Tracy, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- TMC Section 5.20.130
- Materials placed
- comingled, single-stream
- Cart spacing
- 3 ft apart, 6 ft from obstacles
- Cart removal window
- 24 hours after pickup
- Commercial labeling deadline
- within 14 days of tenancy
Summary
Tracy Municipal Code Section 5.20.130 sets the actual mechanics of curbside recycling: generators on the three-container system must keep recyclable materials clean and separated from refuse and organic materials, then place them commingled in the City-issued recycling cart at curbside on their scheduled collection day.
Generators using the three-container collection system shall separate recyclable materials for collection and transport such that the materials are kept as clean as possible and segregated from all other refuse and organic materials. Recyclable materials shall be placed comingled in the designated recyclable materials container provided by the City's contractor. Generators shall place these containers at curbside for pickup on collection day as described in Section 5.20.100, unless otherwise permitted by the City.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 69).
Full Breakdown
130 spells out exactly how recyclables have to be handled before they reach the curb. 250. 130 requires recyclables to be placed comingled in the single designated recyclable materials cart supplied by the contractor. 100: carts go out at the resident's own property line, spaced three feet apart from each other and six feet from any vehicle or obstacle, with the handles facing the house and the wheels at least a foot back from the curb so runoff can drain. Once the contractor empties a cart, the resident has 24 hours to pull it back off the curb and store it behind a gate or at the side of the garage. Carts must stay clean, and lids need to stay closed so flies and wind-blown litter don't become a nuisance. 100.
Violations & Fines
Improperly prepared or contaminated recycling carts are flagged during the City's route reviews and compliance inspections under Section 5.20.250. A generator who fails to separate or comingle materials as Section 5.20.130 requires gets educational notice first, then a Notice of Violation with 60 days to correct it, and finally an administrative citation and fine under Chapter 1.28 if the problem isn't fixed, appealable under Sections 1.28.070 to 1.28.110.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sort my recyclables by type in Tracy?
How far from the curb should my recycling cart sit?
How soon do I have to bring my cart back in after pickup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tracy
California rules heatmap·Compare Tracy 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.