Gray or Black Bin (Trash)
All standard refuse should be securely bagged and placed inside the cart so the lid completely closes. Do not place overflow bags on the ground.
Accepted Items
- ✓Compostable bioplastics (cups, utensils)
- ✓Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam)
- ✓Diapers and pet waste
- ✓Treated or painted wood
- ✓Broken ceramics and glassware
- ✓Chip bags and candy wrappers
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag your recyclables. All items must be placed loose in the cart and should be completely empty and wiped or scraped clean of food debris.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean, dry paper and flattened cardboard
- ✓Empty glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic containers, jugs, and bottles
- ✓Aluminum, tin, and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags and film
- ✕Food waste and liquids
- ✕Styrofoam packing materials
- ✕Electronic waste
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, cords, clothes hangers)
Green Bin (Yard Waste)
Place all organic matter directly into the cart. Do not use standard plastic bags or bioplastic liners. Keep the cart lid closed to prevent pests.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings, leaves, and weeds
- ✓Branches and shrub trimmings
- ✓Food scraps (meat, dairy, bones, vegetables)
- ✓Coffee grounds and paper filters
- ✓100% fiber-based, food-soiled paper
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One free scheduled pickup per 12-month period
Placement
Place items at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled day. Keep the pile at least 6 feet away from mailboxes, cars, and fences, and ensure there is 14.5 feet of overhead clearance for the collection crane.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and mattresses
- ✓ Major appliances (doors removed or taped closed)
- ✓ Electronic waste (TVs, monitors)
- ✓ Lumber and tree trimmings (max 4 inches wide, 5 feet long)
- ✓ Up to four tires (rims OK)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Concrete, dirt, rocks, and bricks
- ✕ Treated wood (fence posts, railroad ties)
- ✕ Hazardous waste (chemicals, wet paint, oil)
- ✕ Commercial business waste
- ✕ Glass panes or mirrors
If you require an additional pickup before your 12-month period resets, you can schedule one for a nominal fee by contacting DWMR customer service.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Sacramento County DWMR maintains regular collection schedules on most minor federal holidays. However, if a major holiday like Christmas or New Year's Day falls on a weekday, curbside service is typically delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
All three carts (gray, blue, and green) follow the exact same holiday delay schedule.
If a major holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there is generally no disruption to the weekday collection schedule. Always check the SacGreenTeam app to confirm.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep 'Compostable' Plastics in the Trash
Even if a plastic cup or fork is labeled as 'compostable' or 'plant-based,' it must go into your gray landfill cart. The commercial composting facilities that service Sacramento County cannot efficiently break down bioplastics, and they will contaminate the organic soil output.
Never Bag Your Recyclables
The most common recycling mistake is bagging empty bottles and cans in opaque trash bags. When the sorting facility receives a sealed bag, it is pulled off the line and sent straight to the landfill because workers cannot safely see what is inside.
Keep Batteries Out of All Carts
Never toss batteries or battery-embedded devices into your curbside carts. When compacted in the collection truck, they can spark and cause massive fires. Take them directly to the NARS facility on Roseville Road.
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer
March - OctoberSacramento County DWMR offers a free self-serve compost program during the warmer months for curbside customers. You can pick up nutrient-rich compost made from the community's green carts for your home landscaping projects. Bring your own shovel and bags.
Fall
October - NovemberDuring heavy leaf drop season, ensure all yard waste is placed completely inside your green cart. Do not pile loose leaves or yard debris in the street or gutter unless it is specifically instructed for your designated street sweeping day.
Winter
December - JanuaryClean, natural holiday trees can be disposed of in your green organics cart, provided they are cut into smaller pieces so the lid can close completely. All flocking, tinsel, lights, and stands must be removed first.
About North Highlands Waste Management
Managing Waste in Unincorporated Sacramento County
Because North Highlands is an unincorporated community, residential curbside collection is directly managed by the Sacramento County Department of Waste Management and Recycling (DWMR). The county operates a standard three-cart automated system: a gray or black cart for traditional landfill refuse, a blue cart for mixed recyclables, and a green cart for all organic waste. Residents are highly encouraged to download the free SacGreenTeam mobile app to track their specific collection days and street sweeping schedules.
Compliance with California's SB 1383 Organics Law
To meet strict statewide climate goals and reduce landfill methane emissions, all North Highlands households must divert organic matter into their green cart. This cart is no longer just for grass clippings and leaves; it must be used for all food scraps, including meat bones, dairy, coffee grounds, and food-soiled paper like greasy pizza boxes. It is crucial to place these materials directly into the green cart without using standard plastic bags, as synthetic plastics ruin the commercial composting process.
Taking Advantage of the NARS Drop-Off Facility
One of the biggest perks of living in North Highlands is immediate access to the North Area Recovery Station (NARS), conveniently located right on Roseville Road. Rather than waiting for a curbside appointment, residents can drop off household hazardous waste (HHW) such as batteries, motor oil, wet paint, and electronic waste completely free of charge. Utilizing this permanent facility ensures that toxic chemicals stay out of the standard curbside carts, preventing dangerous truck fires and environmental contamination.
Free Annual Bulky Waste Appointments
Every residential account serviced by Sacramento County DWMR in North Highlands is entitled to one free bulky waste pickup per 12-month period. This convenient service allows you to dispose of up to five cubic yards of material—roughly the size of a pickup truck bed—directly from your curb. You must call customer service or use the online portal to schedule this appointment in advance. Items like large appliances, e-waste, and tires are accepted but must be specifically noted when you make your reservation so the proper collection trucks are dispatched.
Drop-off Facilities
North Area Recovery Station (NARS) & HHW Facility
4450 Roseville Road, North Highlands, CA 95660
Materials Accepted
Kiefer Landfill & Special Waste Facility
12701 Kiefer Boulevard, Sloughhouse, CA 95683
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I safely dispose of old paint and batteries in North Highlands?
You can drop them off completely free of charge at the North Area Recovery Station (NARS) Household Hazardous Waste facility, located locally at 4450 Roseville Road. You must never place hazardous chemicals or batteries in any of your curbside carts.
Are we allowed to use compostable bags for our food scraps?
No. Sacramento County requires you to keep all plastics, including 'compostable' or 'plant-based' bio-plastics, out of the green organics cart. Food scraps should be placed loose in the cart or wrapped in 100% fiber-based paper like an old newspaper or paper bag.
How do I schedule my free annual bulky waste pickup?
Residential customers receive one free bulky item pickup per 12-month period for up to 5 cubic yards of waste. You can schedule your appointment by calling DWMR at (916) 875-5555 or by using the free SacGreenTeam mobile app.
Will my trash service be delayed on federal holidays?
Sacramento County DWMR maintains its regular collection schedule on most minor federal holidays. You will typically only see one-day service delays during the weeks of major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. It is always best to check the SacGreenTeam app to verify your exact schedule.