Santa Cruz, CA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

Trash collection in unincorporated Santa Cruz County is mandatory under the County's Universal Service requirement, codified in County Code Chapter 7.20 (Solid Waste) and adopted via Ordinance 5383 (2021). All developed properties outside the cities of Santa Cruz, Capitola, Scotts Valley, and Watsonville must either subscribe to curbside collection of trash, recycling, and organics through the County's franchised hauler, GreenWaste Recovery (831-426-2711), or register as a self-hauler with the County. The ordinance took effect January 1, 2022, and the County has set November 1, 2026 as the deadline before fines are assessed for non-compliance. GreenWaste provides weekly curbside service to single-family residential customers, with gray garbage carts available in 20-, 32-, 64-, or 96-gallon sizes. All materials must be ready for collection no later than 5 AM on the customer's normal collection day, and waste should fit inside the container with the lid closed; extra garbage can be placed in 32-gallon bags next to the cart for an additional charge. Self-haulers pay an annual registration fee (about $46) and transport separated materials to approved facilities such as the Buena Vista Landfill or Ben Lomond Transfer Station, with a minimum per-visit disposal charge. The Universal Service mandate implements California Senate Bill 1383, which requires jurisdictions to provide organics and recycling collection to cut landfill methane.