San Jose, CA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Max pile size
- 5 feet, any dimension
- Curb setback
- at least 1 foot from curb
- Corner lots
- side-street setout allowed
- Ineligible premises
- must use containers, not piles
- Governing section
- SJMC § 9.10.1080
Summary
San Jose caps curbside yard waste piles at five feet in any dimension and requires them set at least one foot from the curb, or bagged/binned where in-street placement isn't allowed.
Except as provided in subsection B., the Owner of a Residential Premises or the Generator of Yard Waste at such Premises may set out Yard Waste for collection by the City's authorized Yard Waste collector by placing the Yard Waste or the Yard Waste container in the street in front of the Residential Premises where the Yard Waste were generated or, if the Residential Premises is on a corner lot, the set-out may be in the portion of the street that is along the side of the Premises. The Yard Waste shall be set out in piles that do not exceed five (5) feet in any dimension and shall be placed not less than one (1) foot from the curb or the edge of the street.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Under San Jose Municipal Code § 9.10.1080(A), owners or generators of yard waste at residential premises may set it out for collection by placing it, or a yard waste container, in the street in front of the premises (or along the side street on a corner lot), in piles no larger than five feet in any dimension and at least one foot from the curb. Where the director has determined a premises ineligible for in-street placement, § 9.10.1080(B) requires containerized yard waste set on the parkway instead. "Yard waste" is grass, weeds, leaves, tree trimmings and similar landscaping debris under § 9.10.380.
Violations & Fines
San Jose's code makes chapter 9.10 violations a misdemeanor by default (up to $1,000 fine or six months jail) under § 1.08.010, or an administrative/civil citation under § 9.10.3040.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a yard waste pile be at the curb in San Jose?
What if my address can't use in-street yard waste piles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose 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.