Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Mandatory service code
Sacramento County Code 6.20.120
Garbage/organics frequency
Weekly
Recycling frequency
Every other week
Set-out time
By 6 a.m. on collection day
2025 monthly rate range
$36.63 (30 gal) to $49.85 (90 gal)
Provider
DWMR or County franchisee

Summary

Subscription to garbage, recycling, and organics collection is mandatory for improved parcels in unincorporated Sacramento County. Garbage and organics are collected weekly and recycling every other week by DWMR or a County franchisee, with carts out by 6 a.m. on collection day.

City-specific rules exist: Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove, and Sacramento have their own pickup rules & schedules rules that differ from Sacramento County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

39730.5.

(a) No later than January 1, 2018, the state board shall approve and begin implementing the comprehensive short-lived climate pollutant strategy developed pursuant to Section 39730 to achieve a reduction in the statewide emissions of methane by 40 percent, hydrofluorocarbon gases by 40 percent, and anthropogenic black carbon by 50 percent below 2013 levels by 2030.

(b) Prior to approving the short-lived climate pollutant strategy pursuant to subdivision (a), the state board shall do all of the following:

(1) Coordinate with other state and local agencies and districts to develop measures identified as part of the strategy.

(2) Provide a forum for public engagement by holding at least three public hearings in geographically diverse locations throughout the state.

(3) Evaluate the b

Source: Sacramento County Residential Waste ServicesView official code

Full Breakdown

In unincorporated Sacramento County, the Sacramento County Code makes solid waste service mandatory. 120, the owner, tenant, or occupant of every improved parcel in the unincorporated area must subscribe to solid waste, recyclable material, and organic material collection service provided by the Department of Waste Management & Recycling (DWMR) or a County franchisee, with limited exceptions. Each separate residential or business unit must subscribe or participate in a subscription. The County Code also generally requires that solid waste created at residences and fixed-location businesses be removed at least once every seven days, and prohibits dumping or accumulating solid waste, recyclables, or organics on public or private property without consent and outside the chapter's rules.

For collection, garbage and organics carts are picked up weekly and recycling every other week. on the scheduled collection day (including holidays per the County's calendar), out no more than 24 hours before collection, and returned to the property within 24 hours afterward. 85 for a 90-gallon cart, with recycling and organics carts included. Contact DWMR at 916-875-5555.

Violations & Fines

Failing to subscribe to mandatory service, illegally dumping or accumulating waste, or violating curbside timing rules can result in enforcement under the Sacramento County Code, including penalties and required corrective action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is trash service required in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Yes. Sacramento County Code 6.20.120 requires every improved parcel in the unincorporated area to subscribe to solid waste, recyclable, and organic material collection through DWMR or a County franchisee, with limited exceptions.
When are my carts collected?
Garbage and organics carts are collected weekly and recycling every other week. Your specific collection day depends on your address. Sacramento County assigns days by route, so look yours up with the County SacGreenTeam app or the Waste Management & Recycling site (wmr.saccounty.gov). Place carts at the curb by 6 a.m. on your scheduled day.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sacramento County

All Sacramento County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview

Get notified when Pickup Rules & Schedules in Sacramento County, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Pickup Rules & Schedules in Cities Across Sacramento County