Bakersfield, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Bakersfield Municipal Code § 8.32.150(A) makes it the duty of every property owner, single-family, multifamily or commercial, to arrange proper collection and disposal of discarded materials generated on the premises. Generators must participate by sorting solid waste, recyclables and organic materials into the correct container as described in Section 8.32.130; the city manager or designee sets the actual routes and collection days under Section 8.32.200(B) and can change them with notice. Property owners cannot simply haul their own trash: Section 8.32.140(C) reserves collection to the authorized collector unless a person is an approved self-hauler, and self-haul status under § 8.32.150(A)(1)(a) requires meeting the requirements in Section 8.32.140.

Commercial businesses and multifamily property owners carry extra duties under § 8.32.150(B): they must annually inform employees, contractors, tenants and customers about organic-waste sorting rules, give new tenants education materials within fourteen days of move-in describing container locations and sorting rules, and provide the city access for inspections under Section 8.32.190. A single-family owner needing a smaller cart or alternate pickup location for medical reasons can request a medical assistance accommodation under § 8.32.150(C) with physician verification. Commercial and multifamily generators facing practical hardship may apply for a de minimis or other waiver under Section 8.32.160 rather than simply skip service.