5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Sonoma County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Sonoma County uses franchised solid-waste collection, primarily by Recology Sonoma Marin. Garbage, recycling, and compost carts are collected weekly. Carts should be at the curb the night before, since collection begins early in the morning.
Recology Sonoma Marin sets cart placement standards for unincorporated Sonoma County: carts no more than 2 feet from the curb, 3 feet from other carts or structures, 12 feet of vertical clearance, lid arrows facing the street, and clear of obstructions like parked cars and hydrants.
Unincorporated Sonoma County residents served by Recology Sonoma Marin get appointment-based bulky item pickup at no cost. Mattresses, appliances, furniture, bagged or bundled excess yard debris, and electronics qualify; schedule by contacting the hauler directly.
Recycling in Sonoma County is driven by California law. AB 341 requires recycling by businesses and multifamily complexes of 5+ units generating 4+ cubic yards/week. Unincorporated residents recycle through Recology's blue cart; organics and recyclables must be kept out of the landfill.
California's SB 1383 makes it unlawful to throw food waste in the garbage. In unincorporated Sonoma County, residents must separate organics into the green cart serviced by Recology Sonoma Marin or self-haul to a permitted facility. Tiered businesses must also recover edible food.
2 cities in Sonoma County have their own trash & recycling rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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