Trash & Recycling in Richmond, CA (2026)
5 verified trash & recycling rules for Richmond, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Republic Services is Richmond's exclusive franchised hauler and collects trash, recycling, and organics weekly on a route-specific day Monday through Friday. Carts must be at the curb by 6 AM on collection day and removed by the end of the day or the morning after.
Trash: Collection Day
Some RestrictionsCal. SB 1383 / Cal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 39730.6 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants - Organic Waste Disposal Reduction Targets)
added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: 39730.6. (a) Consistent with Section 39730.5, methane emissions reduction goals shall include the following targets to reduce the landfill disposal of organics: (1) A 50-percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2020. (2) A 75-percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic w...
Bin Placement Rules
Richmond residents must use the three-cart system provided by Republic Services: gray (trash), blue (recycling), and green (organics/compost). Carts are the property of Republic Services, must not be overfilled, and must be sized correctly to avoid surcharges.
Trash: Container Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Republic Services offers Richmond residents two free bulk item pickups per calendar year for large items like mattresses, furniture, and appliances. Additional pickups and items exceeding the limits are available for a fee. Scheduling is required at least one week in advance.
Trash: Bulk Pickup
Few RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Richmond uses single-stream recycling in the blue cart, collected weekly by Republic Services. California SB 1383 mandates organics recycling in the green cart, and AB 341/1826 require commercial recycling for most businesses. Contamination fees apply.
Trash: Recycling
Some RestrictionsCalifornia SB 1383 (CalRecycle Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy)
California's Organic Waste Reduction SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy Landfilled food and other organic waste rotting in landfills emits methane climate pollution contributing to California's hotter summers, more frequent droughts, and more wildfires. Fight Climate Change by Recycling Organic Waste To reduce methane pollution and other short-lived climate pollutants, Cal...
Illegal Dumping
Richmond has a persistent illegal dumping problem along industrial corridors and undeveloped parcels and aggressively prosecutes offenders under RMC Chapter 9.28 and California Penal Code §374.3, with fines up to $3,000 and potential jail time. The city operates a dedicated illegal dumping hotline and surveillance program.
Trash: Illegal Dumping
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Penal Code §374.3
(a) It is unlawful to dump or cause to be dumped waste matter in or upon a public or private highway or road, including any portion of the right-of-way thereof, or in or upon private property into or upon which the public is admitted by easement or license, or upon private property without the consent of the owner, or in or upon a public park or other public property other than property designa...
Looking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Richmond city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Contra Costa County →