State law requires all property owners and businesses to have trash, recycling and organics.
Recyclable materials and food or yard waste cannot be placed in the trash. To comply with State law, the County of Santa Cruz adopted the Universal Service Ordinance which requires all developed properties in unincorporated Santa Cruz County to either:
- Sign up to receive waste collection service with GreenWaste Recovery. Sign up online.
| Fine for first violation |
$100 |
| Fine for second violation |
$200 |
| Fine for third violation and each subsequent violation |
$500 per day
|
Did you receive a letter of non-compliance from the County and GreenWaste Recovery?
You can comply and avoid further fines by choosing one of the options below:
Mandatory Trash and Recycling Service Flyer - “How To” summary in English & Espanol.
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.