Sacramento provides weekly curbside collection of garbage, recycling, and organic waste through the Department of Utilities. The City uses a three-cart system: black for garbage, blue for recycling, and green for organic waste and yard trimmings. Collection occurs Monday through Friday depending on the service area. SB 1383 compliance requires all residents to participate in organic waste recycling.
Each household receives three wheeled carts. Carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day with lids closed and at least 3 feet from other objects. The City provides weekly collection for all three streams. Excess garbage beyond the cart capacity requires scheduling a special pickup or use of extra bags with purchased bag tags. Bulky items require separate scheduling. California SB 1383 mandates organic waste diversion, and Sacramento's green cart program fulfills this requirement. Cart sizes can be adjusted by contacting the Department of Utilities.
Failure to sort recyclables and organics from garbage may result in contamination notices and educational outreach. Persistent contamination may lead to service warnings. Improper set-out (blocking sidewalks, early placement) can result in non-collection.
Sacramento, CA
The City of Sacramento does not have a stand-alone movable tiny house (THOW) ordinance like neighboring West Sacramento's Ordinance 24-9. Tiny homes are only...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento regulates carports under City Code Chapter 17.624 (Residential Accessory Structure and Use Regulations). Attached carports are governed by section...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento treats above-ground pools the same as in-ground pools when water exceeds 18 inches deep. A building permit, manufacturer's specs, retractable ladd...
Sacramento, CA
Per Sacramento City Code 9.16.090, all pools and spas need a 60-inch barrier with a self-latching gate. New or remodeled pools at single-family homes must ha...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento sheds under 120 sq ft don't need a building permit (Sac. City Code §15.20). Max 18 ft overall height, 10 ft wall height, min 4 ft from main house,...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento enforces both state law (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§115920-115929) and Sacramento City Code 15.64.070, which require every swimming pool or spa t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle pickup rules & schedules.
See how Sacramento's pickup rules & schedules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.