Berkeley Zero Waste Division provides weekly curbside collection of refuse, recycling, and compost. Carts must be at the curb by 6 a.m. on the scheduled day and removed by the end of collection day.
The City of Berkeley's Zero Waste Division (Public Works) handles residential garbage, recycling, and organics collection under BMC Chapter 11.28. Service is billed through the refuse fee on your utility bill and is tied to the size of your gray refuse cart. Recycling (split blue carts for paper and containers) and green compost carts are collected weekly at no extra fee. Carts must be placed curbside no earlier than the night before and by 6 a.m. on pickup day, with handles facing the house and at least three feet between carts for the automated truck arm. Berkeley operates on a holiday schedule that shifts collection by one day for major holidays. Residents can check schedules and request cart exchanges by calling (510) 981-7270 or using the Zero Waste online portal.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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