Black or Dark Grey Bin (Trash)
All standard trash must be securely bagged to prevent litter from blowing away during high winds. Lids must close completely.
Accepted Items
- ✓General household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Pet waste
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Broken ceramics
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Never bag your recyclables. Place all approved items loosely inside the blue cart and flatten all cardboard boxes to save space.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard
- ✓Paper and junk mail
- ✓Plastic jugs and bottles
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires)
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Hazardous materials
Yard Waste Bin
Under state law, food waste must be placed in this bin. Do not include treated wood, dirt, rocks, or pet waste.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves and weeds
- ✓Small branches
- ✓Prunings
- ✓Food scraps (fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand scheduling, plus 4 free annual landfill drop-offs
Placement
For scheduled curbside pickups, items must be placed at the curb no earlier than the evening before the collection date. Do not block sidewalks or traffic lanes.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches and large furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Refrigerators and stoves (White goods)
- ✓ Large yard waste bundles
- ✓ Electronic waste
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paint, oil)
- ✕ Car parts and tires (handled separately by IVRMA)
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Dirt and concrete
Curbside limits and fees apply; contact Republic Services for exact allowances. Utilizing your 4 annual free drop-offs at the Imperial Landfill requires a valid ID and a city water bill.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on a weekday, all collection services will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling bins follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as standard household trash.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, your regular residential collection schedule will not be impacted or delayed.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Plastic Bags Out of Recycling
Plastic bags and film are the number one contaminant in Calexico's blue recycling bins. They jam the sorting machinery at Republic Services' recycling facilities. Always toss items in loosely.
No Desert Sand or Rocks
Never use any of your curbside carts for heavy construction debris, dirt, sand, or rocks. These extremely heavy materials will break the automated lifting arms on the garbage trucks.
Organics Only in the Green Cart
With the integration of food scraps into the green bin, it is crucial to avoid tossing regular trash, plastic wrap, or glass into your yard waste cart, as this contaminates the compost.
Seasonal Information
Summer
June - SeptemberDuring peak summer temperatures in the Imperial Valley, place your bins out the night before or no later than 6:00 AM, as collection routes may start early to beat the afternoon heat.
Winter
December - JanuaryRepublic Services typically provides post-holiday Christmas tree recycling. Trees must be entirely free of lights, ornaments, tinsel, and stands, and large trees should be cut in half.
Spring
March - MaySpring winds in the desert can be fierce. Ensure all trash is bagged and lids are fully shut to prevent debris from blowing into nearby agricultural fields.
About Calexico Waste Management
Waste Management in the Gateway City
As a vibrant border city in the heart of the Imperial Valley, Calexico partners with Republic Services to manage residential trash, recycling, and organic waste. The weekly curbside program keeps neighborhoods clean and compliant with strict state environmental regulations. Residents are provided with standard three-cart automated collection to separate garbage, recyclables, and green waste efficiently.
Navigating Extreme Imperial Valley Heat
Calexico experiences intensely hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 110 degrees. To minimize foul odors and prevent pest infestations in the brutal heat, residents are strongly encouraged to tightly bag all household garbage. Store your carts in a shaded area of your property if possible, and periodically rinse out the green and black bins to maintain sanitation.
Mandatory Organics Recycling (SB 1383)
In compliance with California’s SB 1383, Calexico requires all households to participate in organics recycling to reduce landfill methane emissions. Your green yard waste cart now serves a dual purpose: it must be used for traditional landscape debris as well as all household food scraps. Republic Services processes these organic materials into compost, protecting the local environment.
Bulky Waste Pickups and Free Landfill Passes
If you are upgrading furniture or cleaning out your garage, you don't have to resort to illegal dumping. Calexico residents can contact Republic Services directly to schedule a bulky item pickup. Additionally, as an incorporated city resident, you receive a special perk: up to four free drop-offs per year at the Imperial Landfill. You must simply present your local ID and a recent water bill as proof of residency.
Household Hazardous Waste with IVRMA
Toxic chemicals, such as used motor oil, pool chemicals, pesticides, and old paint, pose a serious threat to the local water table and sanitation workers. Through a partnership with the Imperial Valley Resource Management Agency (IVRMA), Calexico residents have access to a local Household Hazardous Waste drop-off facility located on W 5th Street, operating on scheduled Sundays to safely collect these dangerous items.
Drop-off Facilities
Imperial Landfill (Republic Services)
104 E. Robinson, Imperial, CA 92231
Materials Accepted
IVRMA Calexico HHW Facility
500 W 5th St, Calexico, CA 92231
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of an old mattress or couch in Calexico?
You have two primary options: call Republic Services at 760-355-0004 to schedule a bulky item curbside pickup, or transport the items yourself to the Imperial Landfill, where Calexico residents are granted four free disposal trips per year (must show ID and water bill).
Where can I safely dispose of paint, oil, and batteries in Calexico?
Hazardous materials cannot go in your curbside bins. You must take them to the IVRMA Calexico HHW Facility located at 500 W 5th St. The facility is typically open every other Sunday, but you should check the IVRMA calendar for exact dates.
Are food scraps allowed in the green yard waste bin?
Yes. To comply with California's SB 1383 mandate, all food waste—including fruit peels, vegetable scraps, meat, and dairy—must be disposed of in your green organics cart alongside your traditional yard trimmings.
What is the trash collection schedule during Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Republic Services observes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and four other major holidays. If the holiday falls on a weekday, your regular trash, recycling, and green waste pickup will be delayed by one day for that week.