Contra Costa County, CA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Under Contra Costa County Code Chapter 418 and franchise agreements, residents must use the standardized carts issued by their franchised hauler (typically 20, 32, 64, or 96 gallon wheeled carts). Customer-owned cans are not serviced. Cart lids must be closed with no overhang; overfilled carts may be left uncollected or assessed an overage fee. Bagged waste set outside the cart is collected only with pre-purchased overage tags. Carts must be accessible, not blocked by vehicles, and set at least three feet from obstacles. Damaged carts are replaced free of charge through the hauler. Commingled recyclables, organics (green waste and food scraps under SB 1383), and trash must be placed in the correct color-coded cart: blue (recycling), green (organics), and gray/black (landfill). Cross-contamination can trigger warning notices and eventual service suspension.