Santa Clara County, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum frequency
- Once per week
- Covers
- Homes, complexes, businesses
- Service start deadline
- Within 7 days of occupancy
- Hauler
- Must be county-permitted
Summary
Unincorporated Santa Clara County requires garbage and organic waste to be removed from homes and apartment complexes at least once a week, by a permitted refuse collector.
All garbage and putrescible organic waste created, produced, deposited, placed, or accumulated in or about any dwelling or other premises of four units or less, where refuse producers reside must be properly disposed and removed from the premises at least once each week. All garbage and putrescible organic waste created, produced, or accumulated at any apartment complex or nonresidential premises must be properly contained and removed from the premises at least once each week, or more often if necessary to ensure adequate refuse collection service, as defined in Section B11-160(b). In areas served by refuse collectors under permit, removal of garbage and putrescible organic waste may be conducted only by the permitted refuse collector, except as specified in this Chapter.
(Ord. No. NS-517.94, § 1, 12-7-21)
Sec. B11-181. - Disposal and storage of refuse. All refuse collected or generated from the unincorporated area must be delivered to, or disposed at, a properly permitted disposal facility, transfer station, or other facility authorized by the Director. No person may produce or store refuse of any kind in a manner that would represent a threat to the public or environmental health as determined by the Director.
(Ord. No. NS-517.94, § 1, 12-7-21)
Sec. B11-182. - Interfering with refuse collection service.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Ordinance Code § B11-180 requires that garbage and putrescible organic waste at a dwelling or other premises of four units or less be disposed of and removed at least once each week; the same weekly minimum applies to apartment complexes and nonresidential premises, which must be removed more often if needed for adequate service. Where the county has permitted a refuse collector to serve an area, only that collector may remove the waste, except as otherwise specified. Section B11-176 also requires new occupants to start collection service within seven days of moving in. The chapter applies to unincorporated Santa Clara County; the incorporated cities run their own collection programs.
Violations & Fines
Failing to arrange required weekly removal, or having unpermitted haulers collect refuse in a permitted area, violates Chapter IX; the Director can require corrective action, and Code violations are punishable as a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 per day and up to six months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I haul my own trash instead of using a collector?
Does this weekly rule apply inside San Jose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.