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Trash & Recycling in Sacramento, CA (2026)

4 verified trash & recycling rules for Sacramento, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Sacramento provides weekly curbside collection of garbage, recycling, and organic waste through the Department of Utilities. The City uses a three-cart system: black for garbage, blue for recycling, and green for organic waste and yard trimmings. Collection occurs Monday through Friday depending on the service area. SB 1383 compliance requires all residents to participate in organic waste recycling.

Sacramento Trash Pickup Schedules & Rules

Some Restrictions

Bin Placement Rules

Sacramento requires trash, recycling, and organics carts to be placed at the curb with specific spacing and positioning rules. Carts must be at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day and retrieved by midnight. Each cart must be at least 3 feet from other carts, vehicles, mailboxes, and obstacles. Lids must be closed with handles facing the house.

Sacramento Trash Bin Placement Rules

Some Restrictions

Bulk Item Disposal

Sacramento offers a free curbside bulky item pickup program for residents. Each household is eligible for up to two free pickups per year, with up to five items per pickup. Items must be scheduled in advance through the City's 311 system or online portal. Additional pickups beyond the free allotment are available for a fee.

Sacramento Bulk Item Disposal & Pickup

Some Restrictions

Recycling Requirements

Sacramento requires mandatory recycling and composting for all residents and businesses under state law (AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383) and the City's solid waste ordinance (Chapter 8.104). The blue recycling cart accepts paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics #1-7. The green organics cart accepts food scraps, yard waste, and food-soiled paper. Contaminating recycling or organics carts with non-acceptable items may result in service warnings.

Sacramento Mandatory Recycling Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

Looking for Sacramento County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sacramento city rules.

Trash & Recycling in Sacramento County