Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Ceres, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Recycling cart
Required per residential unit
Collection frequency
At least weekly
Authorized collector
City's franchised hauler only
Scavenging fine
Up to $500.00 infraction

Summary

Every Ceres home and small multifamily property must keep a dedicated blue recycling cart alongside its garbage and organics carts, serviced weekly under the city's franchised hauler contract.

Owners or residents of single-family residential dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, or apartment houses of four units or less shall maintain upon their premises at least one grey/black cart for garbage, one blue cart for recyclables, and one green cart for organics material collection per residential unit of a type and size provided by the arranger/transporter and approved by the Public Works Director.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 4).

Full Breakdown

Ceres Municipal Code § 6.01.020 requires owners and residents of single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and four-unit-or-fewer apartment buildings to maintain a grey/black garbage cart, a blue recyclables cart, and a green organics cart per unit, sized as approved by the Public Works Director. Larger apartment complexes and commercial or industrial properties must provide equivalent three-stream capacity. Only the city's authorized recycling agent may collect material from curbside carts; scavenging recyclables out of a cart is an infraction under § 6.01.150.

Violations & Fines

Failing to maintain the required recycling cart violates § 6.01.030's receptacle-maintenance duty. Scavenging or removing recyclables from a curbside cart is an infraction under § 6.01.150, punishable by a fine up to $500.00.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a recycling cart mandatory in Ceres?
Yes. Ceres Municipal Code § 6.01.020 requires every residential and commercial premises to maintain a blue recyclables cart along with garbage and organics carts.
Can I let someone else take my recyclables?
No. Only the City's authorized recycling agent may collect from curbside carts; scavenging is an infraction fineable up to $500 under § 6.01.150.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ceres

All Ceres rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Ceres to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview

Get notified when Recycling Requirements in Ceres, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.