San Jose, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum frequency
- Once per week, occupied or not
- Collection hours
- 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. only
- Weekend service
- No regular Sat/Sun collection
- Hauler
- City-authorized collector only (§9.10.1000)
- Oversight
- Director sets service level (§9.10.1030)
Summary
Every residential property in San Jose must have weekly solid waste, recycling, and organic materials collection whether or not the home is occupied or waste is set out, and regular pickup never happens on Saturday or Sunday.
Each Residential Premises in the City shall be provided Solid Waste, Recyclable Materials, and Organic Materials collection services at least once per week regardless of whether the Premises are occupied and regardless of whether Solid Wastes are set out for collection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
San Jose Municipal Code § 9.10.1010 makes weekly collection mandatory at every residential premises: owners cannot refuse or block pickup of trash, recyclables, and organic material, and every household must subscribe to and pay for the city's standard service. Under § 9.10.1020, crews may only collect residential waste between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and no regular collection runs on Saturdays or Sundays; a special weekend pickup requires the generator's request and sign-off from the director or health officer. The Director sets frequency, which must be at least once weekly per § 9.10.1030.
Violations & Fines
Owners who refuse or block collection violate § 9.10.1010(B); setting out waste on Saturday/Sunday without director approval, or using unauthorized haulers instead of the city's collection agreement under § 9.10.1000, also violates the code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I opt out of weekly trash collection in San Jose?
What time can trash trucks run in San Jose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Collection Schedule in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle collection schedule.