Santa Cruz County
Customer Service
Hello, Santa Cruz County!
Juan Castillo
General Manager
GreenWaste is proud to provide our Santa Cruz County community with garbage, recyclables, and organics service. Recyclable material is transferred to the San Jose Material Recovery Facility for sorting. Garbage and organics are delivered to ReGen Monterey for processing and/or disposal.
Food scraps and yard trimmings must go in your green organics cart.
This organic material will be diverted from landfills.
Upcoming Events
None at this time.
Holiday Collection Schedule
If your collection day falls on or after New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas Day, your collection will be delayed one day.
Residential
Multi-Family
Commercial
Residential Services
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 AM 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.
Recyclables
Residents are provided one 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 green 96-gallon cart for organics collection at no additional charge. A smaller 64-gallon organics cart is available by request.
Multi-Family Services
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 AM. 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.
Recyclables
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.
Commercial Services
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 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 AM and should be returned to their service location promptly after service.
Garbage
Garbage will only be collected in gray containers provided by GreenWaste.
Recyclables
Recyclable materials will only be collected in blue containers provided by GreenWaste.
Organics
Organics will only be collected in green containers provided by GreenWaste.
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 on-call “Extra Set Out” collections annually for garbage or yard trimmings, for no additional charge. An “Extra Set Out” collection consists of one 32-gallon or equivalent personal can or bag. Any extra garbage and/or yard trimmings placed out for collection beyond the four “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 bulky item reuse collections each year at no additional charge. Each collection may include up to:
- Two cubic yards of reusable materials,
- Five e-Waste items, and
- Three appliances or bulky items.
Appliances containing freon count as two 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 ziplock-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 pick-up per week. Contact customer service to request a Used Oil Recovery Kit.
Holiday Tree Collection: During the first three 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.
Santa Cruz County residential customers are on a quarterly billing cycle. Santa Cruz County multi-family and commercial customers are on a monthly billing cycle. This means you can expect to receive your GreenWaste invoice in January, April, July, and October. If you have any questions about your billing, please contact customer service.
What Goes Where & More
Residential |
Multi-Family |
Commercial |
|---|---|---|
Program and Sorting Guidance
|
Program and Sorting Guidance
|
Program and Sorting Guidance
|
| Postcards
|
Postcards
|
Posters
|
| Newsletters | Newsletters | Newsletters |
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.
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.
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 on-call “Extra Set Out” collections annually for garbage or yard trimmings, for no additional charge. An “Extra Set Out” collection consists of one 32-gallon or equivalent personal can or bag. Any extra garbage and/or yard trimmings placed out for collection beyond the four “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 bulky item reuse collections each year at no additional charge. Each collection may include up to:
- Two cubic yards of reusable materials,
- Five e-Waste items, and
- Three appliances or bulky items.
Appliances containing freon count as two 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 ziplock-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 pick-up per week. Contact customer service to request a Used Oil Recovery Kit.
Holiday Tree Collection: During the first three 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.
Santa Cruz County residential customers are on a quarterly billing cycle. Santa Cruz County multi-family and commercial customers are on a monthly billing cycle. This means you can expect to receive your GreenWaste invoice in January, April, July, and October. If you have any questions about your billing, please contact customer service.
What Goes Where & More
Residential |
Multi-Family |
Commercial |
|---|---|---|
Program and Sorting Guidance
|
Program and Sorting Guidance
|
Program and Sorting Guidance
|
| Postcards
|
Postcards
|
Posters
|
| Newsletters | Newsletters | Newsletters |
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.
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.
Drop Box
GreenWaste offers temporary and permanent roll-off services for large quantities of mixed and source-separated materials. Roll-off dumpsters range in range from 10 yards to 40 yards. Delivery and pick-up is available up to five days per week, Monday through Friday. For additional information, or to order a drop box, please contact customer service.
16’ L x 8’ W x 3.5’ H
10 Cubic Yard Box
Great for small remodels, home projects, bulky items, and heavier materials such as concrete, brick, or dirt.
Request Quote
16’ L x 8’ W x 5’.3” H
20 Cubic Yard Box
Our most popular box size, ideal for small remodels, property clean outs, and general debris removal.
Request Quote
21’ L x 8’ W x 4.5′ H 18′ L x 8′ W x 7.5′ H
30 Cubic Yard Box
Great for medium to large sized construction projects, clean ups, office cleanouts, home additions, and more.
Request Quote
21’ L x 8’ W x 7’.5” H
40 Cubic Yard Box
The perfect size for large-scale or long-term projects, such as major renovations, construction sites, and more.
Request Quote
Recyclable Materials |
Construction & Demolition Debris |
Landscape Waste |
|
|
|
Note: Treated Wood Waste is NOT accepted (DTSC)
Unaccepted or Restricted Materials
- 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 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
The loading box must be level to the rim without anything hanging off the sides.
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, and 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 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 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 larger 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 used for 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.
Recyclable Materials |
Construction & Demolition Debris |
Landscape Waste |
|
|
|
Note: Treated Wood Waste is NOT accepted (DTSC)
Unaccepted or Restricted Materials
- 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 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
The loading box must be level to the rim without anything hanging off the sides.
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, and 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 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 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 larger 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 used for 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.
Processing and Disposal Summary
Recyclables and Organics are delivered to ReGen Monterey for processing. Garbage is delivered to ReGen Monterey for disposal.
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Bulky Item, Construction, and Demolition Recycling
Whether you are getting rid of a couch or 10-tons of debris, recycle more than 75% of your material with GreenWaste.
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