Santa Monica, CA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection frequency
- Trash, recycling, organics weekly
- Find your day
- City site or 311
- Holiday shift
- All collection one day later
- Bulk pickup
- 3 free yearly, 5 items each
- Set-out time
- After 4 p.m. prior day, by 7 a.m.
Summary
Santa Monica's Resource Recovery & Recycling team collects trash, recycling, and organics weekly on your assigned day. Confirm your day through the city or 311. When a holiday occurs, all collection is delayed one day.
39730.6. (a) Consistent with Section 39730.5, methane emissions reduction goals shall include the following targets to reduce the landfill disposal of organics: (1) A 50-percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2020. (2) A 75-percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2025. 42652.5. (a) The department ... shall adopt regulations to achieve the organic waste reduction goals for 2020 and 2025. ... (1) May require local jurisdictions to impose requirements on generators ... and may authorize local jurisdictions to impose penalties on generators for noncompliance.
Full Breakdown
Santa Monica's Resource Recovery & Recycling (RRR) division collects trash, recycling, and organics weekly for single-family homes; confirm your day on the city's Recycling and Trash pages or by calling 311 (866-311-7266). When a holiday occurs, pickup of all commodities and bulky items is delayed one day. Residents get up to three free bulky-item pickups per year, up to five items each; email 311@santamonica.gov with your address and item details and allow 7-10 days. Set containers out no earlier than 4 p.m. the day before and no later than 7 a.m. on collection day, and remove them from the street or alley by 8 p.m.
Violations & Fines
Containers may be set out no earlier than 4 p.m. the day before and must be out by 7 a.m. on collection day, then removed from the street or alley by 8 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is my trash pickup day in Santa Monica?
How do I request a bulky item pickup in Santa Monica?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pickup Rules & Schedules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle pickup rules & schedules.