Ridgecrest, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum frequency
- every 14 days
- Subscription
- mandatory, all premises
- Rate setting
- franchisee, council-approved
- Compliance window
- 60 days after notice
Summary
Every home, church, and business in Ridgecrest must subscribe to the city's franchise hauler for trash, recycling, and organic waste collection, with pickup at least once every 14 days, under Kern County, California city code.
Every responsible party in possession, charge, or control of a single family or multifamily residential establishment, church, business, commercial, or industrial establishment shall subscribe for and pay the franchisee for solid waste, recyclable materials and organic materials collection and disposal at such rates as may be set by the franchisee and approved by resolution of the city council. ... The franchisee shall collect discarded materials from commercial and residential premises at least once every 14 days, or as otherwise determine by the franchise agreement or city issued waiver.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 13-22(a)(1) makes hauler subscription mandatory for every single-family or multifamily residence, church, business, commercial, or industrial establishment in the city, at rates the franchisee sets and the city council approves by resolution. Sec. 13-22(a)(5) sets a floor of collection at least once every 14 days from residential and commercial premises, unless the franchise agreement or a city waiver sets a different schedule. Reducing on-site waste or composting does not excuse the subscription requirement.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement runs through Sec. 13-33: the city issues a notice of violation, requires compliance within 60 days, and may assess a citation and fine at its discretion for noncompliance with Chapter 13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I opt out of trash service if I compost at home?
How often must my hauler pick up trash in Ridgecrest?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ridgecrest
California rules heatmap·Compare Ridgecrest to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Collection Schedule in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kern County handle collection schedule.