Trash & Recycling in Union City, CA (2026)
5 verified trash & recycling rules for Union City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Union City uses an exclusive franchise system. Republic Services provides landfill (garbage) collection and Tri-CED Community Recycling provides recycle and compost collection. Weekly service through the franchise is mandatory under UCMC Ch. 7.04.
Union City Exclusive Franchise: Republic Services & Tri-CED
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Union City residents place gray, blue, and green carts at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on collection day, no earlier than sunset the prior evening, with at least two feet between carts and wheels against the curb.
Union City Cart Placement: 6 a.m. Set-Out, 2-Foot Spacing
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Union City residents are eligible for two free bulky-item collections per year, scheduled with Republic Services. Items that don't fit in the cart must be set out only after scheduling, or they count as illegal dumping.
Union City Bulky Item Pickup: Two Free Per Year
Few RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Union City's Organics Reduction and Recycling ordinance implements California SB 1383, requiring all residents and businesses to subscribe to recycling and compost service and to keep organic waste (food scraps, yard waste, soiled paper) out of the landfill cart.
Union City SB 1383 Organics & Recycling Mandate
Heavy RestrictionsIllegal Dumping
Union City prohibits throwing or depositing litter, refuse, or garbage on any public or private property except in containers or lawful dumping grounds. Scavenging set-out recyclables and burning or burying waste are also banned, with state Penal Code §374.3 fines on top.
Illegal Dumping Banned in Union City (UCMC Ch. 7.04 + PC 374.3)
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Union City city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Alameda County →