Black or Grey Bin (Trash)
Carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your designated collection day. Lids must be completely closed with the handles facing your home.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Diapers and pet waste
- ✓Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam)
- ✓Treated or painted wood
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and wrappers
Blue Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be kept completely loose inside the cart. Do not bag your recycling. Rinse out heavy food residue before tossing.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean, flattened cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper, mail, and newspaper
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Rigid plastics (bottles, jugs, tubs)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags or film wrap
- ✕Food or liquid waste
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Do not use plastic bags, even if labeled 'compostable' or 'biodegradable'. Food scraps can be placed loose or wrapped in a paper bag before entering the green cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Tree trimmings and brush
- ✓Food scraps (fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy)
- ✓Food-soiled paper (pizza boxes, coffee filters)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Three (3) free curbside pickups per calendar year.
Placement
Items must be placed curbside by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day. Ensure items do not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, or bike lanes.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (couches, desks, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large appliances (refrigerators, washers)
- ✓ Electronic waste (TVs, computers)
- ✓ Bundled yard waste (up to 4 feet in length)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paint, oil, chemicals)
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Dirt, concrete, or asphalt
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
If you exceed your three free annual pickups, additional bulky item collections can be scheduled with Republic Services for an extra fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If an observed holiday falls on a weekday, all residential collections for the remainder of that week will be delayed by one day, with Friday routes serviced on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling services experience the exact same one-day delay as residential trash pickup.
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there are no delays to your normal weekday collection schedule.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Plastic Bags Out of the Blue Cart
Plastic shopping bags and film wrap are the number one contaminant in Carlsbad's recycling stream. They jam the sorting gears at the recycling facility. Return them to local grocery stores instead.
Ditch the Faux Compostables
Most 'compostable' plastic utensils and cups do not break down fast enough in commercial composting facilities. Place these items in your black trash cart, not the green organics cart.
No Tanglers Allowed
Garden hoses, holiday lights, and electrical cords are considered 'tanglers.' Never put them in your blue recycling bin; they must be thrown in the trash or taken to an e-waste facility.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - JanuaryRepublic Services collects bare, unflocked Christmas trees curbside for three weeks following Christmas Day. Trees longer than six feet must be cut in half before being placed next to your green cart.
Spring
March - AprilIn celebration of Earth Month, the City of Carlsbad often partners with Republic Services to provide free compost giveaway events. Residents must bring their own shovels and buckets to collect the nutrient-rich soil.
About Carlsbad Waste Management
Comprehensive Waste Management with Republic Services
The City of Carlsbad has established an exclusive franchise agreement with Republic Services to manage all residential solid waste. To meet San Diego County's ambitious climate goals, the city utilizes a mandatory three-cart system for single-family homes, prioritizing maximum diversion of recyclable materials and organic waste away from local landfills.
Organics Recycling and SB 1383 Compliance
In strict adherence to California's SB 1383 legislation, Carlsbad requires all residents to participate in the organics recycling program. Food scraps, including meat, dairy, baked goods, and food-soiled paper, must be placed directly into the green yard waste cart. This combined organic material is then processed to create nutrient-rich compost, significantly reducing the city's methane footprint.
Taking Advantage of Free Bulky Item Pickups
Carlsbad makes property cleanouts incredibly convenient. Single-family residential customers are entitled to three complimentary bulky item curbside pickups every calendar year. Alternatively, residents who prefer to haul items themselves can choose to drop off their bulk waste at the Palomar Transfer Station for free, up to three times annually. Each pickup or drop-off allows for a maximum of five large items.
Convenient Household Hazardous Waste Solutions
Toxic products like old paint, motor oil, batteries, and pesticides are strictly prohibited in curbside bins. To help residents dispose of these dangerous materials safely, Carlsbad partners with the Palomar Transfer Station on El Camino Real, which operates a dedicated Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off facility. Appointments are required and can be scheduled directly through the regional HHW portal.
Sustainable E-Waste and Shredding Options
You don't need to hold onto obsolete electronics or sensitive documents. Republic Services and the City of Carlsbad periodically host free drop-off events for secure document shredding and e-waste recycling. Additionally, standard electronic waste like old televisions and computers can be scheduled as part of your routine bulky item curbside pickups.
Drop-off Facilities
Palomar Transfer Station & HHW Facility
5960 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How many free bulky item pickups do Carlsbad residents get?
Single-family residential customers in Carlsbad are eligible for three free bulky item curbside pickups per calendar year, with a maximum of five items allowed per pickup.
Can I put food waste in my green yard trimmings cart?
Yes. To comply with state law (SB 1383), the City of Carlsbad requires all food scraps and food-soiled paper to be placed directly into your green organics cart alongside your yard waste.
Where can I drop off hazardous waste like old paint and motor oil?
Carlsbad residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste at the Palomar Transfer Station located at 5960 El Camino Real. You must schedule an appointment online or by phone before arriving.
Does Republic Services pick up trash on Memorial Day or Labor Day?
No. Republic Services observes both Memorial Day and Labor Day. If your normal pickup day falls on or after these holidays during the week, your collection will be delayed by exactly one day.