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

County Code Chapter 15.01 (Solid Waste Regulations) governs collection in the unincorporated area. Section 15.01.040 makes it unlawful for anyone to commercially collect solid waste or recyclables in the unincorporated county unless granted a franchise by the County or otherwise exempt. The code designates mandatory collection areas (where service is required), voluntary collection areas, and discretionary areas for parts of the unincorporated county not otherwise designated. Recology San Benito County is the exclusive franchise hauler for the mandatory service area, also serving Hollister and San Juan Bautista. Mandatory collection may be waived for specific premises only if an exemption is applied for and granted by the County Health Officer (or designee) — for example, residences with long, narrow or steep driveways the hauler cannot safely service. Recology asks customers to set containers out the night before or by 6:00 a.m. on the service day, since pickup times can vary by route. Bulky-item, household hazardous waste and electronic waste programs are offered through Recology and the County-owned John Smith Road Landfill (2650 John Smith Road, Hollister). Because Chapter 15.01 and the franchise apply only to the unincorporated area, the two incorporated cities administer their own collection rules even though Recology serves all three jurisdictions.