Junk removal in Stockton, CA.

Stockton, California provides 1 free curbside bulky-waste pickup per year through the city’s Clean Sweep program, available February through October only, by appointment two weeks in advance. California’s SB 1383 requires three-cart mandatory sorting for all residents. WM (Waste Management) serves most Stockton city residents. This guide covers every disposal option for City of Stockton residents — residents outside city limits in unincorporated San Joaquin County should contact the San Joaquin County Solid Waste Division.

Free options at a glance

Stockton's Clean Sweep program provides 1 free bulky waste pickup per year (February through October only) for single-family, duplex, and triplex residents within city limits. California SB 1383 requires three-cart sorting for all residents. The Clean City Initiative coordinates ongoing illegal dumping cleanup. Below are the options most Stockton residents qualify for.

Clean Sweep program (1 free/year)

Stockton’s Clean Sweep program provides 1 free curbside bulky-waste pickup per year for residents of single-family homes, duplexes, or triplexes within city limits.

· Season: February through October only (not available November–January)

· Volume: 3 cubic yards of bulky waste at no charge per annual appointment

· Advance notice: Call your garbage company two weeks in advance of your requested date

· WM customers: Call (209) 946-5711

· Paid additional pickups are available year-round; call (209) 946-5711 to schedule

· City limits only. Residents outside Stockton city limits in unincorporated San Joaquin County should contact the San Joaquin County Solid Waste Division at (209) 468-3066 or solidwaste@sjgov.org

NOT acceptable in curbside collection: Construction waste, auto parts, tires, household hazardous waste (paint, oil, household cleaners), medical waste, electronic waste, and food scraps.

Carts curbside by 5:00 AM on collection day, wheels against the curb, at least 3 feet from parked cars, mailboxes, and obstacles. Carts may be placed out after 6:00 PM the evening before.

SB 1383 and the 3-cart system

California SB 1383, effective January 2022, requires all Stockton residents to sort waste into three carts:

· Trash cart (90, 60, or 30 gallon) — weekly, rates vary by cart size

· Recycling cart — single-stream recyclables

· Green/organics cart — food scraps, yard debris, food-soiled paper (required under SB 1383)

Food scraps and yard debris can no longer go in the trash cart under California law. Improper sorting can result in contamination notices.

Find your specific collection day: enter your address at stocktonca.gov or contact WM at (209) 946-5711. Carts should be out after 6:00 PM the night before collection and removed by 11:00 PM on collection day.

Holiday schedule: Collection schedules remain the same on all holidays except Christmas and New Year’s Day, when some services may be delayed one day.

HHW and e-waste

San Joaquin County operates HHW and electronics drop-off programs for city and county residents. Contact San Joaquin County Solid Waste at (209) 468-3066 or visit sjgov.org for current HHW event dates and accepted materials. Paint, batteries, motor oil, solvents, and electronics are all HHW that cannot go in any curbside cart.

California e-waste law bans televisions, computers, and covered electronics from curbside. Best Buy accepts most electronics free at customer service.

Stockton’s Clean City Initiative (a collaboration between the City, Public Works, Police Department, Republic Services, WM, and community volunteers) coordinates ongoing neighborhood beautification and illegal dumping cleanup events. Check stocktonca.gov for upcoming events.

Donation programs

Paid options

By item type

Reporting illegal dumping in Stockton

Contact the city to report illegal dumping: call 209-946-5711 (WM) or Stockton Public Works or report through the Stockton Clean City Initiative at stocktonca.gov. For California state environmental violations, contact CalRecycle or the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. For active dumping in progress, call the local police non-emergency line.

Photos with timestamps and license plate numbers significantly improve enforcement outcomes. See our complete illegal dumping guide for state penalty information and reporting best practices.

Common questions