San Rafael, CA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- SRMC §§ 9.19.030, 9.19.280
- Debris box size
- 10 to 40 cubic yards
- Franchise carve-out
- Debris box service is open
- Excluded
- Abandoned vehicles, hazardous waste
Summary
San Rafael routes oversize items like furniture and appliances to debris box service since they're too large for normal cart collection, and lets outside companies provide that service.
"Bulky waste" means large items of solid waste such as appliances (white goods), e-waste... furniture, tires, carpets, mattresses... large auto parts, trees, branches, stumps, and other oversize wastes whose large size precludes or complicates their handling by normal collection... The award of a contract hereunder shall grant the authorized collector... the exclusive right to collect, transport and dispose of all solid waste... provided further, however, that debris box service for construction and temporary cleanup purposes may be provided by persons other than the authorized collector.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
SRMC § 9.19.030 defines 'bulky waste' as large items such as appliances, e-waste, furniture, tires, carpets, mattresses, large auto parts, and tree limbs whose size 'precludes or complicates' normal collection, and defines a 'debris box' as a 10-to-40 cubic yard container procured by the generator for their own waste. Under § 9.19.280, the city's authorized collector holds an exclusive franchise over solid waste collection, but debris box service for construction and temporary cleanup purposes is expressly carved out and may be provided by companies other than the franchised collector.
Violations & Fines
General Chapter 9.19 penalties apply: administrative citation with escalating fines up to $500 per § 9.19.400, or a misdemeanor after repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the city's regular trash hauler for a furniture pickup?
Does bulky waste include old cars?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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