Cupertino, CA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 9.18.215
- Eligible items
- Uncontained large items from single-family homes
- Placement location
- Private property, not the City right-of-way
- Timing window
- Within 24 hours of scheduled collection
- Violation classification
- Misdemeanor under Chapter 1.12
Summary
Cupertino lets single-family households put uncontained large items too big for a regular bin out for a scheduled pickup, but only on private property next to the City right-of-way, and only within 24 hours of the scheduled collection. Section 9.18.215 bars leaving those bulky items sitting in the right-of-way itself while waiting for the collector.
Uncontained large items originating from single-family homes that will not fit into a receptacle may be placed on private property adjacent to the City right-of-way for scheduled collection within 24 hours of such collection by an agent or employee of the City or by the awardee of a franchise by the City to act as garbage and recycling collector. Any such bulky item(s) may not be placed in the City right-of-way while awaiting collection.
Full Breakdown
18 Litter Prevention and Enforcement rules. It permits uncontained large items originating from single-family homes, items that will not fit into a regular garbage or recycling receptacle, to be placed on private property adjacent to the City right-of-way for scheduled pickup, but only within 24 hours of that collection by a City employee or agent, or by the company holding the City's garbage and recycling franchise. The section is explicit that the bulky item itself may not be placed within the City right-of-way while it waits for collection, keeping sidewalks, parkways, and streets clear of couches, mattresses, and appliances set out too early.
The same litter section separately bars anyone from driving or moving an open vehicle or trailer within the City unless a tarp covers the load or the material is loaded so nothing can blow or fall onto a street, alley, or other public or private place, a companion rule aimed at the same kind of loose debris that unscheduled bulky-item dumping creates. 230.
Violations & Fines
Setting a bulky item out more than 24 hours before its scheduled pickup, or leaving it sitting in the City right-of-way instead of on private property, is a misdemeanor under Section 9.18.220, punishable under Chapter 1.12. The City may instead issue an administrative citation under Chapter 1.10 or seek a civil penalty under Section 9.18.230, with collected funds paid into the Environmental Storm Management Account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I put an old couch or mattress out for pickup in Cupertino?
Can I set my bulky item out a week early if I am going on vacation?
Does the litter ordinance cover loads I haul to the dump myself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
California rules heatmap·Compare Cupertino to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Bulk Item Disposal in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle bulk item disposal.