced provides a green organics container and directs residents to separate household organic waste to comply with California SB 1383. Food waste goes in a separate plastic bag, tied and placed in the green can; green/yard waste goes in loosely and unbagged. As a city over 70,000 population, Merced is NOT eligible for the rural exemption.
Merced Mandatory Organics (SB 1383)
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Merced County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Merced city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Merced County →