Black Bin (Trash)
Place at the curb by 5:00 a.m. Lids must be securely closed to prevent wind-blown litter. Keep at least 4-5 feet of clearance from other bins and obstacles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Compostable cups and utensils
- ✓Pet waste
- ✓Palm fronds
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Styrofoam
Blue Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be clean, empty, and dry. Do not bag recyclables in plastic.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean, unsoiled paper
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Empty metal cans
- ✓Empty glass bottles and jars
- ✓Clean rigid plastics
Do NOT Include
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, cords)
- ✕Hazardous waste
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
No plastic bags, rocks, soil, pet waste, or palm fronds. Materials must fit inside the green cart with the lid closed.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food scraps (meat, dairy, produce)
- ✓Food-soiled uncoated paper (napkins, pizza boxes)
- ✓BPI 6400 series compostable bags
- ✓Leaves, grass, and weeds
- ✓Tree trimmings (under 4 feet long and 6 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
3 Large Items AND 3 Cleanups Annually
Placement
Place items at the curb by 5:00 a.m. on your scheduled cleanup day. Stack items in a single pile at least 5 feet away from your normal garbage carts.
Accepted
- ✓ Appliances and electronics
- ✓ Televisions and tires
- ✓ Mattresses and furniture
- ✓ Extra bagged trash (under 50 lbs per bag during cleanups)
- ✓ Bundled branches (under 4 feet long)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Single cleanup items over 50 lbs or longer than 4 feet
- ✕ Large tree trunks and stumps
- ✕ Rocks, dirt, and concrete
- ✕ Hazardous waste and liquids
These cleanups and bulk pickups are free. If you exceed the annual limit, additional pickups can be scheduled for a fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Benicia only observes New Year's Day and Christmas Day. If your pickup day falls on or after one of these holidays, service is delayed by one day for the rest of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as the landfill cart.
The Republic Services business office closes for other holidays (like Thanksgiving and Independence Day), but collection routes will still run on their normal schedule for those days.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
BPI 6400 Series Bags Only
Unlike some cities that accept a wide range of bio-plastics, Benicia only permits compostable bags that are certified as BPI 6400 series [2.1.2]. Compostable utensils and cups are never allowed in the green cart and will contaminate the compost.
Palm Fronds and Pet Waste Are Trash
Although they come from nature, palm fronds are too fibrous to break down in commercial composting facilities. Pet waste contains harmful pathogens. Both must be disposed of in your black landfill cart.
Use Cardboard Boxes for Extra Yard Waste
If you fill up your green cart, you can schedule one of your four free annual recycling/yard waste cleanups. Do not use plastic bags for overflow; place extra leaves and clippings in paper bags or cardboard boxes (max 32 gallons and 50 lbs).
Seasonal Information
Summer
AugustThe City of Benicia and Republic Services periodically host Free Compost Giveaways (often at Alvarez Ninth Street Park) for residents [2.2.2]. Appointments are required to reduce waiting times, so watch for mailers or check the Republic Services website.
Winter
December - JanuaryHoliday schedules only shift for Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Cut holiday trees into pieces smaller than 4 feet in length and place them in your green organics cart, ensuring all lights, tinsel, and stands are removed.
About Benicia Waste Management
Early Curbside Setup in the Carquinez Strait
Because Benicia sits right on the Carquinez Strait, local winds can easily scatter loose trash. Republic Services requires all residential carts to be placed at the curb by 5:00 a.m. on collection day—earlier than many neighboring Solano County cities. Residents must ensure lids are completely closed, and leave at least four to five feet of clearance between carts to accommodate the automated trucks.
Benicia's Unique Curbside HHW Program
Disposing of hazardous chemicals usually means driving to a county facility, but Benicia offers an incredibly convenient curbside Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program. Residents can simply schedule an appointment online via Calendly. Republic Services will then mail special packaging to your home so you can safely box up oil-based paints, pool chemicals, and car batteries for a scheduled curbside haul-away.
Generous Bulk and Cleanup Allowances
Benicia boasts one of the most generous bulk waste programs in the region. Every year, residents can schedule up to three free 'Large Item Pickups' for individual bulky goods like mattresses, appliances, or TVs. On top of that, you can book up to three free 'Trash Cleanups' annually, allowing you to discard up to four cubic yards of bagged overflow garbage per scheduled event.
Strict SB 1383 Organics Rules
In compliance with California's SB 1383, Benicia mandates weekly organics recycling via the Green cart. While all food scraps and food-soiled uncoated paper (like pizza boxes) are accepted, the city has highly specific rules for compostable products: only BPI 6400 series compostable bags are allowed. Compostable cups and utensils are strictly prohibited and must go in the landfill bin.
Drop-off Facilities
Benicia Curbside HHW Collection
Your Curbside (By Appointment Only)
Materials Accepted
Vision Recycling (Benicia)
1460 Goodyear Rd, Benicia, CA 94510
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I safely dispose of hazardous waste in Benicia?
You do not need to drive to a dump. Benicia residents can schedule a curbside Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) pickup by appointment through Calendly. Republic Services will mail you special packaging to safely box up items like pool chemicals, car batteries, and oil-based paint for your scheduled haul-away.
What is the difference between a 'Large Item Pickup' and a 'Trash Cleanup'?
Benicia offers both for free. You get three 'Large Item Pickups' annually for massive single items like mattresses, appliances, or TVs. Separately, you get three 'Trash Cleanups' annually, where you can put out up to four cubic yards (about 18 bags) of general overflow trash or yard waste.
Can I throw compostable silverware into the green organics bin?
No. While Benicia allows food-soiled uncoated paper and specific BPI 6400 series compostable bags, all compostable cups and utensils are strictly prohibited in the green cart and must be thrown in the black landfill cart.
Will my trash be picked up on Thanksgiving Day in Benicia?
Yes. Republic Services only delays residential trash collection for New Year's Day and Christmas Day. On Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Memorial Day, you must have your carts at the curb by 5:00 a.m. as usual.