San Diego County, CA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

Bulky-item collection is provided by the County's non-exclusive franchise haulers rather than by a County-run program. The County's Residential Recycling page states that 'franchised waste haulers offer two free bulky item pickups per year for single family customers,' and for each bulky-item pickup 'customers may place up to three (3) items out for collection.' The County defines 'Bulky Items' as discarded furniture (chairs, sofas, mattresses, carpet, and similar items); appliances (refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers, water heaters, dishwashers, plumbing, small household appliances, commonly known as 'White Goods'); electronic waste (stereos, televisions, computers, and similar 'e-waste'); Residential Green Materials (wood waste, lumber, tree trunks, and large branches no more than 2 feet in diameter, 4 feet in length, and 50 pounds per bundle; scrap wood, in the aggregate not exceeding one cubic yard per collection unless the collector allows larger items); clothing; and tires. Bulky Items do NOT include car bodies, construction and demolition debris, or any item that cannot be handled by two persons. Items needing special handling (mattresses, paint, carpet) may have separate requirements. To use the benefit, residents contact their franchised hauler to schedule. The County also notes resources for special-handling materials and certified collectors.