San Ramon, CA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Under the Waste Management franchise agreement and SRMC Title 6, residents must contain all refuse in the three WM-issued wheeled carts: gray for garbage, blue for recycling, green for organics (yard trimmings and food scraps). Only WM carts are authorized for curbside collection; personal cans, bags placed outside carts, or boxes stacked beside carts will not be picked up unless pre-tagged with an overage sticker. Cart lids must close fully (no protruding material), the cart must not exceed 200 pounds for 96-gallon or 150 pounds for 64-gallon, and contents must be bagged where appropriate (no loose ash, sharps, or liquids). Prohibited items in all carts: hazardous waste, batteries, e-waste, paint, motor oil, propane tanks, needles, treated lumber, construction debris over small amounts, tires, and dead animals larger than household pets. These go to the Contra Costa Household Hazardous Waste facility in Martinez or scheduled events. Recycling cart (blue): empty/clean/dry paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, rigid plastics #1-5 and #7; NO plastic bags, film, styrofoam, food-soiled paper. Organics cart (green): yard trimmings, food scraps (including meat, bones, dairy), food-soiled paper, per SB 1383; NO plastic bags including "compostable" unless BPI-certified and accepted by WM. Contamination over 10% of cart volume triggers a contamination fee and possible service suspension. Cart cleaning is resident responsibility; replacement for normal wear is free, but lost/stolen/damaged-by-fire carts incur a fee around $75.