Do you have big plans for that kitchen remodel? Maybe a summer project to upgrade your front yard landscaping? Or are you just ready to get your garage cleared out to keep your shiny new car looking great? All of these projects would likely require discarding various items. There are a few considerations to be aware of about what the most responsible and convenient ways there are to get the job done.

Should I really throw this away?
The first question to ask, is what can be reused? If you are no longer in need of that old shelving and cabinetry, maybe someone else is looking for just such items. How about having a garage sale if you have unwanted appliances and surplus floor tiles? Garage sales are a great way to rid yourself of those unwanted items and at the same time, get to know your neighbors a bit more as they browse your wares. To help the community with garage sale organization, each year the City of Cupertino coordinates a citywide garage sale, which is usually held in September. Call the Environmental Programs Division at 408.777.3236 to get additional details about this popular annual event.

Another option is to donate your usable items to a charity or other group of your choice. Many of these organizations can accept and will pick up unwanted furniture, clothing, appliances, or electronic items. These organizations can be by calling the Environmental Programs Division. If reusing the items is not an option and you want to dispose of them altogether, you can contact the Recology at 408.725.4020 for instructions on what items they can take and how to have them ready for pick up.

What about renting a debris box?
If the amount of waste is significant enough to require a debris box, there are several things to keep in mind. The Recology is the exclusive hauler of garbage in the City of Cupertino. All debris boxes used to haul garbage must be rented from the Recology. Only under the following circumstances can a debris box provider other than Recology provide debris box service in Cupertino:

Recycling

1. The material in the box is single source separated destined for recycling. Examples are metal, sheet rock, clean wood, or concrete. *Note- there is a single source requirement so each type of material must be contained in separate boxes. i.e. all concrete in one box, all wood in one box, or all metal in one box. Comingled recyclables in the same box are considered to be a contaminated load, and may not be hauled by any debris box provider other than Recology.

Private Ownership 

2. A private contractor may haul their own garbage only if they meet all of the following requirements: a) they are performing the work, b) they own the debris box, and c) they are the registered owner of the truck used to transport the loaded debris box. For additional information concerning debris box availability and pricing, please call the Recology at 408.725.4020.

There are many different resources available to help you with discarding garbage or other reusable items. After a small amount of research, you might just find that you don’t need to have as much taken to the landfill because of the many other free or inexpensive services available. If you need additional information about disposal options, please contact the City of Cupertino Environmental Programs Division at 408.777.3236. For questions about debris boxes or to report a violation, please contact the City of Cupertino Code Enforcement Division at 408.777.3182 or by e-mail at code@cupertino.org