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Merced, CA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Sec. 8.04.040
Rear-loader bulky pickup fee
$25.00 per request
Billing basis
Actual labor/equipment/landfill cost
Roll-off scheduled service minimum
90-day container rental
Roll-off unscheduled haul fee
$300.86 (2020-24 rate)

Summary

Items too large for regular containers must be removed through a special pickup arranged with Merced's solid waste collection division under Municipal Code Sec. 8.04.040. The city bills actual labor, equipment, and landfill costs, and lists a $25 rear-loader bulky waste pickup fee.

Solid waste, rubbish or waste matter, except as in this section provided, shall be kept in receptacles provided therefor between the times when the same shall be removed. Items which cannot conveniently be placed in containers, shall be disposed of by special pickup arranged with the solid waste collection division. Special pickup charges will be billed at the actual cost of labor, materials, equipment, and landfill charges incurred by the city in providing the service.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 - 1-26).

Full Breakdown

' Those bulky items must be disposed of by special pickup arranged directly with the city's solid waste collection division rather than set out with regular trash. The section makes clear that special pickup charges are billed at the city's actual cost of labor, materials, equipment, and landfill charges incurred in providing the service, so the fee is not fixed for every job. The Article II rate schedule under Sec. 00 listed under Sec. 230 for extra service or refilling of cans. 86 with a daily rental charge; landfill charges for the actual weight and type of material are added on top of those fees. Failing to arrange a special pickup and instead letting oversized waste accumulate on the property can trigger the accumulation violation in Sec. 160.

Violations & Fines

Placing bulky items curbside without arranging a special pickup, or leaving oversized waste piled on the property instead of scheduling collection through the solid waste division, violates Sec. 8.04.040 and can be charged as a violation of the accumulation prohibition in Sec. 8.04.160, enforceable under Chapter 1.12.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of a couch or mattress in Merced?
Arrange a special pickup with the city's solid waste collection division under Sec. 8.04.040, which covers items that cannot conveniently be placed in regular containers. The rate schedule lists a $25.00 rear-loader bulky waste pickup fee per request.
Does Merced charge extra for bulky item pickup?
Yes. Sec. 8.04.040 bills special pickups at the city's actual cost of labor, materials, equipment, and landfill charges, and the Article II rate table lists a $25.00 rear-loader bulky waste pickup fee plus a separate $25.00 residential special pickup fee.
Can I get a roll-off dumpster for a big cleanout in Merced?
Yes, through the city's rate schedule under Sec. 8.04.260, which offers 10, 20, and 30 cubic-yard roll-off containers. Scheduled service requires keeping the container at least 90 days; unscheduled hauls cost $300.86 per haul plus daily rental and landfill charges.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Merced

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