Contra Costa County, CA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

Contra Costa County Code Chapter 418-2 establishes mandatory solid waste collection through exclusive franchise agreements administered by the County Department of Conservation and Development. Unincorporated areas are served by franchised haulers including Republic Services (most of central and east county) and Mt. Diablo Recycling/Resource Recovery. Collection days are assigned by route; residents receive weekly service for trash, recycling, and organics. Carts must be placed curbside by 6:00 AM on the scheduled collection day with at least three feet of clearance from obstacles. Empty carts must be removed from the public right-of-way within 24 hours of collection. Holiday schedules typically delay service by one day for New Year's, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Subscription to hauler service is mandatory for occupied residences under Ordinance Code Section 418-6.002.