San Benito County, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Mandatory areas
- Residential areas of 10+ lots
- Provider
- Exclusive franchise collector only
- Exemptions
- Vacant land, full recycling/composting, opt-out proof
- Applies to
- Unincorporated San Benito County only
Summary
In designated mandatory areas of unincorporated San Benito County, the exclusive franchise collector must pick up trash from every property whether or not the owner requested service, with narrow exemptions.
(a) The exclusive franchise collector shall collect all solid waste generated from all residential, commercial and industrial properties in the unincorporated county as designated on Exhibit A ... regardless of whether or not these services were requested by the affected property owner or tenant. (b) All residential county service areas consisting of ten lots or more ... shall be designated mandatory solid waste and recycling collection areas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
County Code makes solid waste collection mandatory in designated service areas of unincorporated San Benito County: the exclusive franchise collector must collect from all residential, commercial, and industrial properties in areas mapped on Exhibit A or set by Board resolution, regardless of whether the property owner or tenant requested service. Any residential county service area of ten lots or more is automatically a mandatory collection area. Exemptions exist for undeveloped/vacant property, premises where all waste is recycled or composted, and properties with driveways the collector can't safely access, plus an opt-out for those who can document lawful disposal elsewhere. This mandatory scheme applies only outside Hollister and San Juan Bautista.
Violations & Fines
Collecting solid waste commercially without the required franchise, or otherwise violating this chapter, is a misdemeanor under the county's general penalty clause: a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse trash service in San Benito County?
Who is allowed to collect trash in the unincorporated county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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