Yard Waste Collection: Lincoln vs Rocklin
How do yard waste collection rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Rocklin, CA?
Lincoln and Rocklin have similar restriction levels.
Lincoln, CA
Placer County
The City collects green waste biweekly in a dedicated green waste cart. Accepted: grass clippings, leaves, prunings under 2 feet long and 2 inches in diameter, and unflocked cut Christmas trees. Prohibited: trash, food waste, palm fronds, animal waste, lumber, cardboard, dirt, sod, rocks, treated/painted wood.
View full Lincoln rules →Rocklin, CA
Placer County
Rocklin residents receive a separate green cart from Recology Auburn Placer for yard waste — grass clippings, leaves, prunings and similar plant material. Putting green waste in the gray trash cart is allowed because the MRF sorts it, but the green cart is the preferred route under California SB 1383 (PRC §42652 et seq.). Christmas trees are collected free at two parks December 26 through January 4, and accumulating yard debris on a property in public view violates RMC §8.04.020(D) (Dead Vegetation).
View full Rocklin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lincoln | Rocklin |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Biweekly (blue/yellow zones) | - |
| Max pruning size | 2 ft long, 2 in diameter | - |
| Christmas trees | Unflocked, cut to same size limits | - |
| Prohibited | Food, palm fronds, dirt, treated wood | - |
| Food scraps | Use 'One & Done Bin' (SB 1383) | - |
| Green cart | - | Recology Auburn Placer — grass, leaves, prunings |
| State law | - | SB 1383 / PRC §42652 (organics diversion) |
| Christmas tree drop-off | - | Dec 26 – Jan 4, Johnson-Springview & Twin Oaks Parks |
| Dead vegetation | - | RMC §8.04.020(D) — abate to prevent blight/fire |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lincoln FAQ
Can I put palm fronds in the green waste cart in Lincoln?
No. Lincoln Public Works lists palm fronds as a prohibited material in the green waste cart, along with food waste, animal waste, lumber, cardboard, dirt, sod, rocks, and treated or painted wood.
How big can branches be for green waste pickup?
Prunings must be less than 2 feet long and less than 2 inches in diameter. The same size limit applies to cut Christmas trees, which must also be unflocked.
Where do food scraps go?
Food scraps are prohibited in the green waste cart. Use the City's 'One & Done Bin' organics program, which satisfies SB 1383 (PRC §42652.5) organic waste recycling requirements.
Rocklin FAQ
Can I put grass clippings and tree trimmings in my regular trash cart?
Technically yes — Rocklin's MRF sorts the gray cart — but the green cart is the proper destination per the City's SB 1383 page, and large branches or quantities should go in the green cart to avoid contamination.
How do I dispose of my Christmas tree?
Free between December 26 and January 4 at Johnson-Springview Park (5480 5th Street) or Twin Oaks Park (5500 Park Dr). Remove all ornaments, lights, and flocking before drop-off.
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