Grey Bin (Trash)
Lids must be able to close completely and the cart must weigh less than 200 pounds.
Accepted Items
- ✓General household garbage
- ✓Styrofoam
- ✓Plastic bags
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Palm fronds
- ✓Succulents and cacti
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Items must be loose in the container; do not use plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Mixed paper
- ✓Clean/flat cardboard
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass jars and bottles
- ✓Recyclable plastics #1, #2, #5
Do NOT Include
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Liquids
- ✕Organics
- ✕Pet waste
- ✕Trash
Yard Waste Bin
No building materials, dirt, rocks, palm fronds, or tree trimmings larger than 4 inches in diameter or 4 feet in length.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plant matter
- ✓Tree trimmings
- ✓Fruits and vegetables
- ✓Eggshells and nutshells
- ✓Food-soiled paper and cardboard
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand/Drop-off
Placement
Items must be taken to the Merced County Landfill or handled during specific seasonal cleanup events.
Accepted
- ✓ Appliances
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Electronic waste
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Liquids
- ✕ Flammable materials
- ✕ Hot ashes
Fees apply for landfill disposal. Residents should call (209) 723-4481 for current rates and information.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If one of these holidays falls on a Monday through Friday, collection services will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the same holiday schedule as trash and recycling.
The city's Refuse Division observes federal holidays; always verify your specific schedule if a holiday falls near your pickup day.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Food Out of Recycling
Never place food residue or liquids in your blue recycling cart, as this can contaminate paper and cardboard, making them unrecyclable.
No Plastic Bags in Organics
Do not bag your organic waste or yard trimmings in plastic; plastic bags cannot be processed in the composting facility and must be disposed of in the grey trash cart.
Mind the Size Limits
Tree trimmings must be under 4 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length to be accepted in the green organics cart; anything larger is considered bulky waste.
Seasonal Information
Autumn/Winter
November onwardsThe city conducts seasonal leaf collection starting in November. Residents should watch for city announcements regarding specific dates for their neighborhoods.
Spring
SpringtimeDuring the Spring Clean-Up Program, the city often coordinates centralized drop-off points for bulky items. Contact Public Works at (209) 385-6800 for current year details.
About Merced Waste Management
Managing Residential Waste in Merced
The City of Merced’s Refuse Division provides comprehensive solid waste management through a reliable three-cart curbside system. Residents are equipped with grey, blue, and green containers to effectively sort general garbage, recyclables, and organic materials. To ensure seamless automated collection, all containers must be placed curbside by 6:00 a.m. on your designated pickup day. It is essential to maintain at least 3 feet of clearance between carts and any obstructions—such as parked vehicles, mailboxes, or trees—to allow the collection equipment to operate safely and efficiently.
Diverting Organics to Meet State Mandates
In alignment with California’s statewide SB 1383 initiatives, Merced prioritizes the diversion of organic material from landfills to reduce harmful methane emissions. The green cart is specifically designed for yard trimmings and food waste. By actively participating in this program, residents play a vital role in local sustainability efforts, helping to transform organic waste into valuable resources rather than landfill contributions. Always ensure your green waste is free of contaminants like plastic bags, dirt, or construction debris to maintain the integrity of the composting stream.
Sustainable Recycling Practices
Recycling is a cornerstone of Merced’s commitment to environmental preservation and landfill lifespan extension. The blue container is dedicated to commingled recyclables, including paper, cardboard, glass bottles, and specific plastics. By keeping these materials clean and dry, residents significantly increase the quality of the recycled feedstock. Remember to break down all cardboard boxes to maximize space and ensure that no food residue, liquids, or pet waste contaminate the recycling bin, as these materials can render entire loads unprocessable.
Bulky Item and Seasonal Disposal Options
The City of Merced offers flexible solutions for items that do not fit within your standard collection carts. Residents can utilize the Merced County Landfill for year-round disposal of bulky goods, appliances, and electronic waste. Additionally, the city supports seasonal programs such as the annual leaf collection beginning in November and various cleanup events throughout the year. For large household items, residents should contact the Refuse Division or visit the designated disposal sites to avoid illegal dumping and keep our neighborhoods pristine.
Drop-off Facilities
Merced County Landfill
7040 North Highway 59, Merced, CA 95348
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my trash was not collected?
Call the Refuse Division of the Public Works Department at (209) 385-6800 to report a missed pickup.
How can I dispose of household hazardous waste like paint or oil?
These items are not accepted in curbside carts. Take them to the Household Hazardous Waste area at the Merced County Landfill on North Highway 59.
Are there services for residents who cannot move their carts to the curb?
Yes, the City of Merced offers an assisted refuse service for those with physical limitations. Contact the Refuse Division at (209) 385-6800 to apply.
Where can I get a temporary dumpster for a home project?
You can rent temporary dumpsters from the city's Refuse Division. Contact the Public Works Department at (209) 385-6800 for pricing and availability.