Solid Waste Division

Holiday Service Reminders

Garbage, Recycle, and Organics Collection Schedule 

This year, the garbage, recycle, and organics collection schedule will not be affected by the Christmas or New Year's holidays. Please proceed to put out your bins on your regularly scheduled collections day. 

Christmas Tree Disposal

Christmas trees will be collected the week of January 9th through the 13th. To have your tree collected remember to:

  • Remove all decorations including tinsel, spheres, lights, bases, tree skirts, etc.
  • Set your tree out on your curb on your regularly scheduled garbage service day the week of January 9th
  • If you would like to dispose of your Christmas tree prior to the scheduled collection days, you may take them to the Waste and Recycle Drop Off Center located at 320 Harvest Drive Tuesday-Saturday between 9am and 2:30pm. The waste and Recycle Drop-Off Center will be closed December 23-26 and December 30-January 2.

Proper Holiday Gift Garbage & Recycle Disposal

Keep the following guidelines in mind while disposing of gift garbage and recycling during the holidays:

  • Boxes must be flattened and free of tape
  • These packaging materials are NOT recyclable and must be disposed of in the garbage:
    • Packing peanuts
    • Styrofoam
    • Thin film or plastics
    • Molded plastics
    • Plastic bags or bags with metallic finishes (often contain thin layers of unrecyclable plastic)

Waste and Recycle Drop-Off Center Holiday Closures

The Waste and Recycle Drop-Off Center is usually open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00am - 2:30pm. However, the Drop Off Center will be closed the following days for the holidays:

  • Closed December 23rd-26th
  • Closed December 30th, 2022 -January 2nd, 2023

Our Solid Waste Division

The City of Watsonville's Municipal Service Center provides a full range of integrated solid waste management services from source reduction to recycling and disposal. We offer customers convenient green waste and trash collection services. These cost-efficient services benefit both residential and commercial customers. Our innovative team is committed to delivering superior customer service and excellence in all areas of operations. We strive to preserve our community's environment through high-quality service and efficient teamwork. 

Innovation

Staff collects garbage and recyclables from over 11,000 homes and businesses each week. Watsonville was one of the first cities in the region to initiate automated garbage collection, which greatly increased efficiency and reduced workplace injuries. Watsonville was also one of the first cities in the nation to implement the collection of mixed recyclable materials, which provided a more customer-friendly service and resulted in higher recycling rates.

Start your garbage & recycling services

Find out more about these and other services by exploring the different areas of the Division's Website. These are some of the topics you will find:


If you are unable to find an answer to your question, please call the Solid Waste Division at 831-768-3133 for additional assistance.

Please help keep our City clean and green by making recycling a priority at home, at work and at play!