Junk Removal in Bakersfield

• Regular household trash in Bakersfield is typically collected once a week at the curb or alley, while recyclables and green waste are collected on a set schedule; carts should usually be placed out the night before or by early morning (around 6–7 a.m.) on collection day.
• Bulk items like mattresses, sofas, and large household goods often require a scheduled bulky-item pickup or drop-off at an approved facility; residents are typically asked to place items at the curb no earlier than the evening before their appointment and no later than 7 a.m. on pickup day.
• Many local bulk pickup programs in Bakersfield and greater Kern County limit the amount to around 3–5 cubic yards per visit (roughly a pile about the size of a small car, such as 6 ft wide × 10 ft long × 3 ft high); larger cleanouts usually need multiple trips or a special arrangement with a hauler.
• There is an important distinction between regular household trash (bagged garbage), recyclables (clean paper, cardboard, bottles, and cans), bulk items (furniture, appliances, and large household goods), and construction & demolition debris (concrete, drywall, roofing, and lumber), which is often not accepted in standard curbside or bulk pickup.
• Construction and renovation debris in Bakersfield is typically the responsibility of the property owner or contractor and often must be taken to an approved landfill or transfer station, or handled by a private junk removal or dumpster rental service rather than the regular city trash route.
• Residents should place carts and bulk items so they do not block sidewalks, driveways, mailboxes, or storm drains, and should keep items at least a few feet away from parked cars, fences, and utility poles so collection trucks and private haulers can safely access them.
• Hazardous materials such as paint, automotive fluids, pesticides, and certain electronics usually require special handling and are not accepted in regular trash or bulk piles; these items should be taken to designated household hazardous waste facilities or events.

Because local rules and services can change, always confirm the latest trash, recycling, and bulky-item guidelines on the official city or county sanitation website before putting items at the curb.