San Jose Bulk Trash Pickup Rules (2026 Rules & Calendar)
Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 12 items per collection. Free residential Junk Pickup by appointment for single-family homes and multi-family complexes. Scheduled on your regular collection day for up to 12 items.
San Jose bulk pickup rules
| Collection rule | Free residential Junk Pickup by appointment for single-family homes and multi-family complexes. Scheduled on your regular collection day for up to 12 items. |
|---|---|
| Limit per pickup | 12 items |
| Permitted materials | Furniture, Appliances |
| Advance notice | Required before collection. |
| Dispatch phone | 408-535-3500 |
Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials
Furniture
AcceptedSofas, chairs, tables, mattresses, box springs, and dressers accepted curbside via free Junk Pickup appointment (up to 12 items).
Appliances
AcceptedRefrigerators, freezers, water heaters, washers, and dryers accepted curbside via free Junk Pickup appointment.
Construction debris
Not acceptedConstruction and demolition debris, concrete, dirt, and rocks are prohibited from Junk Pickup; self-haul to certified C&D recycling facilities.
How to throw away a mattress in San Jose
Follow the listed bulk rule: Free residential Junk Pickup by appointment for single-family homes and multi-family complexes. Scheduled on your regular collection day for up to 12 items.
Special disposal mandates
Plastic mattress encasement: The listed rules do not require mattress bagging. Confirm any material-specific handling instructions before pickup. Read mattress bagging laws →
Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: The sticker requirement has not been verified. Confirm the appliance procedure with dispatch.
San Jose Curbside Scavenging & Trash Picking Rules
Whether you want usable items salvaged before the compactor crushes them or you are looking for scrap metal, understand the local curbside legal boundaries in San Jose.
Public Curb vs. City Cart Ownership
Under federal precedent, property discarded in public rights-of-way is legally abandoned. However, many municipal ordinances classify materials placed inside official city-owned recycling carts as city property. Removing materials from inside containers can trigger municipal pilfering fines.
Mark Usable Items with a "FREE" Sign
If you want scrap metal collectors or neighbors to haul away working appliances, lawnmowers, or furniture before bulk pickup day, tape a clear "FREE" sign to the item and place it directly on the curb line away from your private driveway.
San Jose Area Landfills & Citizen Drop-Off Stations
When you have large renovation loads, dirt, concrete, or bulky waste exceeding curbside limits, self-haul directly to a verified transfer station or county landfill serving Santa Clara County.
📍 15999 Guadalupe Mines Rd, San Jose, CA 95120
Active landfill and recycling facility serving San Jose residents. Accepts municipal solid waste, yard trimmings, concrete, dirt, and clean wood. Open Mon-Sat 8am-3:45pm.
📍 705 Los Esteros Rd, San Jose, CA 95134
Certified resource recovery and recycling facility processing mixed C&D, organic yard waste, wood, and concrete. Open Mon-Fri 6am-4:30pm, Sat 8am-3:45pm.
📍 1601 Dixon Landing Rd, Milpitas, CA 95035
Major regional landfill, material recovery facility, and composting center accepting solid waste, recyclable materials, and organic waste from San Jose residents.
All open truck beds and trailers must be secured with a tarp. Unsecured loads face an immediate $20 to $50 state fee at the scale.
Most facilities have a minimum entry fee ($25 to $45) covering up to 1,000 lbs, with prorated per-ton rates for heavier commercial debris.
To receive discounted residential gate rates, bring a valid state driver license and a current local municipal water or utility bill.
If your project exceeds city bulk limits, review our dumpster rental vs. bulk pickup cost comparison or read our construction debris weight guide.
Local disposal alternatives in Santa Clara County
For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.
Guadalupe Recycling and Disposal Facility
15999 Guadalupe Mines Rd, San Jose, CA 95120
Active landfill and recycling facility serving San Jose residents. Accepts municipal solid waste, yard trimmings, concrete, dirt, and clean wood. Open Mon-Sat 8am-3:45pm.
GreenWaste Zanker Resource Recovery Facility
705 Los Esteros Rd, San Jose, CA 95134
Certified resource recovery and recycling facility processing mixed C&D, organic yard waste, wood, and concrete. Open Mon-Fri 6am-4:30pm, Sat 8am-3:45pm.
Newby Island Sanitary Landfill and Recyclery
1601 Dixon Landing Rd, Milpitas, CA 95035
Major regional landfill, material recovery facility, and composting center accepting solid waste, recyclable materials, and organic waste from San Jose residents.
The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.
DPW & sanitation contact
City of San Jose Environmental Services Department · municipal dpw
Phone: 408-535-3500
200 E. Santa Clara St.San Jose, CA 95113
These collection rules cover Zone Residential Automated Collection Routes (Monday through Friday).
Trash & recycling questions
What days is trash collected in San Jose, CA?
Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out Set out all carts no later than 6:00 a.m. on your collection day, and no earlier than the day before; collection occurs between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.. These rules apply to Zone Residential Automated Collection Routes (Monday through Friday).
Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in San Jose?
As of 2026-10-10: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. A listed holiday shifts that day and the remaining collection days in its service week by one day. Observed holidays: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone Residential Automated Collection Routes (Monday through Friday).
How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in San Jose?
Free residential Junk Pickup by appointment for single-family homes and multi-family complexes. Scheduled on your regular collection day for up to 12 items. The listed limit is 12 items per pickup. Advance notice is required. Contact sanitation at 408-535-3500 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone Residential Automated Collection Routes (Monday through Friday).
What items are accepted for recycling in San Jose?
The listed accepted materials are Cardboard and paper products (clean corrugated boxes, clean office paper, mail, newspapers, catalogs), Plastic containers #1 through #7 (clean bottles, jugs, jars, tubs, trays; empty and dry), Glass bottles and jars (food and beverage jars; rinsed clean; remove lids), Metal food and beverage cans, clean aluminum foil and trays, Cartons (milk, juice, and soup cartons). Keep these listed prohibited items out: Food scraps and organics (use SB 1383 yard/organics collection or composting), Polystyrene foam / Styrofoam containers and packaging, Electronics, lithium batteries, and hazardous materials, Ceramics, cookware, glassware, mirrors, or window glass, Hoses, cords, wires, cables, or building construction debris. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone Residential Automated Collection Routes (Monday through Friday).