Santa Monica residents benefit from a comprehensive waste management system designed to keep the city clean, sustainable, and environmentally responsible. The Resource Recovery and Recycling Division provides essential services that ensure efficient trash collection, recycling, and waste disposal for the community.
References:
- Official City of Santa Monica Recycling and Trash Services: https://www.santamonica.gov/categories/services/trash-and-recycling
- Residential Collection Services: https://www.santamonica.gov/topic-explainers/residential-collection-services
Trash Pick Up Schedule in Santa Monica
The city offers systematic trash collection services seven days per week through its Resource Recovery and Recycling (RRR) team. Residents can expect consistent and reliable waste management throughout the year.
Residential Trash Collection
Santa Monica provides flexible container options for residential customers:
- Single-family homes: 65 and 95-gallon containers
- Multi-family buildings: 300-gallon to 4-yard containers
- Standard service level: Once weekly pickup
Curbside Collection Guidelines
- Place containers with lids facing the street
- Position handles toward your home
- Maintain at least two feet between containers and objects
- Place containers out no earlier than 4:00 p.m. before collection day
- Remove containers by 8:00 p.m. on collection day
Recycling Services
The city encourages comprehensive recycling through:
- Blue recycling containers
- Green organic waste containers
- Comprehensive “What Goes Where” guide for proper sorting
Bulk & Large Item Pick Up
Residents have multiple options for disposing of large items:
- Bulky item collection service
- Option to rent city-provided containers
- Purchase orange plastic bags for excess trash ($89.06 for five 40-gallon bags)
- Additional trash container pickup available for a fee ($110.19)
Yard Waste & Seasonal Services
Santa Monica offers multiple recycling and disposal events throughout the year, including:
- E-waste collection
- Paper shredding events
- Compost workshops
- Used oil recycling
Holiday Trash Pick Up Changes
Trash collection does not occur on these holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Cesar Chavez Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
How to Find or Request Services
Residents can access services through multiple channels:
- Online: 311 web portal
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 866-311-SaMo (7266)
- Mobile app: City of Santa Monica 311 app
Special Disposal Options
The city provides specialized disposal for:
- Household hazardous waste
- Construction materials
- Electronic waste
- Clothing and textiles
- Batteries
- Prescription medications
- Paint
Santa Monica’s trash pickup and recycling services demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability, offering residents convenient, efficient waste management solutions. By following guidelines and utilizing available services, community members contribute to keeping the city clean and reducing environmental impact.
For the most up-to-date information, always check the official City of Santa Monica website or contact 311 directly.
FAQ
How do I schedule a bulky item pickup in Santa Monica?
- Move your items to the front curb or to the alley behind your property and clearly label them for pick-up (note “For City Pick-up”) prior to calling.
- Call (866) 311-7266 to arrange for a pick-up and for additional information.
Why hasn’t my garbage been picked up today?A garbage truck might skip your trash pickup for several reasons. Common reasons include improper sorting of waste, overweight or oversized containers, blocked access to the garbage due to parked vehicles or construction, hazardous materials in the garbage, or severe weather conditions.
How do I get a replacement trash can in Santa Monica?If you need a replacement cart due to damage or theft you can request a replacement by contacting 311 via phone at (866) 311-7266 or via email at [email protected].
How to dispose of a mattress in Santa Monica?Scheduling a curbside pickup for your old mattress in Santa Monica with Mattress Disposal Plus is easy. You can either book curbside collection online or by texting (678) 884-4738.
https://www.santamonica.gov/categories/services/trash-and-recycling
Recycling and trash collection is performed by city’s Resource Recovery and Recycling (RRR) team seven days per week.
https://www.santamonica.gov/topic-explainers/residential-collection-services
We accept credit card or check. Please call (310) 458-2246 and select option 1 from 10:00am to 3:00pm Monday – Thursday or email [email protected]