Palo Alto, CA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Hauler
- GreenWaste of Palo Alto
- Set-out time
- By 6:00 AM on pickup day
- Remove carts
- Within 24 hours after pickup
- Cart spacing
- 3 feet apart, 3 feet from obstacles
- Rate model
- Pay-As-You-Throw by cart size
Summary
GreenWaste of Palo Alto collects garbage, recycling, and compost weekly on assigned routes. Residents must place carts at the curb by 6:00 AM on pickup day and remove them within 24 hours.
SB 1383, Lara. Short-lived climate pollutants: methane emissions: dairy and livestock: organic waste: landfills. This bill would require the state board, no later than January 1, 2018, to approve and begin implementing that comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants to achieve a reduction in methane by 40%, hydrofluorocarbon gases by 40%, and anthropogenic black carbon by 50% below 2013 levels by 2030, as specified. The bill also would establish specified targets for reducing organic waste in landfills.
Full Breakdown
Palo Alto contracts with GreenWaste of Palo Alto to provide weekly collection of garbage (gray cart), mixed recycling (blue cart), and organics/compost (green cart) to residential customers under Chapter 5.20 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code. Pickup days are assigned by neighborhood and can be looked up on the GreenWaste customer portal. Carts must be set at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day and must be removed from the public right-of-way within 24 hours after collection. Carts should be placed at least three feet apart and three feet from obstructions to allow automated arm pickup. Lids must close fully, no overflowing materials, and hazardous waste, batteries, and electronics may not be placed in any cart. Missed pickups should be reported to GreenWaste within 24 hours. Service levels can be adjusted to 20-gallon, 32-gallon, 64-gallon, or 96-gallon carts; smaller carts receive rate discounts under the citys Pay-As-You-Throw structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Palo Altos trash hauler?
When do I set my carts out?
What if I miss my pickup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palo Alto
California rules heatmap·Compare Palo Alto to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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