Alameda County, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Default method
- Authorized-hauler curbside service
- Self-haul
- Requires county approval first
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
- Enforcement
- Administrative citation & fines
Summary
Unincorporated Alameda County property owners must use curbside collection service from an authorized hauler; self-hauling trash or recyclables is unlawful unless the county specifically approves it first.
Self-hauling in place of curbside collection is only allowed if approved by the county in accordance with the county waste regulations.B.Any person that desires to be a self-hauler must meet and comply with all requirements as set forth in the county waste regulations. (Ord. No. 2021-48, § 2, 11-23-2021)
Full Breakdown
County Code § 6.40.110(A) makes curbside collection the default: self-hauling solid waste, recyclables, or organic waste in place of subscribing to curbside service is allowed only if the county approves it under the county's separately adopted waste regulations. Anyone who wants self-hauler status must meet and comply with every requirement those regulations set, per § 6.40.110(B). The rule covers unincorporated Alameda County outside the Castro Valley and Oro Loma Sanitary Districts, which administer their own SB 1383 collection programs, and does not apply inside any of the county's 14 incorporated cities.
Violations & Fines
Collecting or hauling waste without county approval, or ignoring the subscription requirement, is enforceable through administrative citations and fines under § 6.40.130.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I haul my own trash to the dump instead?
Does Castro Valley follow this same rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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