Trash & Recycling in Turlock, CA (2026)
5 verified trash & recycling rules for Turlock, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
The City of Turlock contracts an exclusive franchised hauler, Turlock Scavenger, to collect garbage weekly using a three-cart system (gray garbage, blue recycling, green organics). Under Municipal Code Chapter 6-3 only the City or its franchised contractor may collect waste. Carts are set out by 5:00 a.m. on service day; collection day depends on your address/route.
Turlock Garbage Collection & Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Turlock Scavenger and the City direct residents to place carts about 18 inches from the curb, at least 2 feet apart, and 6 feet from any parked vehicle so the automated truck can service them. Carts go out by 5:00 a.m. on service day. Municipal Code 6-3-206 bars leaving any waste container in public view longer than 24 hours.
Turlock Cart Placement & Curb Setout Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
City of Turlock residential customers receive two free bulky-item pickups per year from the franchised hauler, Turlock Scavenger, scheduled by appointment. Accepted items include large appliances (refrigerator/freezer doors removed), water heaters, water softeners, toilets, sinks, tubs, mattresses, box springs, couches, and chairs. Schedule by calling Turlock Scavenger at 209-668-7274.
Turlock Bulky Item & Large Item Pickup
Few RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Turlock residents must separate recyclables into the blue cart under Municipal Code Chapter 6-3 and California SB 1383. The blue 95-gallon cart takes commingled (unsorted) recyclables and is collected weekly by Turlock Scavenger. Businesses and multifamily complexes of 5+ units meeting the volume threshold must also maintain recycling and organics service.
Turlock Residential & Commercial Recycling
Some RestrictionsMandatory Organics Recycling
California SB 1383 and Turlock Municipal Code Chapter 6-3 require residents and businesses to separate organic waste (yard trimmings plus food scraps and food-soiled paper) into the green cart. The City adopted its SB 1383 ordinance effective January 1, 2022. Turlock's ~73k population means it is NOT rural-exempt; organics collection is mandatory citywide.
Turlock Mandatory Organics (SB 1383)
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Stanislaus County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Turlock city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Stanislaus County →