Dark Grey Bin (Trash)
All trash must be contained within the bin with the lid fully closed. Carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. and removed within 12 hours of collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Styrofoam and packing blocks
- ✓Padded envelopes and Tyvek
- ✓Wax-coated cardboard
- ✓Diapers and pet waste
- ✓Mirrors and dishware
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Items should be placed loosely in the blue bin without being bagged in plastic. Plastic film and grocery bags must be removed or recycled at local grocery drop-offs.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics numbered 1-7 (empty and clean)
- ✓Empty plastic medicine bottles
- ✓Aluminum, steel, and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Junk mail, magazines, and envelopes
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic film or wrap
- ✕Styrofoam containers
- ✕Food-stained paper (pizza boxes)
- ✕Organic waste
Yard Waste Bin
Place yard waste loosely in the green container. All food scraps must be wrapped in paper, newspaper, or a biodegradable wrapping before being added.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings, leaves, and twigs
- ✓Fruits, vegetables, and dairy (must be bagged in paper)
- ✓Meats and bones (must be bagged in paper)
- ✓Food-stained paper items like napkins or coffee filters (must be bagged in paper)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Available upon request for single-family and eligible multi-family residences.
Placement
Items must be placed curbside by 6:00 a.m. on your regular collection day, at least 5 feet from stationary objects and 15 feet from parked cars.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches and mattresses
- ✓ Large household appliances
- ✓ Electronic waste (TVs, monitors, computers)
- ✓ Furniture
Not Accepted
- ✕ Liquid paints or solvents
- ✕ Loose dirt or rocks
- ✕ Construction materials
- ✕ Hazardous waste (must use At-Home HHW program)
Bulk pickups are generally free for standard residential accounts but must be scheduled in advance by calling Burrtec at (760) 340-2113.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on a weekday, all collections for the remainder of that week will be delayed by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as regular trash.
There is no service interruption or delay if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Wrap Your Food Scraps
Unlike some cities where food is tossed directly into the green bin, Palm Desert rules ask that you separate your food waste from your yard trimmings by wrapping it in a paper bag or newspaper first.
Flatten and Tie Excess Cardboard
If you have more cardboard than your blue bin can hold, Burrtec allows you to flatten it, tie it together securely with string or twine, and place it directly next to your recycling bin on pickup day.
Ditch the Plastic Film
Never put items wrapped in plastic film into your blue recycling cart. If you are recycling plastic bottles that came bundled in shrink wrap, remove the wrap and throw it in the dark grey trash bin.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - JanuaryBurrtec provides curbside Christmas tree recycling from December 26th through mid-January. Trees taller than six feet must be cut in half, and flocked trees cannot be composted so they will be collected as trash.
Spring
March - MayDuring the Coachella Valley's heavy spring wind events, it is critical to ensure your cart lids are completely shut. Do not overfill bins (maximum weight is 150 lbs) as the wind can easily blow loose debris into the streets.
Summer
June - SeptemberPalm Desert experiences extreme desert heat. To minimize odors and pests in your organics and trash bins, keep them stored in a shaded area or garage, and ensure food waste is tightly wrapped in paper before disposal.
About Palm Desert Waste Management
Tax Roll Billing for Trash Services
Unlike many municipalities that issue monthly or quarterly utility bills, the Palm Desert City Council has approved Tax Roll Billing for residential trash collection. This means that for individually billed single-family homes, waste removal fees are automatically integrated into your annual Riverside County property taxes, ensuring uninterrupted service and keeping neighborhoods clean.
SB 1383 Compliance and Organic Waste
To fight climate change and comply with California's SB 1383 mandate, Palm Desert requires all residents to separate organic waste. A unique requirement in the Burrtec collection program is that food waste should be separated from yard trimmings by being placed in a paper bag, wrapped in newspaper, or contained in biodegradable wrapping before being tossed into the green organic waste container.
At-Home Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection
Palm Desert residents enjoy an incredibly convenient solution for disposing of toxic materials. In addition to a local drop-off facility, Burrtec offers an At-Home HHW Collection Program. Residents can schedule up to four free curbside pickups per year for items like paint, batteries, and solvents. Items just need to be boxed and placed in a secure, pre-arranged location away from public access.
Curbside Medical Sharps Disposal
For residents who use needles or syringes, Palm Desert provides a safe and free curbside sharps collection service. Simply place your used sharps in a clear container (such as an empty milk jug), label it clearly as Sharps, and contact Burrtec to schedule a pickup. The hauler will even leave a free, empty collection container for your next use.
Annual Neighborhood Clean-Up Events
Alongside regular bulky item pickups, the City of Palm Desert and Burrtec host an Annual Neighborhood Clean-Up Day. This event allows both single-family and multi-family residents to place boxes, bags, and bundled items directly at the curb for mass collection. Bundles must be tied and cannot exceed 4 feet by 2 feet.
Drop-off Facilities
Palm Desert Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility
41-800 Corporate Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Materials Accepted
Edom Hill Transfer Station
70-100 Edom Hill Road, Cathedral City, CA 92235
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay my trash bill in Palm Desert?
For most individually billed residential homes in Palm Desert, trash service is billed automatically through the Riverside County Tax Roll. You do not receive a separate monthly or quarterly invoice from Burrtec; it is included in your property taxes.
What is the rule for putting food waste in the green cart?
Palm Desert requires residents to separate their food scraps from regular yard trimmings inside the green organics cart. Food waste must be placed inside a paper bag, wrapped in newspaper, or secured in another biodegradable wrapping before being tossed in the bin.
Does Burrtec pick up old TVs and electronics?
Yes, electronic waste is accepted through Burrtec's bulky item pick-up program. You can call customer service to schedule a curbside collection for up to four E-Waste or bulky items at a time, to be picked up on your regular service day.
How can I dispose of old paint or chemicals without driving to a facility?
Palm Desert offers a highly convenient At-Home HHW Collection Program. You can call Burrtec to schedule an at-home pickup of hazardous materials like paint and household cleaners. Collections are limited to four per calendar year, up to 15 gallons or 125 lbs per pickup.