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El Cerrito · Building on your lot

Trash and recycling carts in El Cerrito

El Cerrito's own rules on trash and recycling carts, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the El Cerrito Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What El Cerrito's code says

El Cerrito code What El Cerrito's code adds
Required collection service
  • Subscribe to collection services within 7 days of occupying a property.
    Applies: Unless the generator has an applicable exemption or waiver.
    § 8.12.050 · code text
    Every generator in the city shall, within seven days of occupancy of a property, subscribe to collection services, and comply with the requirements thereof, unless the generator has received an applicable exemption or waiver as provided for in this chapter.
Sorting organics and green waste
  • Put organic waste in the compost container, recyclables in the recycling container and garbage in the landfill container.
    Applies: Applies to every generator without an exemption or waiver.
    § 8.12.060 · code text
    Place all source separated compost container organic waste in the compost container; source separated recyclable materials in the recycling container; and landfill container waste (garbage) in the landfill container.
When carts must come back
  • Remove containers from the curb before midnight on the day they are emptied.
    Applies: Applies to landfill, recycling and compost containers.
    § 8.12.060 · code text
    All landfill containers, recycling containers, and compost containers shall be removed from the curb prior to midnight of the day the containers have been emptied.
When carts may go to the curb
  • No earlier than sunset on the day before collection. Not on any day other than collection day.
    Applies: Applies to landfill, recycling and compost containers.
    § 8.12.060 · code text
    Not place landfill containers, recycling containers and compost containers for collection at any time other than the day or days established for collection, or earlier than sunset of the day preceding the day designated for collection.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

When can trash carts go out to the curb in El Cerrito?

El Cerrito's code: Subscribe to collection services within 7 days of occupying a property. (Unless the generator has an applicable exemption or waiver.) (§ 8.12.050); Put organic waste in the compost container, recyclables in the recycling container and garbage in the landfill container. (Applies to every generator without an exemption or waiver.) (§ 8.12.060).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific El Cerrito property

Ask GoCodebook how El Cerrito's trash and recycling carts rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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El Cerrito Municipal Code — full text