Santa Cruz County
Food scraps and yard trimmings must go in your green organics cart.
This organic material will be diverted from landfills.
GreenWaste of Santa Cruz County is a certified Green Business! GreenWaste has been providing service to Santa Cruz County since 2007. Santa Cruz County customers receive Garbage, Recyclable Materials, and Organics service. Recyclable material is transferred to GreenWaste’s Material Recovery Facility in San Jose, CA, Northern California’s premier solid waste and recyclables processing facility, where they sorted and processed. Here, more than 80% of materials are diverted from the landfill. Learn about our state-of-the-art facilities.
Garbage and organics material are delivered to the MRWMD for processing and/or disposal.
Juan Castillo, General Manager
Upcoming Events
Holiday Collection Schedule
GreenWaste provides regular collection services on all holidays except New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. If your collection day falls on or after one of these holidays, your collection will be delayed by one day.
Single-family residents in Santa Cruz County receive weekly curbside collection service of garbage, recyclable materials and organics. All materials must be ready for collection no later than 5:00AM on your normal collection day.
GARBAGE: Residents may choose subscription volumes of 20-, 32-, 64- or 96-gallons for weekly collection in Gray carts provided by GreenWaste.
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS: Residents are provided one (1) Blue 64-gallon cart for recyclable material collection at no additional charge. A larger 96-gallon recyclable material cart is available by request.
ORGANICS: Residents are provided one (1) Green 96-gallon cart for organics collection at no additional charge. A smaller 64-gallon organics cart is available by request.
Extra Services
PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS PROGRAM: Residents that are disabled as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are eligible to receive collection services at a location other than curbside for no additional charge. To request collection at an alternate location, please download the Physical Limitations Program Application and submit your completed application, including a current physician’s statement.
OFF STREET COLLECTION: Containers that are not immediately accessible by the collection vehicle are considered difficult-to-service. Collection of difficult to service containers carries a monthly per-container fee.
OVERAGES PROGRAM: Residents may request up to four (4) on call “Extra Set Out” collections annually for garbage or yard trimmings, for no additional charge. An “Extra Set Out” collection consists of one (1) 32-gallon or equivalent personal can or bag. Any extra garbage and/or yard trimmings placed out for collection beyond the four (4) “Extra Set Out” collections, will be collected and an additional charge will apply. Please contact Customer Service 24 hours in advance. Extra materials must be set out in accordance with the following:
- GARBAGE: Place in black or gray 32-gallon plastic bags next to your garbage cart.
- YARD TRIMMINGS: Place in 32-gallon cans or tied in secured bundles (no larger than 3’ x 3’) next to your yard trimmings cart(s).
- RECYCLABLE MATERIALS: Place in customer-provided bags (labeled recyclables) and cardboard in tied, secured bundles (no larger than 3’ x 3’) next to your recyclable materials cart(s).
BULKY ITEM COLLECTION PROGRAM: Residents may request up to three (3) bulky item reuse collections each year at no additional charge. Each collection may include up to two (2) cubic yards of reusable materials, five (5) e-Waste items, and three (3) appliances or bulky items. Appliances containing Freon count as two (2) bulky items. No single item may weigh more than 200 lbs., further restrictions may apply. Additional eligible items collection and/or collection events may be collected/scheduled for an additional charge. Contact Customer Service to schedule.
HOUSEHOLD BATTERIES: Residents may place household batteries in a clear Ziploc-type bag and set the bag on top of the recyclable materials cart. Acceptable batteries include AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt, 9-volt, camera batteries, nickel cadmium and lithium ion. Please tape the top of 9-volt rectangular batteries and 6-volt square-base batteries. Button-cell coin-shaped batteries are NOT accepted.
USED OILS: Residents may request Used Oil Recovery Kits and collection of used motor oils, and motor oil filters at no additional charge, not to exceed one (1) pick-up per week. Contact Customer Service to request a Used Oil Recovery Kit.
HOLIDAY TREE COLLECTION: During the first three (3) collection weeks of each year, customers may place un-flocked and undecorated holiday trees curbside for collection on the normal collection day. Trees must be cut into sections no larger than 6’ and placed next to the organics cart.
Billing & Rates
What Goes Where & More
Program and Sorting Guidance
- Organics Recycling Program
- What Goes Where Sorting Guide
- Santa Cruz County Residential Organics Recovery Webinar (English / Spanish)
Postcards
Newsletters
Regulatory Requirements
Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy: California Senate Bill 1383, effective January 1, 2022, requires all Californians to subscribe to their jurisdiction’s organics curbside collection service. Residents are required to properly sort their organic waste into the correct containers. For Santa Cruz County residents, GreenWaste provides a source separated organics stream (Green Cart). Yard trimmings and food scraps are composted from the Green Cart at the Buena Vista Landfill.
