🗑️ A resident's guide to waste management in Sonoma & Marin Counties

Curbside · Central Landfill · Redwood Landfill · professional junk removal

Sonoma and Marin Counties offer multiple waste disposal pathways, each suited for different types of waste. Understanding whether an item belongs in your curbside bin, requires a trip to the transfer station, or needs professional junk removal can save time and money. Save our find us map for facility locations and hours.

Curbside pickup

Weekly service for household trash, recycling (cans, bottles, paper), and organics (food scraps, yard waste). Limits: 3‑item bulky waste limit per year (varies by city). No hazardous materials, electronics, or construction debris.

Weekly service

Self‑haul to transfer stations

Central Landfill (Sonoma): 500 Mecham Rd, Petaluma. Accepts bulky items, e‑waste, appliances, yard waste.
Redwood Landfill (Marin): 8950 Redwood Hwy, Novato. Similar acceptance; scales weigh and charge by the ton.

Mon–Sat 8am–4pm

Full‑service junk removal

Professional crews handle loading, sorting, and disposal. Ideal for large cleanouts, heavy items, or when you lack a truck. They ensure recycling where possible and comply with local diversion mandates.

No lifting for you

Sonoma & Marin transfer stations

Central Landfill / Sonoma County Transfer Station: 500 Mecham Rd, Petaluma. Accepts: appliances, furniture, mattresses, e‑waste, tires (for fee), yard waste, concrete, scrap metal. Hazardous waste only at HHW events.
Redwood Landfill (Marin County): 8950 Redwood Hwy, Novato. Operated by Waste Management. Accepts similar items; has a dedicated recycling center and household hazardous waste drop‑off (by appointment).
Fees: Minimum $30–$40 for small loads; scales weigh and charge by the ton. Call ahead for current rates.
Recycling centers: Both sites have separate areas for cardboard, bottles, cans — often free for residents.

Quick comparison: which option for your project?

Kitchen trash: Curbside ✅ | Transfer station ✅ (fee) | Junk removal ✅
Yard waste (leaves, branches): Curbside (green bin) ✅ | Transfer station ✅ (free yard waste?) | Junk removal ✅
Old sofa / mattress: Curbside ⚠️ bulky pickup | Transfer station ✅ | Junk removal ✅ best
Refrigerator / appliance: Curbside ❌ | Transfer station ✅ (freon must be removed) | Junk removal ✅ certified
TV / computer: Curbside ❌ | Transfer station ✅ e‑waste area | Junk removal ✅
Construction debris (drywall, wood): Curbside ❌ | Transfer station ✅ | Junk removal ✅
Hazardous waste (paint, oil): Curbside ❌ | Transfer station ❌ (HHW events) | Junk removal ❌ special handling

65% diversion goal

2x bulky pickups/year

When professional junk removal makes sense

You have a large volume of mixed items (furniture, appliances, debris).
No truck or ability to lift heavy items.
Tight HOA or neighborhood rules prohibit dumpsters.
You want to ensure maximum recycling and donation.
Time is limited — crews work quickly.

Find facilities

Use our find us map for directions to Central Landfill, Redwood Landfill, and local recycling centers. Hours and fees are updated seasonally.