Blue or Black (Consult local guidance) Bin (Trash)
Lid must be closed completely; no loose items outside the container.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable paper
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Pet waste
- ✓Hoses
- ✓Plastic toys
- ✓Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
Blue or Green Bin (Recycling)
Items must be clean, dry, and loose (do not bag recyclables).
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum cans
- ✓Cardboard (flattened)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Newspaper
- ✓Plastic bottles (#1-#7)
- ✓Tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Hazardous waste
- ✕Plastic bags or film
- ✕Food-soiled paper
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Batteries
Yard Waste Bin
Organic materials should be free of dirt and rocks; branches must be small enough to fit inside the cart with the lid closed.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Tree prunings
- ✓Weeds
- ✓Small branches
- ✓Dead plants
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
2 times per calendar year
Placement
Items must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Appliances (no refrigerant)
- ✓ Large boxes
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Car parts
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Electronics
Additional pickups beyond the annual allowance may incur fees. Contact Burrtec to schedule and confirm requirements.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a holiday falls on a weekday, collection for the remainder of the week will be delayed by one day. No delays occur if the holiday falls on a weekend.
Yard Waste Exception
Standard rules apply; organic collection follows the same holiday shift as trash and recycling.
Ensure carts are curbside by 6:00 a.m. on the delayed collection day.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Recyclables Loose
Never place your recyclables inside plastic bags. Sorting facilities cannot process bagged materials, and they are often discarded as trash.
The Pizza Box Rule
While clean cardboard is a gold standard for recycling, greasy pizza boxes are considered contaminated. Please tear off the clean lid and recycle that, but compost or trash the greasy base.
Battery Safety
Never toss batteries or electronics into your standard bins. They are a significant fire hazard in collection trucks and at processing facilities. Use specialized drop-off centers instead.
Seasonal Information
Winter / Holiday
December - JanuaryAfter the holidays, Burrtec provides free Christmas tree collection for approximately three weeks. Remove all lights, tinsel, and stands; trees over 6 feet should be cut in half.
Spring Cleaning
March - MayAs temperatures rise and yard growth accelerates, ensure your organic waste bin is not overfilled. Overloaded bins with open lids are often skipped by automated trucks to prevent spills.
About San Bernardino Waste Management
San Bernardino Residential Waste Commitment
The City of San Bernardino partners with Burrtec Waste Industries to maintain a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all residents. By utilizing a comprehensive three-bin system, the city streamlines the processing of trash, recyclables, and organic materials. Adhering to local disposal guidelines not only keeps our neighborhoods pristine but also ensures compliance with California’s strict environmental mandates.
Optimizing Your Curbside Collection
Efficiency starts at the curb. To ensure timely collection, residents should place their containers out no later than 6:00 a.m. on their scheduled service day. Please maintain at least 3 feet of clearance from obstacles like parked cars, mailboxes, and fences to allow the automated collection trucks to safely maneuver and lift your bins without issue.
Sustainable Practices for SB Residents
Reducing waste starts with understanding what goes where. From properly breaking down cardboard boxes to keeping food waste out of the recycling bin, your daily sorting habits directly impact the city's diversion rates. We encourage residents to use the provided organic waste containers for lawn clippings and food scraps to support regional composting initiatives.
Managing Excessive Waste
Occasional cleanup projects or seasonal transitions may result in more waste than your standard bins can handle. San Bernardino residents are eligible for bulky item collections and can utilize designated community dump events. For larger construction projects or major home renovations, consider specialized roll-off services provided through our contracted partner, Burrtec.
Drop-off Facilities
Burrtec Waste Industries
13373 Napa Street, Fontana, CA 92335
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule my two free bulky item pickups?
You must contact Burrtec Waste Industries at (909) 804-4222 at least 48 hours prior to your regular collection day to arrange the pickup.
Can I put extra trash bags next to my bin?
Generally, no. All waste must be inside your container with the lid closed. However, you can request an 'Extra Service Pickup' for excess items through Burrtec.
What should I do if my trash was missed?
Verify that your bins were out by 6:00 a.m. and properly placed. If you were compliant, contact Burrtec at (909) 804-4222 to report the missed service.
Where can I dispose of hazardous household waste?
Hazardous waste such as paint, oil, and chemicals should be taken to the San Bernardino County Collection Center at 2824 East 'W' Street, Building 302, San Bernardino, CA.