Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Salinas
Trash Day
Collection runs Monday through Friday, depending on your neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Collected weekly on the same day as trash pickup.
Yard Waste
Collected weekly on the same day as trash pickup.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Refuse and recycling services in Salinas are billed directly by Republic Services. Single-family residential service includes weekly recycling and yard waste collection along with one free on-call bulky item pickup per year.
Billing Cycle
Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail
Pro Tip / Discount
A senior discount rate is available through Republic Services with an approved application. Additionally, Salinas residents aged 65 or older qualify for a Utility Users Tax (UUT) exemption, and choosing smaller 20- or 32-gallon trash carts offers lower monthly rates.
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
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.
Local Tips & Community Info
Complete Guide to the Salinas Trash & Recycling Schedule
Salinas residents rely on Republic Services of Salinas to manage their weekly residential garbage and recycling needs. It is mandatory for all homes under Salinas Municipal Code Chapter 14 to maintain adequate weekly trash collection. Depending on your household size, you can select from a 20-gallon, 32-gallon, 64-gallon, or 96-gallon garbage cart. Your basic weekly service automatically includes a complimentary 64-gallon recycling cart and a 96-gallon yard waste container. For any missed pickups or schedule confirmation, contacting the local customer service team is the fastest way to get your route back on track.
Bin Placement Tips for Residential Customers
To ensure a smooth pickup experience, residential carts must be placed curbside by 6:00 a.m. on your designated Salinas trash collection day. Be mindful of space: place your bins at least two feet apart and a full six feet away from vehicles, mailboxes, and trees. The automated lifting arm on Republic Services trucks requires a three-foot clearance on both sides and twelve feet of overhead space to safely grab your containers. Furthermore, always make sure your carts face the street, keeping the hinges pointed toward your home. Bag all regular garbage to minimize odors and street litter on windy days.
Salinas Recycling Rules and Yard Waste Disposal
When preparing your recyclables in Salinas, remember the golden rule: Empty. Clean. Dry. Toss loose materials directly into your blue recycling bin without bagging them. Acceptable items include clean aluminum trays, steel cans, and plastics labeled 1, 2, and 5. Avoid putting plastic grocery bags, food wrappers, or styrofoam into your recycling bin, as these jam the sorting facilities. Shredded paper is the only exception to the no-bagging rule. For green waste, use your 96-gallon yard waste cart for grass clippings, leaves, and small branches, keeping organic material out of the local Monterey County landfills.
Bulky Item Pickup and Holiday Delays
Got old furniture or broken appliances? Salinas residents can easily schedule a bulky item pickup for items that simply will not fit into standard curbside containers. Instead of risking an overloaded bin fine, contact Republic Services directly or check the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority guidelines for drop-off solutions. Be aware that during major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, your typical collection schedule may be delayed by one day. Keep an eye on local announcements during these times so your bins aren't sitting on the curb longer than necessary.
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.