So, what do you do with the big stuff? Here's a hint: DO NOT just drag it out to the curb and leave it there! We have several options:
Find out how to schedule a large item pick up
The waste category "Large Items" includes but is not limited to the following examples:
Each single-family home with an active trash and recycling account can schedule two large item pickups per year. Each scheduled pickup can include multiple large items.
Changes coming October 1, 2023: Each residential address in the City with an active trash and recycling account will now receive four large item pickups (of up to five items, boxes, or bags) each year. Have more than five items for pickup? You can schedule two pickups for one day! The program will also be expanded to include residents in apartment buildings, who will no longer have to rely on landlords to schedule pickups.
For multi-unit buildings, only the landlord or property manager may schedule the two large item pickups.
Changes coming October 1, 2023: Each residential address in the City with an active trash and recycling account will now receive four large item pickups (of up to five items, boxes, or bags) each year. Have more than five items for pickup? You can schedule two pickups for one day! The program will also be expanded to include residents in apartment buildings, who will no longer have to rely on landlords to schedule pickups.
Before disposing of bulky items such as furniture, appliances, computers, construction waste, or chopped wood, first determine its usability factor. Are these items in good working order, and would someone else find them valuable? Or are they broken, useless, and just plain junk?
Your cast-offs might be another person's treasure - and they will pick it up, too! Many people have use for:
Construction and Demolition ("C&D") debris is not included in these pickups. C&D includes brick, concrete, and dimensional lumber from a remodel, repair, demolition, or new construction. These materials must go to the MarBorg facility at 119 N. Quarantina St., which is open Monday through Saturday. Call 805-963-1852 for more information.
If you have already used your yearly two pickups (or four pickups after October 1, 2023), you can always take your large items to an approved drop-off location; some materials will incur a charge.
The following haulers will collect large items, electronics, or junk for a fee, while recycling to the maximum extent possible.
You can also hire any individual or business to haul it for you. Check the classifieds section of the publications previously listed under “Free Advertising Sources” for independent haulers.
735 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Tel. (805) 963-0611
City of Santa Barbara, PO Box 1990
Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990
Sign up for one or more newsletters on many city topics