Trash & Recycling in Tulare, CA (2026)
6 verified trash & recycling rules for Tulare, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Tulare Municipal Code § 7.16.030 makes garbage, recycling, organics, and street-sweeping service compulsory for every dwelling, apartment, and place of business. Service is provided through the City's Department of Public Utilities — you cannot opt out, self-haul as your primary disposal method, or refuse to pay.
Mandatory City Garbage and Recycling Service Subscription
Heavy RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Tulare Municipal Code § 7.16.080 requires garbage, recycling, and organics carts to be placed at the curb or gutter by 6:00 a.m. on the day of collection and removed the same day. Carts cannot be left in alleyways for service, and § 7.28.030 prohibits storing carts in front yards when not set out for collection.
Cart Placement at Curb by 6:00 a.m. — No Alleyway Service
Heavy RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Tulare residents can request bulky-item pickup of furniture, mattresses, appliances, e-waste, and tires through the City's Solid Waste Division at (559) 684-4325. Hazardous waste, hot water heaters with chemicals, paint, and similar items are not accepted curbside and must go to Tulare County Solid Waste facilities.
Bulky Item Pickup and Self-Haul to Tulare County Landfills
Some RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Tulare Municipal Code Chapter 7.17 implements California's SB 1383 mandate. Every single-family home, multifamily building, and business in Tulare must subscribe to recycling AND organics collection and source-separate organics, recyclables, and landfill trash. As of 1/1/2022 it is illegal statewide to put organics or recyclables in the trash cart.
Mandatory Recycling and SB 1383 Organic Waste Diversion
Heavy RestrictionsIllegal Dumping
Dumping waste on public or private property anywhere in Tulare is prosecuted under Cal. Penal Code § 374.3, with mandatory fines starting at $250 and reaching $10,000 for commercial-quantity dumping. The City layers TMC § 7.28.030 nuisance abatement on top, allowing the City to remove the waste and charge it back to the property.
Illegal Dumping — State Penal Code 374.3 Plus Local Nuisance Abatement
Heavy RestrictionsYard Waste Collection
Tulare's green organics cart is mandatory and now takes BOTH yard trimmings and food waste together under SB 1383 (TMC Ch. 7.17). Grass, leaves, plant debris, and untreated wood go in the green cart — but branches over 4 inches in diameter or 4 feet in length are NOT allowed.
Green Organics Cart — Yard Waste Combined With Food Scraps Under SB 1383
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Tulare County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tulare city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Tulare County →