Residents of Multi-family complexes in Santa Cruz County receive weekly collection of garbage, recyclable materials, and organics. All materials must fit completely inside the container with the lid closed and must be ready for collection no later than 5:00AM. Property managers pay for collection services and all requests must be made through the property manager.
GARBAGE: Garbage will only be collected in gray containers provided by GreenWaste.
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS: Recyclable materials will only be collected in blue containers provided by GreenWaste.
ORGANICS: Your multi-family complex is eligible to participate in the organics collection program. Please contact your property manager directly to learn about the program.
THREE BUNDLE CART SERVICE: This service includes a bundle of Garbage, Recyclable Material and Organics. This option is only available for one time per week service on the collection day determined by GreenWaste. Cart Sizes Available: 20-, 32-, 64- and 96-gallon.
INDIVIDUAL CONTAINER SERVICE: This service carries a charge for each cart serviced for Garbage, Recyclable Material and Organics and offers flexibility of service day(s) and collection frequency. Container Sizes Available: 64- and 96-gallon, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8- cubic yards.
Extra Services
BULKY ITEM REUSE PROGRAM: Your complex may be eligible to participate in a complex-wide bulky item reuse collection, please contact your property manager for additional information.
HOLIDAY TREE COLLECTION: During the first three (3) collection weeks of each year, customers may place un-flocked and undecorated holiday trees curbside for collection on the normal collection day. Trees must be cut into sections no larger than 6’ and placed next to the organics cart.
Billing & Rates
Santa Cruz County Multi-Family customers are on a monthly billing cycle. If you have any questions about your billing, please contact Customer Service.
What Goes Where & More
Program and Sorting Guidance
- Multi-Family Recycle Guide
- What Goes Where Sorting Guide
- Compost Poster – 11×17
- Garbage Poster – 11×17
- Recycle Poster – 11×17
- Santa Cruz County Multi-Family Organics Recovery Webinar (English / Spanish)
Postcards
Newsletters
Regulatory Requirements
MANDATORY RECYCLING: California Assembly Bill 341 (AB 341) became effective July 1, 2012. AB 341 mandates recycling for all Multi-family residential dwellings of five units or more. Subscribing to recyclable materials collection services through GreenWaste will help ensure compliance with AB341.
MANDATORY ORGANICS RECYCLING: California Assembly Bill 1826 (AB1826) was signed into law in 2014, mandating organics recycling for businesses in California, including all multifamily residential dwellings that consist of five or more units. Subscribing to food waste collection services through GreenWaste will help ensure compliance with AB 1826.
SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANT REDUCTION STRATEGY: California Senate Bill 1383, effective January 1, 2022, requires all Californians to subscribe to their jurisdiction’s organics curbside collection service. Residents are required to properly sort their organic waste into the correct containers. For Santa Cruz County residents, GreenWaste provides a source separated organics stream (Green Container). Yard trimmings and food scraps are composted from the Green Container at the Buena Vista Landfill.
Businesses in Santa Cruz County are offered weekly collection of garbage, mixed and/or source-separated recyclable materials, and organics. Service is provided up to six (6) days per week on a Monday through Friday schedule, with Saturday service available as the 6th collection day. All materials must fit completely inside the container with the lid closed. Containers must be ready for collection no later than 5:00AM and should be returned to their service location promptly after service.
GARBAGE: Garbage will only be collected in gray containers provided by GreenWaste.
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS: Recyclable materials will only be collected in blue containers provided by GreenWaste.
ORGANICS: Organics will only be collected in green containers provided by GreenWaste.
THREE BUNDLE CART SERVICE: This service includes a bundle of Garbage, Recyclable Material and Organics. This option is only available for one time per week service on the collection day determined by GreenWaste. Cart Sizes Available: 64- and 96-gallon
INDIVIDUAL CONTAINER SERVICE: This service carries a charge for each cart serviced for Garbage, Recyclable Material, and Organics and offers flexibility of service day(s) and collection frequency. Container Sizes Available: 65- and 95-gallon, 1-, 1.5-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8- cubic yards*.
*Due to the weight of the material, 3-, 4-, 6-, or 8- cubic yard bins are not available for food scraps-only organic waste collection. 1- or 1.5-cubic yard bins are available for food scraps-only organic waste collection.
Extra Services
Overages Program: GreenWaste will collect and charge customers for containers that are overfilled and/or when material is placed out for collection beyond the capacity of the container. Customers will be charged accordingly for the extra material. To ensure accuracy of billing, please contact Customer Service to schedule the collection of extra material.
