Brown or Grey Bin (Trash)
All garbage must fit completely inside the cart with the lid fully closed. Roll your cart to the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your designated collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam
- ✓Broken glass or ceramics
- ✓Pet waste
- ✓Diapers
- ✓General household garbage
Blue Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loose in the cart—never bagged. Empty, clean, and dry all containers to prevent contamination of other recyclable materials.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Clean and dry paper
- ✓Metal cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and wrappers
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Greasy pizza boxes
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Electronics and batteries
- ✕Clothing and shoes
- ✕Diapers
- ✕Yard waste
Yard Waste Bin
Do not use plastic bags. Place organics directly into the cart. No painted or pressure-treated wood is allowed.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Plant or flower trimmings
- ✓Tree limbs (up to 4 inches in diameter)
- ✓Weeds
- ✓Food scraps
- ✓Clean, untreated wood
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
1 free collection per year for single-family residential customers.
Placement
Items must be placed on the street, against the curb, and away from carts, parked cars, trees, or overhead wires to allow the grapple truck clear access.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Couches
- ✓ Chairs
- ✓ Appliances
- ✓ Water heaters
- ✓ E-waste
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Paints and thinners
- ✕ Motor oil
- ✕ Batteries
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Medical waste
The first collection annually is free. Additional bulky item pickups can be scheduled but will incur an extra fee depending on the volume and type of items.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your scheduled service day falls on or after a major observed holiday during the week, collection will typically be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and yard waste collection follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as regular trash and recycling.
Always verify specific holiday schedules via the Republic Services website or app, as local variations may occur.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
The 'Empty, Clean, Dry' Rule
Dirty recyclables can ruin an entire truckload of otherwise good materials. Always rinse out excess food residue and pat your plastic and glass containers dry before tossing them into your blue cart.
Keep Recyclables Loose and Unbagged
Never place your recycling inside plastic garbage bags. Plastic film easily tangles in the gears of sorting machinery at the recycling facility. Bagged recycling is often treated as trash and sent to the landfill.
When in Doubt, Throw it Out
'Wish-cycling' creates major problems at sorting facilities. If you aren't completely sure if an item like a broken toy or a greasy pizza box is recyclable, place it in your brown or grey garbage cart to prevent contaminating the recycling stream.
Seasonal Information
Fall
October to NovemberDuring the windy autumn season, make sure your cart lids are securely closed to prevent loose paper and lightweight plastics from blowing into the streets and storm drains of Salinas.
Winter
December to JanuaryFollowing the holidays, residents can utilize Republic Services' special holiday tree collection. Check the city’s announcements for specific dates, and be sure to remove all tinsel, ornaments, and stands before placing your tree at the curb.
Spring
March to MayAs spring cleaning and gardening begin, remember that your green yard waste cart can handle tree limbs up to 4 inches in diameter. Larger branches should be scheduled as part of a bulk waste pickup or self-hauled to a local transfer station.
About Salinas Waste Management
Partnering for a Greener Salinas
The City of Salinas has teamed up with Republic Services to manage all residential and commercial waste, recycling, and organics collection. Operating under the umbrella of the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority, this partnership aims to drastically reduce the amount of waste sent to local landfills while providing reliable, weekly curbside services for all single-family and multi-family homes in the community.
Complying with SB 1383 Organics Mandates
As part of California's SB 1383 initiative to divert short-lived climate pollutants, Salinas residents are now required to separate organic materials from standard household trash. Your green yard waste cart is now the designated bin for all food scraps, including meat, dairy, and 100% plant-fiber food-soiled paper. The City of Salinas even offers free 2-gallon kitchen pails at City Hall to help residents adapt to these new composting requirements.
Navigating Bulky Item Disposal
Getting rid of large, unwieldy household items is simple for Salinas residents. Republic Services provides single-family households with one free bulk waste collection per year, which covers either two large furniture items, up to ten 32-gallon trash bags, or the equivalent of two cubic yards. Additionally, the city organizes free annual community cleanup events, giving locals extra opportunities to clear out their garages and yards responsibly without incurring extra fees.
Safe Disposal at the Madison Lane Recycling Center
While standard recycling is handled at the curb, residents must safely manage their hazardous materials and e-waste independently. The Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority operates the Madison Lane Recycling Center and Household Hazardous Waste Facility to accept items like old paint, motor oil, batteries, and electronics. This ensures dangerous chemicals stay out of Monterey County’s soil and waterways, promoting a healthier environment for all.
Drop-off Facilities
Madison Lane Recycling Center & HHW Facility
340 Madison Ln, Salinas, CA 93907
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Salinas offer free bulky item pickups?
Yes, single-family residential customers receive one free bulk waste collection per year through Republic Services. This pickup covers two large items, ten 32-gallon trash bags, or up to 2 cubic yards of material. Call (831) 775-3840 to schedule your appointment.
Where can I dispose of my household hazardous waste in Salinas?
Hazardous materials like paint, motor oil, pesticides, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs are not accepted in your curbside carts. You must take them to the Madison Lane Recycling Center & Household Hazardous Waste Facility located at 340 Madison Ln.
Can I place food scraps in my yard waste container?
Yes! To comply with California's SB 1383, all organic materials, including food scraps, coffee grounds, and 100% plant-fiber food-soiled paper, must be placed directly in your green yard waste cart along with your grass clippings and leaves.
What time do my carts need to be at the curb on collection day?
Republic Services requires all residential carts (brown/grey garbage, blue recycling, and green organics) to be rolled out to the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your regular collection day, with the lids completely closed.