Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do bulk item disposal rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than Palo Alto.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Recology offers free on-call bulky item pickup for Mountain View residents, typically two collections per year per household. Items include mattresses, furniture, and large appliances.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Palo Alto residents receive two free on-call bulky item pickups per year through GreenWaste for furniture, mattresses, and appliances. Appointments must be scheduled in advance; illegal dumping is prohibited.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| Free pickups per year | 2 per household | - |
| Items per pickup | Up to 5 | - |
| Acceptable items | Furniture, mattresses, appliances, e-waste | - |
| Not accepted | Construction debris, hazmat | - |
| Scheduling | 48+ hours advance | - |
| Free pickups | - | 2 per year per household |
| Booking | - | Schedule via GreenWaste portal |
| Set-out | - | By 6:00 AM on appointment date |
| Prohibited | - | HHW, paint, tires, e-waste, construction |
| HHW facility | - | San Antonio HHW, Palo Alto |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Do I have to pay for bulky pickup?
Two pickups per year are included in the rate. Additional pickups or oversized loads incur a fee. E-waste and appliances are free under state mandates.
Where do I take household hazardous waste?
The Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program runs drop-off events and appointment sites. Mountain View residents qualify for free service; visit hhw.org.
Palo Alto FAQ
How many free bulky pickups do I get?
Palo Alto residents on the GreenWaste service generally receive two free on-call bulky item pickups per calendar year.
What items cannot be picked up curbside?
Paint, motor oil, batteries, tires, construction debris, and electronics must go to the San Antonio Household Hazardous Waste facility or certified recyclers.
Can I just leave items at the curb?
No. Items left without a scheduled pickup are considered illegal dumping and can result in citations under the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
Compare other topics
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