Bulky item Reuse Program: GreenWaste offers businesses bulky-item collection for an additional charge. Bulky items are items that won’t fit inside containers or require special handling. Contact Customer Service to schedule.
Special Pick-ups: Collection services are available on days other than regularly scheduled collection day(s) for an additional charge. Contact Customer Service to schedule.
Extra Container Services: GreenWaste can provide additional services as reasonably necessary to access and empty containers for an additional charge. Additional services may include opening and closing gates, pushing and/or pulling containers to the point of collection, and locking and/or unlocking containers.
Billing & Rates
Santa Cruz County commercial customers are on a monthly billing cycle. If you have any questions about your billing, please contact Customer Service.
What Goes Where & More
Program and Sorting Guidance
- Commercial Recycle Guide
- What Goes Where Sorting Guide
- How-To Guide on Setting Up Your Sorting Station
- Commercial Posters
Newsletters
Regulatory Requirements
Mandatory Service: The County of Santa Cruz municipal code requires all businesses to subscribe to weekly garbage collection services. The State of California requires businesses subscribe to recycling and organics collection services.
Mandatory Recycling: California Assembly Bill 341 (AB 341) became effective July 1, 2012. AB 341 mandates recycling for all businesses producing 4 cubic yards or more of garbage per week. Subscribing to recyclable materials collection services through GreenWaste will help ensure compliance with AB 341.
Mandatory Organics Recycling: California Assembly Bill 1826 (AB1826) was signed into law in 2014, mandating organics recycling for businesses in California. All businesses in California producing 2 cubic yards or more of total generated material per week are required to subscribe to organic material collection services. Subscribing to food waste collection services through GreenWaste will help ensure compliance with AB 1826.
Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy: California Senate Bill 1383, effective January 1, 2022, requires all Californians to subscribe to their jurisdiction’s organics curbside collection service. For Santa Cruz County businesses, GreenWaste provides a source separated organics stream (Green Container). Food scraps and food soiled paper are composted from the Green Container at the Buena Vista Landfill.
Businesses are required to provide properly labeled and/or color-coded containers in all areas where disposal containers are provided, except in restrooms. Annually, businesses must educate employees, contractors, customers, and tenants on how to properly sort organic waste, and all of these users are required to properly sort these materials into the correct containers.
Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program: Put your waste reduction efforts to good use with the Monterey County Green Business Program; an opportunity to implement green practices, receive onsite technical assistance, join the green business community and receive recognition from your local municipality. By creating an advanced waste reduction and recycling program you are on your way to being certified “green”. Businesses must be in compliance with all regulations and meet program standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution, and minimizing waste.
GreenWaste offers temporary and permanent roll-off services for large quantities of mixed and source-separated materials. Roll-off box rates vary by container size and material type and weight. Materials accepted include, but are not limited to:
Recyclable Materials
- Glass
- Plastics
- Paper
- Metals
- Wood
NOTE: Treated Wood Waste is NOT accepted (DTSC)
Construction & Demolition Debris
- Asphalt
- Building materials
- Debris and rubble
- Dirt and soil
- Carpet and carpet padding
- Concrete
- Lumber
- Packaging
- Pallets
- Rock
- Rubbish
- Sheetrock
Landscape Waste
- Dirt and soil
- Landscape debris
- Tanbark
- Yard Trimmings
- Wood waste (unpainted/untreated)
Unacceptable or Restricted Material
- Wet garbage (kitchen waste)
- Medical waste
- Hazardous Materials (paint, oil, chemicals, etc)
- Dirt (must use 10 cubic yard bin)*
- Concrete (must use 10 cubic yard bin)
- Tar and Gravel roofing material (Must use 10 cubic yard)
- Sheetrock (cannot exceed 25% of load)
- Tree Trunks cannot exceed 6 inches in diameter (must be a 10 cubic yard bin)
- Asbestos Material
- Treated wood**
- Extra fees may be applied for contamination
* Manifest form for dirt disposal must be filled out and approved by ReGen Monterey prior to delivery.
** Manifest form for treated wood disposal must be filled out and submitted prior to disposal. (English / Spanish)
Additional Charges
Additional charges apply for:
- Excess of dirt and concrete
- Overweight box
- Carpet in excess of 25% of load
- Sheetrock in excess of 25% of load
- Overloaded box
- Truck Tires
- Passenger Tires
- Relocation of box
- Additional days
- Dry run charge
- Bulky Items
- Appliances
Loading box must be level to the rim without anything hanging off the sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GreenWaste of Santa Cruz County offer dumpsters for construction debris?
Absolutely! GreenWaste specializes in construction and demolition debris recycling. We can provide traditional open top dumpsters for construction debris, concrete, dirt, brick, wood, metal.
