Gray or Black Bin (Trash)
Items must be bagged or bundled. Do not exceed the cart's weight limit. Lids must close completely to prevent litter and pests.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable household garbage
- ✓Diapers
- ✓Pet waste
- ✓Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
- ✓Broken ceramics
- ✓Chip bags and snack wrappers
Blue Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables should be empty, clean, and dry. Place items loosely in the bin; do not use plastic bags to contain them.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and paperboard
- ✓Newspapers, magazines, and junk mail
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags or film
- ✕Food-soiled paper
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Hazardous waste
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires)
Yard Waste Bin
Keep yard trimmings loose or bundled. Food scraps can be placed directly in the cart. Do not use plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Small branches (less than 6 inches in diameter)
- ✓Food scraps (meat, bones, dairy, fruit, vegetables)
- ✓Food-soiled paper (pizza boxes, napkins)
- ✓Coffee grounds
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One (1) free appointment per calendar year
Placement
Place items curbside by 6:00 a.m. on your appointment day. Do not set items out more than 24 hours in advance. Keep the sidewalk and street clear.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, mattresses)
- ✓ Large appliances (doors sealed)
- ✓ Electronic waste
- ✓ Bagged/boxed general trash
- ✓ Bundled yard trimmings
Not Accepted
- ✕ Dirt, rocks, and concrete
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paint, oil, chemicals)
- ✕ Tires
Additional collections beyond the free annual appointment are available for a fee. Contact Alameda County Industries for pricing.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Collection services are typically pushed back by one day if your pickup falls on or after an observed holiday during the workweek. For example, if a holiday falls on a Thursday, Thursday service occurs on Friday and Friday service on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling follow the same holiday delay as regular trash.
Most other federal holidays do not result in a schedule change.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Loose is the Law
Never bag your recyclables. Bagged items in the blue cart are often sent directly to the landfill because the sorting facility cannot safely open the bags. Always toss clean paper, plastic, and metal loosely into the bin.
Pizza Boxes Belong in Green
Greasy pizza boxes are actually organic material! If the bottom of the box is stained with food or oil, it belongs in your green organics cart, not the blue recycling bin. If the lid is clean, that part can be recycled.
Battery Safety First
Never put batteries in your trash or recycling bins. Place household batteries in a clear, zipper-locked bag on top of your blue recycling cart. Tape the terminals of lithium, 6-volt, and 9-volt batteries to prevent fire hazards.
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October - NovemberDuring the fall, ensure all leaves and trimmings are contained in your green organics cart. Avoid raking materials into the street, as they can clog storm drains and lead to localized flooding during the first winter rains.
Winter
December - JanuaryAfter the holidays, you can recycle your natural Christmas tree through your green organics cart. Ensure the tree is cut into small pieces that fit completely inside the bin and that all tinsel, lights, and ornaments have been removed.
About San Leandro Waste Management
Residential Waste Services in San Leandro
The City of San Leandro partners with Alameda County Industries (ACI) to provide comprehensive curbside collection for residential customers. This program is designed to simplify waste management while strictly adhering to California's SB 1383 organic waste requirements. Residents are provided with three-cart service—landfill, recycling, and organics—ensuring that all household waste is handled efficiently and sustainably to meet the community's environmental goals.
The Importance of Proper Waste Sorting
To keep San Leandro clean and compliant with state regulations, proper sorting is essential. Your gray landfill cart is for items that cannot be recycled or composted, while the blue recycling cart is for paper, bottles, and cans. The green organics cart is a critical component of the city's waste program, accepting all food scraps and yard trimmings. By placing materials in the correct bin, residents help divert significant amounts of waste from landfills and support local composting initiatives.
On-Call Bulky Item and Reuse Program
San Leandro residents benefit from an excellent on-call bulky item collection program, which includes the unique option to set aside reusable goods. Every household is eligible for one free pickup per calendar year. This service covers up to three cubic yards of waste, including large furniture, appliances, and e-waste. By labeling items as 'REUSE,' residents can ensure that clean, functional goods are diverted to donation centers rather than the landfill.
Environmental Responsibility and Hazardous Waste
San Leandro is committed to a zero-waste future. While curbside services handle most household items, hazardous waste—such as paint, batteries, and motor oil—must never be placed in your bins. The city works closely with Alameda County programs to provide safe disposal options for these toxic materials. Residents are encouraged to use the online 'San Leandro Sorts' guide to determine the best disposal method for any item, keeping dangerous pollutants out of the local ecosystem.
Drop-off Facilities
Alameda County Industries (ACI)
610 Aladdin Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a free bulky item pickup?
San Leandro residents can schedule their annual free on-call cleanup by contacting Alameda County Industries at (510) 483-1400.
Can I put food waste in my green bin?
Yes, under SB 1383, all food scraps—including meat, bones, and dairy—should be placed in the green organics cart to support local composting.
Where can I recycle household batteries?
You can place alkaline and lithium batteries in a clear, sealed plastic bag and set it on top of your blue recycling cart on your regular collection day.
What happens if I miss my pickup day?
If you miss your scheduled collection, you may have to wait until the following week for your next service. It is recommended to have your bins at the curb by 6:00 a.m. to ensure pickup.