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Recycling & Solid Waste Menu

 

 

Universal Waste Service

State law now requires local jurisdictions to provide mandatory trash, recycling, and organic waste services to every resident and business within its area boundaries. It is against State law to put recycling or organic materials (food and yard waste) in the garbage. To comply with State law, the County of Santa Cruz passed its Universal Service Ordinance to provide source separated waste services throughout the unincorporated County. All residents and businesses must either subscribe to curbside service with a County approved waste hauler or sign up with the County as a self-hauler. County self-haulers must pay an annual administrative fee and transport their source separated waste to either Ben Lomond Transfer Station in north county or to Buena Vista Waste Facility in south county. Waste disposal fees apply and fines may be levied for non-compliance with State law. 

Mandatory Trash and Recycling Service Flyer - “How To” summary in English & Espanol.

Universal Service Ordinance - Details on Santa Cruz County Universal Waste Service.

Universal Service FAQs - Answers to frequently asked questions on Universal Waste Service.

Curbside Collection vs. Self-Haul Analysis - Pros and cons of curbside collection and self-hauling.

Curbside vs. Self-Haul Cost Comparison - Sample costs of curbside collection and self-hauling.

Universal Service Self-Haul Application Form  - Complete this form to sign up as a County self-hauler.

Formulario de Servicio Universal - Solicitud para auto - transporte (acarreo propio de desechos - self-haulers) - complete este formulario para inscribirse como un auto-transportista (acarreo propio de desechos - self-haulers).

Universal Service Request for Exceptions - Complete this form if you believe your property qualifies for an exemption from State mandated Universal Waste Service.

Solicitud de Excepciones de Servicio Universal - complete este formulario si cree que su propiedad califica para una excepcion del Servicio Universal de Residuos exigido por el Estado.

2024 Holiday Schedule

Buena Vista Location 

1231 Buena Vista Dr.,
Watsonville, CA

(831) 454-2430 or
(831) 454-5153

County Landfill
Open every Mon.,

Tues., Thurs.,
Fri., & Sat.
7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Open every Wed.,
7:30 am - 2:30 pm

Buena Vista Household
Hazardous Waste
Open every Wed.,
7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Open every Fri., & Sat.
7:30 am - 3:30 pm

(831) 454-2606


Ben Lomond Location 

9835 Newell Creek Rd.,
Ben Lomond, CA

(831) 454-2430 or

(831) 454-3951

 

County Transfer Station
Open every Mon.,

Tues., Thurs.,
Fri., & Sat.
7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Open every Wed.,
7:30 am - 2:30 pm

Ben Lomond Household Hazardous Waste
Open every Thurs.
7:30 am - 3:30 pm

(831) 454-2606


Other Household Hazardous Waste 

City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility
Open every Sat.
7:30 am - 3:30 pm

605 Dimeo Lane
Santa Cruz, CA

(831) 420-6270


Santa Cruz County
Solid Waste & Recycling
Main Office

701 Ocean St., Room 410
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 454-2160

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