Waste Management Services in San Jose, CA
Find trusted dumpster rental, junk removal, septic pumping, and specialty services in San Jose. Compare verified providers and get free quotes.
Waste Management Services in San Jose, California
San Jose Environmental Services Department serves 1+ million residents with mandatory waste collection billed through property taxes. The city generates approximately 2.1 million tons of MSW annually with aggressive zero waste goals and SB 1383 organics compliance. Silicon Valley location drives unique tech sector waste streams.
Residential Service
Billed annually through property taxes. Rates effective July 2025. Includes weekly trash, recycling, yard trimmings, unlimited junk pickup. Mandatory service.
Dumpster Rental
20-yard, 7-day rental
Providers
Licensed haulers serving San Jose
Waste Haulers Serving San Jose
Compare licensed waste management providers offering residential, commercial, and specialty services in San Jose:
Republic Services
national- Residential collection
- Commercial collection
- Recycling
- Organics
California Waste Solutions
regional- Commercial collection
- Organics processing
- Zero waste consulting
San Jose Waste Management Costs
Understand typical pricing for waste services in San Jose. Costs vary by provider, service level, and property type.
Residential Services
Billed annually through property taxes. Rates effective July 2025. Includes weekly trash, recycling, yard trimmings, unlimited junk pickup. Mandatory service.
Commercial Services
Franchised zones with Republic Services. Mandatory organics separation under SB 1383. Rates regulated by city. Tech sector generates e-waste.
Dumpster Rental
7-day rental. Silicon Valley premium pricing. High disposal costs. Competitive market with regional providers.
Junk Removal
Bay Area premium pricing. Quarter truck ~$195-$320, half truck $320-$480, full truck $550-$780.
San Jose Waste Regulations & Requirements
Dumpster Permits
Right-of-way permits required from San Jose Department of Transportation for dumpsters on streets. Fees vary. Private property preferred - no permit needed.
Recycling Requirements
MANDATORY waste collection per city ordinance. Three-cart system required: trash (black), recycling (blue), organics (green). SB 1383 compliance mandatory.
Special Regulations
- Garbage service mandatory even if property vacant - owner must pay
- SB 1383 organics diversion requirements - all food scraps must be composted
- Commercial businesses must provide recycling and organics bins
- E-waste from tech sector requires special handling and collection
- Set-out times: 6am on collection day, bins back by end of day
- Earthquake preparedness protocols for debris management
Recycling in San Jose
San Jose requires three-cart system for all properties. Blue cart (recycling), green cart (organics including food scraps and yard waste), black cart (trash). Weekly collection of all streams. SB 1383 mandates comprehensive organics diversion.
Accepted Materials
- Recycling: Paper, cardboard, plastic #1-7, glass, metals, cartons
- Organics: All food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings, leaves, branches
- Organics: Meat, dairy, bones, bread, grains - all compostable material
Not Accepted
- Plastic bags (return to grocery stores)
- Styrofoam & polystyrene
- Electronics (separate e-waste collection)
- Batteries (HHW collection)
- Hazardous materials
- Construction debris (requires dumpster)
Special Waste Programs in San Jose
Take advantage of these specialized collection and disposal programs available to San Jose residents:
HHW Collection Events
Quarterly household hazardous waste collection events throughout San Jose. Free for residents. Accepts paint, chemicals, batteries, motor oil, e-waste.
Event calendar at sanjoseca.gov/environment | (408) 535-3500
Unlimited Junk Pickup
Included in residential service - unlimited bulky item pickup. Call to schedule collection of furniture, appliances, mattresses, electronics.
Schedule with Republic Services | (408) 262-7300
Commercial Organics Program
Required organics collection for all businesses under SB 1383. City provides education and compliance monitoring. Fines for non-compliance.
sanjoseca.gov/bizorganics
Zero Waste Education
City provides school programs, business consultations, and resident workshops on waste reduction and proper sorting. Focus on tech sector sustainability.
(408) 535-3500 | sanjoseca.gov/environment
What Makes San Jose Waste Management Unique
- Silicon Valley tech sector generates unique e-waste streams requiring specialized handling
- SB 1383 aggressive organics mandates - comprehensive food scrap composting required
- Mandatory waste service billed through property taxes - all properties must subscribe
- Earthquake-prone region requires debris management preparedness protocols
- Unlimited junk pickup included in service - very generous compared to other cities
- Bay Area premium pricing reflects high cost of living and disposal fees
- Zero waste goals aligned with Silicon Valley sustainability values
Contact San Jose Waste Services
Get help with waste collection, recycling questions, or service requests:
San Jose Environmental Services
Republic Services (Residential)
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