Santa Monica, CA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum bundle length
- 4 feet
- Maximum bundle weight
- 40 pounds
- Palm fronds
- May be placed loose (no container required)
- Ashes
- Must be thoroughly wet before placement
- Single-item weight limit
- 40 pounds per item outside a container
Summary
Tree limbs, brush, and yard trimmings set out for Santa Monica collection must be cut to no more than 4 feet in length and tied in bundles not exceeding 40 pounds. Palm fronds do not need to be placed in containers.
Palm fronds need not be placed in containers. Tree limbs, brush, bush, tree trimmings, broken furniture, carpet, and padding shall be no more than four feet in length and shall be securely tied in bundles not to exceed 40 pounds in weight. Wooden boxes, wooden crates, and paper cartons shall be broken and tied in bundles not to exceed 40 pounds in weight. Ashes shall be thoroughly wet before being placed into any container. Rubbish not in a container placed on the parkway or alley shall not extend into the street nor be placed on any portion of the sidewalk and may be subject to a special collection charge. (b) The combined weight of any one container, except City furnished bins or containers, and its contents, shall not exceed 40 pounds. The amount of rubbish placed for collection shall not exceed four cubic yards per collection.
Full Breakdown
Yard waste and rubbish placed on the parkway or alley must not extend into the street or sidewalk; items placed there are subject to a special collection charge. Wooden boxes and paper cartons must be broken apart and tied in bundles under 40 pounds. Ashes must be thoroughly wet before placement in any container. No single refuse item placed outside a container may exceed 40 pounds.
Violations & Fines
Items not meeting preparation requirements may be subject to a special collection charge or may not be collected. General refuse violations are enforceable as infractions or misdemeanors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare tree trimmings for City pickup?
Do palm fronds need to go in a bin?
Can I leave a large pile of yard waste on the parkway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Yard Waste Collection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle yard waste collection.