Cupertino, CA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 9.18.215
- Lid rule
- Must be completely closed, no over-filling
- Yard waste exception
- Partial lid open only for oversized branches
- Food waste exception
- None; lid must stay fully closed
- Violation classification
- Misdemeanor under Chapter 1.12
Summary
Cupertino requires outdoor trash, recycling, and yard waste receptacles to stay closed so material is not scattered by wind or animals. Section 9.18.215 gives residential yard waste bins one exception: the lid may sit partially open if branches or limbs will not fit with it closed, but a yard waste bin holding any food waste must stay fully closed when not being serviced.
Persons placing material intended for disposal or recycling in any public or privately authorized outdoor receptacle shall ensure that the lid is maintained completely closed. The over-filling of any outdoor receptacle intended for, but not limited to, trash, compostable organics and recyclables, in a manner that does not allow the lid to be completely closed is prohibited. The lid of a residential yard waste bin may be left partially open so long as the greater part of the yard and tree trimmings are contained if it is necessary to leave the lid partially open due to the branches or limbs not fitting completely into the bin with the lid closed. Yard waste bins containing food waste must be left with lids completely closed when not being serviced.
Full Breakdown
18 Litter Prevention and Enforcement provisions, requires anyone placing material for disposal or recycling in a public or privately authorized outdoor receptacle to keep the lid completely closed, and it bars over-filling any trash, compostable organics, or recyclables receptacle to the point the lid will not close. The section carves out one exception for residential yard waste: the lid may be left partially open when branches or limbs from yard and tree trimmings will not fit into the bin with the lid closed, so long as the greater part of the material is still contained.
That leeway disappears the moment food waste goes into the bin: a yard waste bin containing food waste must be left with its lid completely closed whenever it is not actively being serviced, because open food waste attracts pests and rodents that the City's property-maintenance and stormwater rules are separately designed to discourage. The same section also requires anyone occupying or owning property to keep the premises and the sidewalk in front of it free of loose litter, and it makes anyone sharing a public recycling, compost, and trash 'Trio' responsible for emptying it before it overflows. 12 of the Municipal Code.
Violations & Fines
Overfilling a yard waste bin so its lid will not close, or leaving food waste in an open yard waste bin between services, is a misdemeanor under Section 9.18.220, punishable under Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code. The City may instead pursue an administrative citation under Chapter 1.10, or a civil penalty under Section 9.18.230 in amounts set by Government Code Sections 54740 and 54740.5, with funds routed to the Environmental Storm Management Account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my yard waste bin lid open if branches stick out?
What if my yard waste bin also has food scraps in it?
Am I responsible for litter on the sidewalk in front of my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
California rules heatmap·Compare Cupertino to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Yard Waste Collection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle yard waste collection.