San Jose bulk trash pickup: schedule, rules & how to schedule
San José offers a no-cost Junk Pickup for owners and renters, including single-family homes and multi-family complexes. You schedule an appointment; collection is on your regular recycling and garbage day.
By appointmentFree or included
How pickup works
| Type | Free appointment, up to 12 items |
| Schedule | Request a pickup at 311.SanJoseCA.gov, in the San José 311 app, by dialing 3-1-1, or by calling (408) 535-3500. Appointments are on your regular collection day. You should receive a separate confirmation email within two business days (this is different from the automated 311 email). If you need the date sooner, contact your recycling company (look it up in 311 My Collection Schedule). |
| Limits | Up to 12 items per request. Items must come from your residence. |
| Cost | No cost for eligible owners and renters. |
| Who is eligible | San José owners and renters, including single-family homes and multi-family complexes. If you live in a multi-family building, check with your property manager about where to place items. |
| How to set items out | Set items out up to 24 hours before the appointment, on the street next to the curb the same way you set out your carts. Do not place them in a red zone, blocking a hydrant, or directly next to a parked car. Early or improper set-out may mean the items are left, or you could get a citation. |
How to book
311.SanJoseCA.gov, the San José 311 app, 3-1-1, or (408) 535-3500.
San José Junk Pickup →Phone: 311 or (408) 535-3500
What they accept
Usually accepted
- The city lists acceptable junk items such as mattresses, furniture, tires and more. Check the official acceptable-items list when you book.
Usually not accepted
- Items not accepted through Junk Pickup can go to a drop-off listed at RecycleStuff.org or a nearby landfill. Confirm before you go.
Mattresses
Accepted. If you are having a new mattress delivered, California law requires the retailer to offer to take back the old one at no extra cost (depending on condition). You can also drop one off at participating Bye Bye Mattress locations.
Appliances (including Freon)
Confirm on the acceptable-items list when you book.
Tires
Listed among acceptable junk items. Confirm the limit when you book.
E-waste
For items not accepted in Junk Pickup, use RecycleStuff.org or official drop-off options.
If you would rather drop it off
Self-haul options are listed at SJEnvironment.org/Landfill-Transfer. See also FindMyDump.
Find official landfills, transfer stations and drop-off centers in San Jose on FindMyDump: San Jose dumps and drop-off sites.