Black Bin (Trash)
All waste must fit inside the cart with the lid closed securely. Overfilled carts will not be picked up by automated machinery.
Accepted Items
- ✓bagged diapers and pet waste
- ✓styrofoam packaging and cups
- ✓broken glass wrapped securely in paper
- ✓disposable wipes and napkins
- ✓plastic wrap and clean shopping bags
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Keep recyclables loose, dry, and clean. Never bag recyclables, as plastic bags ruin the automated sorting facility sorting line.
Accepted Items
- ✓empty aluminum and steel cans
- ✓dry plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓clean cardboard and paper boxes
- ✓glass jars and bottles
Do NOT Include
- ✕soiled pizza boxes
- ✕bubble wrap and styrofoam
- ✕batteries and electronic waste
- ✕used motor oil containers
- ✕shredded paper
Yard Waste Bin
Place organic waste loose in the green cart. Do not use plastic, bioplastic, or compostable bags, as they contaminate compost.
Accepted Items
- ✓grass clippings and dried leaves
- ✓tree branches (under 3 feet long)
- ✓food scraps, bones, and meat
- ✓coffee grounds and paper filters
- ✓food-soiled paper napkins
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
1 time per month (up to 3 items)
Placement
Place your scheduled bulky items at the curb or in the gutter in front of your home by 6:00 AM on your collection day, keeping them clear of parked vehicles.
Accepted
- ✓ appliances (washers, dryers, stoves)
- ✓ furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
- ✓ mattresses and box springs
- ✓ large electronics and televisions
Not Accepted
- ✕ household hazardous waste (paints, chemicals)
- ✕ freon-containing appliances (un-certified)
- ✕ automobile parts and tires
- ✕ construction and demolition debris
For extra bulk items or collections beyond the monthly service, contact Republic Services for a custom quote.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a scheduled holiday falls on a weekday, service for that day and all remaining collection days for the rest of that week will be delayed by exactly one day. Regular pickup schedules resume the following week.
Yard Waste Exception
Holiday service adjustments apply equally to trash, recycling, and organic waste collections.
If an observed holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there is no delay in curbside collection services during the week.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Plastic Bags Out of the Blue Recycle Bin
Loose plastic bags wrap around recycling rollers and stop sorting machines. Bagged recyclables are sent directly to the landfill. Always toss blue bin items in loose and free-floating.
Ensure All Containers are Empty and Dry
Remaining salsa, soda, or water will ruin cardboard and paper products in the truck. Give jars and plastic jugs a quick rinse and shake dry before recycling.
Scrap Wood and Heavy Dirt Do Not Belong in Green Bins
Treated lumber, concrete, heavy rocks, and large branches over three inches in diameter belong at the landfill, not in your residential green compost cart.
Seasonal Information
Summer Heat Precautions
June - SeptemberIntense desert heat can cause trash bin odors to spike. Keep bin lids tightly closed to avoid attracting desert flies and pests. Washing your bins with vinegar or a light bleach solution during summer can reduce odor buildup.
Spring and Summer Curbside Cleanups
April - JuneBrawley residents should look out for the annual spring community clean-up days organized by Republic Services and IVRMA, which allow free disposal of extra bulk items.
About Brawley Waste Management
Brawley's Solid Waste and Resource Program
Operating in the heart of the agriculturally rich Imperial Valley, the City of Brawley coordinates with Republic Services to manage its residential waste stream. This program is uniquely adapted to desert climate demands and strict state conservation laws. By focusing on smart curbside habits, Brawley residents play a key role in keeping local neighborhoods clean, preventing illegal dumping in our open desert regions, and helping to sustain local resources.
Standard Cart Roll-Out Instructions
To guarantee smooth, uninterrupted service in Brawley, residential trash, recycling, and organic carts must be placed curbside by 6:00 AM on your assigned collection day. Place carts directly in the street or gutter with wheels against the curb and arrow facing the street. Maintain a strict clearance of at least two feet between bins and five feet from stationary obstructions, such as parked cars, street lights, and mailboxes, to prevent damage from automated truck claws.
California Senate Bill 1383 Organic Mandates
In step with California's SB 1383 organic recycling regulations, Brawley households separate organic waste using dedicated green carts. All food scraps, poultry bones, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper towels must go into the green cart loose rather than inside plastic bags. Keeping organics separate from the landfill stream prevents landfill decomposition and directly reduces local greenhouse gases.
Desert Waste Disposal Best Practices
Living in an arid desert environment means extreme summer temperatures. To prevent heavy odors and desert pests, make sure all cart lids remain completely shut. Never overfill carts so they overflow, as loose trash can quickly blow across Brawley's streets in high winds. Always bag your landfill trash to contain flyaway materials, while keeping your blue recycling materials loose and unbagged.
Drop-off Facilities
Brawley Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility
180 S Western Ave, Brawley, CA 92227
Materials Accepted
Imperial Landfill (Republic Services)
104 Robinson Road, Imperial, CA 92251
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dispose of large trash at the Imperial Landfill for free?
Yes, Brawley residents can dispose of up to 4 tons of waste per year at the Imperial Landfill for free. You must bring your valid ID and a current Brawley municipal water bill to verify your residency at the scale.
Where should I dispose of used motor oil in Brawley?
Used motor oil can be recycled free of charge at the Brawley HHW Facility on Western Ave. Additionally, you can contact IVRMA to participate in the curbside used motor oil recycling program to have oil picked up on trash days.
What is the rule for household batteries and light bulbs?
Universal waste, such as batteries and mercury-containing light bulbs, is strictly banned from garbage carts. Residents must bring these items to the Brawley HHW Facility on alternate Sundays for safe, free disposal.
How do I request a replacement for a broken or damaged cart?
If your bin or cart splits, loses a wheel, or suffers lid damage, you can request a replacement cart free of charge by contacting Republic Services at 760-355-0004 or submitting a request online.