Residential Frequently Asked Questions
Residential Services
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Need help with services, scheduling, or recycling guidelines? Contact our team—we’re happy to assist.
- Phone: (209) 835-0601
Residential Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about carts, collection, recycling, services, and disposal options.
Note: Click the + dropdown for answers to questions.
Carts & Collection
Recycling (Blue Cart):
Paper, flattened cardboard, glass bottles/jars, metal cans, and plastics labeled #1–7. Materials must be clean, empty, and dry.
🚫 No plastic bags, Styrofoam, or tanglers (hoses, cords, wires).
Organics (Green Cart):
Food scraps, yard waste (grass, leaves, branches), and food-soiled paper such as napkins and pizza boxes.
🚫 No plastic bags, glass, metal, or pet waste.
Waste (Gray Cart):
Non-recyclable materials such as plastic bags/wrappers, Styrofoam, diapers, pet waste, and general household trash.
Collection drivers and inspectors monitor carts for contamination.
If contamination is observed:
- Your cart may be tagged
- Materials may not be collected
- Repeat issues may result in additional charges
Proper sorting helps keep service efficient and costs down.
✔ Set carts out by 4:00 a.m.
✔ Wheels facing the curb
✔ Lid opening toward the street
✔ Maintain spacing:
- At least 3 feet between carts
- At least 3 feet from vehicles or obstacles
✔ Lids must close completely
🚫 Overflowing carts will not be collected unless scheduled in advance.
No.
✔ Remove carts within 12 hours after collection
✔ Store carts out of sight from the street
✔ Roll carts to curb no more than 12 hours before collection
Extra pickups may be scheduled for a fee
📞 Contact Customer Service at (209) 835-0601 or support@tdswm.com
Cart size adjustments are coordinated through:
📞 City of Tracy Finance
(209) 831-6800
Programs & Disposal Options
Eligible residential properties may schedule one free bulky item pickup per calendar year.
✔ Scheduled at your convenience
✔ Designed for excess waste & bulky items
Visit our Annual Clean-Up Program
For programs such as:
✔ Community collection events
Residents who wish to self-haul materials may use:
Tracy Material Recovery Facility & Transfer Station
30703 S. MacArthur Drive
Tracy, CA 95377
Monday-Saturday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday Closed
✔ Disposal of waste, recyclables, organics, bulky items
⚠ Fees vary by material type.
Visit Tracy Material Recovery
(209) 832-2355
Special Disposal Guidance
Hazardous materials such as:
🚫 Paint
🚫 Chemicals
🚫 Batteries
🚫 Motor oil
Must be taken to an approved HHW facility.
Electronic items such as:
🚫 TVs
🚫 Computers
🚫 Monitors
🚫 Cables
Require special recycling.
🚫 Batteries must never be placed in carts.
Improper disposal may cause:
- Fire hazards
- Equipment damage
Visit Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Or use our What Goes Where Tool
Helpful Tools & Laws
Use the What Goes Where Tool. Search thousands of items instantly.
SB 1383 is a statewide law that requires organic waste recycling to reduce greenhouse gases. Organic materials like food waste break down in landfills and create methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. By recycling these materials, communities help protect the environment and produce compost used to enrich soil.
California SB 1383 Organics Recycling Law requires residents and businesses to recycle organic waste such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper.
These materials must be placed in the organics (green) cart instead of the trash. Recycling organic waste helps reduce methane emissions from landfills and turns waste into valuable compost and renewable energy.
Click here for more details.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help.
(209) 835-0601
support@tdswm.com
