Trash & Recycling

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I find out who provides my trash service?

A: Contact the (dial 311) to find out who services your area and the day(s) of service.

Q: May I leave my cans in the street or at the curb between service days?

A: No. It is a violation to leave containers out between service days.  Please refer to the Riverside Municipal Code for more information.

Q: Can I leave my can in the street even if there is a bike lane?

A: No. It is a State Vehicle Code violation to block an official bike lane.  Cans must be placed away from the bike lane.  If you need assistance on where to place cans then call the 311 Call Center for assistance.

Q: Does the City of Riverside clean or replace cans when they have a foul odor?

A: No. the resident is responsible for the cleanliness of the can.  Regular trash should always be placed in trash bags before being placed in the brown cans. Recyclable food and beverage containers should be rinsed before placing them in the blue cans. Both of these actions will not only help to eliminate the odor, but will also deter rodents.

Q: Why was my trash missed today?

A: There could be several reasons why your container was not emptied. Reasons may include your container being too close to another can, having a vehicle parked too close or other obstruction blocking the driver, leaving the lid open, having contents sticking out of the top, placing inappropriate items in the cans or setting out the cans late. Please check for these things. After making any necessary corrections, contact the City of Riverside(dial 311) to have the can serviced.

Q: Does the City of Riverside credit my account if my trash was missed?

A: No. Riverside does not credit the utility account. It is up to the resident to contact the city and alert them to the problem so they can return to collect the missed container. Contact the City of Riverside (dial 311) to have the can serviced.

Q: Why was my can removed with my trash?

A: The Solid Waste Division sometimes finds cans that do not appear to belong to the address being serviced. Some examples are extra unbilled cans and cans at vacant houses. When drivers find these, they try to make contact with the resident. If the resident is not available drivers take the can(s) and investigate the problem.

Q: May I discontinue city trash services while still residing in Riverside?

A: Residents are required to dispose of their trash in an appropriate manner. Residents may choose to use the services of the city or choose to obtain a self hauler's permit available through Public Works Administration. When the application for the self hauler's permit has been approved the resident will be required to show proof of weekly trash disposal.

Contact the (dial 311) for additional information.

Q: If the resident before me used both the bulky item appointments for the year, may I make an appointment?

A: Yes. As a new resident you are still entitled to two free bulky item pick-ups per year. Contact the City of Riverside(dial 311) to schedule an appointment.

Q: Do I actually own the cans?

A: No. The first three cans (one for each commodity; trash, green waste, and recyclables) are provided by the city to facilitate trash service. When the resident moves out all three containers are to stay behind at that address. If a resident requests an additional can, he/she is charged a base fee and a monthly fee for extra service. The extra can may remain with the resident as long as he/she lives in Riverside. Additional base fees are not charged when the resident moves from place to place. However, the can must be left behind when a resident no longer lives in Riverside. A resident may return the extra container for a $25 credit within two years of delivery.

Q: Where can I dispose of electronic waste such as TV’s and computers?

A: The City of Riverside holds several events throughout the year where residents may bring their electronic waste for disposal. For more information regarding these free events visit the City of Riverside CURE schedule page.

The City of Riverside's Digital Inclusion program also accepts your old working or non-working computer, monitor, keyboard and mouse and uses it to support the program. For more information on computer recycling visit the SmartRiverside website.

All other electronic waste, as well as household hazardous waste, is accepted at the county’s Household Hazardous Waste drop off site, located at 1780 Agua Mansa Road. This location is open every Saturday from 9am-2pm, excluding holiday weekends. For further inquiries please contact Riverside County Waste Management Department at 951-486-3200.