Does GreenWaste of Santa Cruz County offer dumpsters for residential customers?
Yes! We have debris boxes that are perfect for home cleanouts, spring cleaning, remodels and renovations, cleaning up brush/trees around your property, or whatever else your project might be.
When will my debris box be dropped off and picked up?
Drop-off and pick-up times are dependent on our driver’s route, but we try to accommodate to your preferred time as closely as possible.
Can I place a dumpster/debris box on the street?
Unfortunately, the County of Santa Cruz limits the placement the placement of a debris box or dumpster on the street. We also recommend placing your dumpster on private property to deter illegal dumping. If you require your debris box be placed on the street, please request a permit from your local city.
What size debris box do I need?
Finding the right size debris box is crucial to ensuring efficient waste management. Here are the different sizes we offer and their typical use:
10-CY: This is our smallest size debris box and is ideal for small-scale projects, such as cleaning out a spare bedroom, decluttering a garage, or small landscaping projects. This size debris box is equal to approx. 3-4 pickup truck loads, depending on the material. This is the only box that accepts dirt, asphalt, concrete, and brick.
20-CY: This mid-sized option is commonly used for lager home renovation projects, such as kitchen and bathroom remodels. These boxes can also accommodate larger amounts of general household waste and debris. This size debris box is equal to approx. 7-8 pickup truck loads, depending on the material.
30-CY: This container is suitable for large-scale projects, including major home cleanouts or construction and remodeling projects. These boxes can accommodate furniture, appliances, and construction debris. This size debris box is equal to approx. 10-12 pickup truck loads, depending on the material.
40-CY: This is our largest standard debris box side and is typically use dfor significant construction or demolition projects. These boxes can accommodate large volumes of debris including bulky items like furniture, drywall, and other construction materials. This size debris box is equal to approx. 12-14 pickup truck loads, depending on the material.
If you are ever unsure about the appropriate dumpster size for your project, please contact customer service.
Roll-off box sizes range from 10 yard to 40 yards. Delivery and pick-up is available up to five (5) days per week on a Monday through Friday schedule. For additional information or to order a drop box, please contact Customer Service.
40 CY Box
The perfect size for large-scale or long term projects, such as major renovations, construction, and more.
Dimensions
21’ L x 8’ W x 7’.5” H
30 CY Box
Great for medium to large sized construction projects, clean ups, office cleanouts, home additions, and more.
Dimensions
21’ L x 8’ W x 4.5′ H
18′ L x 8′ W x 7.5′ H
20 CY Box
Our most popular box size, ideal for small remodels, property clean outs, and general debris removal.
Dimensions
16’ L x 8’ W x 5’.3” H
10 CY Box
Great for small remodels, home projects, bulky items, and heavier materials such as concrete, brick, or dirt.
Dimensions
16’ L x 8’ W x 3.5’ H
40 CY Box
The perfect size for large-scale or long term projects, such as major renovations, construction, and more.
Dimensions
21’ L x 8’ W x 7’.5” H
30 CY Box
Great for medium to large sized construction projects, clean ups, office cleanouts, home additions, and more.
Dimensions
21’ L x 8’ W x 4.5′ H
18′ L x 8′ W x 7.5′ H
20 CY Box
Our most popular box size, ideal for small remodels, property clean outs, and general debris removal.
Dimensions
16’ L x 8’ W x 5’.3” H
10 CY Box
Great for small remodels, home projects, bulky items, and heavier materials such as concrete, brick, or dirt.
Dimensions
16’ L x 8’ W x 3.5’ H
Processing & Disposal Summary
GreenWaste vehicles deliver Garbage and Organics to the Buena Vista Landfill for processing and/or disposal, while Recyclables are delivered to the GreenWaste Transfer Facility in Watsonville.
 |
GARBAGE is delivered to the Buena Vista Landfill for disposal. Note, material from the northern part of the County is first consolidated at the Ben Lomond Transfer Station. |
 |
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS are delivered to the Watsonville Transfer Facility, consolidated, then on to the GreenWaste MRF in San Jose for processing. |
 |
ORGANICS are delivered to the Buena Vista Landfill for composting. |
Local Community Contacts
GreenWaste Recovery |
Local Office
831-426-2711 | Customer Service
800-665-2209 | Toll Free
375 Industrial Rd. | Local Office
Watsonville, CA 95076
P.O. Box 2347 | Mailing Address
Watsonville, CA 95077
Santa Cruz County
Recycling and Solid Waste Services and Hazardous Waste Program
701 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-454-2606 | Phone
County of Santa Cruz Department of Public Works
Ben Lomond Transfer Station and Buena Vista Landfill
831-454-2430 | Main Phone