Pismo Beach, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Section 8.12.080 sets the frequency: all garbage or refuse of any kind must be removed by the city, its agent, employees, permittees or representatives at least once every seven days, unless otherwise directed by the director of public works. Section 8.12.100 A makes service mandatory. The city provides solid waste disposal service through its contract agent, and every place and premises in the city on which garbage or other solid waste is created, accumulated or produced must use the city's collection service. Joint or multiple use of solid waste containers is allowed, subject to conditions established by the city.

Subsection B answers who pays. The party responsible for payment for garbage service is the person who applied, or will apply, for water service to the place or premise, and the fees and charges are collected directly by the authorized contract agent unless a written agreement between the agent and the city says otherwise. Section 8.12.120 lets the contract agent collect from the occupant the fees and charges the council sets by resolution or in the agreement. If the fees are not paid, the agent has no obligation to collect until they are, and a firm, person or corporation that refuses to pay and neglects to remove the refuse as the chapter provides is guilty of a misdemeanor under § 8.12.330.

Subsection C is the relief valve. A party who considers the mandatory service provisions unjust or inequitable as applied to a particular place and premise applies to the city administrator, states the special circumstances, cites the provisions complained of and requests suspension or modification. The city administrator investigates and can take evidence. If the administrator finds the provision or charge unjust or inequitable, the administrator can suspend or modify it as of a date specified, for the period of the special circumstances. If the administrator finds no basis for relief, the applicant can appeal to the city council, whose decision is conclusive and final. For single-family premises, Chapter 8.13 adds a duty to subscribe to and pay for the city's three-container collection services (§ 8.13.030 A.1).