Union City uses an exclusive franchise system. Republic Services provides landfill (garbage) collection and Tri-CED Community Recycling provides recycle and compost collection. Weekly service through the franchise is mandatory under UCMC Ch. 7.04.
Under UCMC Chapter 7.04, solid waste, recycling, and organics collection within Union City is provided exclusively through a City franchise (§7.04.040). Republic Services (510-657-3500) handles landfill/garbage collection and billing; Tri-CED Community Recycling (510-429-8030), at 33377 Western Ave., partners with Republic Services for recycling and compost collection. All residential and commercial premises must subscribe to weekly landfill, recycle, and compost service. Collection by an unfranchised private hauler is prohibited; only the franchisee may collect waste set out for service. Service runs the same weekday weekly, with one-day delays for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. As of July 2025, residential collection is billed directly by Republic Services rather than through property taxes. General questions: Union City Recycles, 510-675-5433.
Collecting solid waste, recyclables, or organics without being the City's franchisee violates UCMC §7.04.040 and is an infraction, with fines escalating up to $500 for repeat violations. Hiring an unauthorized hauler is likewise prohibited under the exclusive-franchise provisions.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Union City does not restrict backyard composting, and its Water Efficient Landscape ordinance (UCMC 18.112) requires compost in permitted landscape installat...
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Union City has no ordinance banning artificial turf on private property, and California Civil Code 4735 voids HOA rules prohibiting synthetic grass. For perm...
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Union City's Water Efficient Landscape ordinance (UCMC Chapter 18.112) implements California's MWELO. New landscapes of 500+ sq ft and rehab projects of 2,50...
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Union City does not prohibit residential rainwater capture. California's Rainwater Capture Act allows rooftop collection without a water right, and the City'...
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Union City's water purveyor is the Alameda County Water District (ACWD), serving the Tri-City area. ACWD enforces permanent water-waste prohibitions year-rou...
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All weeds on streets, sidewalks, and private property in Union City are declared a public nuisance under UCMC Chapter 7.08. The Fire Chief gives a ten-day no...
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