West Sacramento, CA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Yard trimmings
- bundle, no bag required
- Loose leaves
- compostable bag outside bin
- Garbage/recyclables
- must stay in city containers
- Penalty
- up to $500 fine
Summary
West Sacramento exempts bundled yard trimmings and cardboard from the leak-proof container rule that applies to garbage, recyclables and organic waste, and lets residents set out leaves in a compostable bag instead of a bin.
For residential service, all garbage, recyclables and organic waste must be placed in containers provided by the city or city's collector, except that yard trimmings and cardboard may be bundled and leaves may be placed in a compostable bag outside containers.
D. Each container lid must close tightly over the container, which shall not be overfilled.
E. No hazardous or biomedical waste shall be deposited into any container provided by the city. Hazardous or biomedical waste must be handled and disposed of in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations.
F. Recyclables and organic waste meant to be diverted from landfill disposal shall each be separated from garbage at the source of generation.
G. The city may adopt standards for the capacity and type of containers and enclosure to be used. In establishing standards, the city shall consider health and safety factors, the nature and extent of the activity conducted on the property, the type of solid waste produced or accumulated, and the location or other physical characteristics of the property. (Ord. 21-21 § 2)
Full Breakdown
West Sacramento's solid waste code requires garbage, recyclables and organic waste to stay in leak-proof, covered containers, but Municipal Code § 8.08.110 carves out yard trimmings and bundled cardboard from that rule. Residential customers can bundle brush and cardboard for curbside pickup instead of stuffing it in a cart, and loose leaves may go out in a compostable bag rather than a bin. The exemption applies citywide in the City of West Sacramento, Yolo County, not in unincorporated Yolo County, which sets its own rules. Everything else, including bagged garbage placed in bins or drop boxes, must stay covered and leak-proof under the same section.
Violations & Fines
Loose yard debris that spills onto sidewalks or streets can still be cited as a nuisance under § 8.08.100; general violations of Chapter 8.08 carry a misdemeanor fine up to $500 or an administrative penalty of up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bag grass clippings for pickup in West Sacramento?
What happens if I just leave yard waste in the gutter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare West Sacramento to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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