Select the option that's right for you.

Repair, reuse or donate:

• Mend, fix, or reupholster damaged large items
  • Explore online resources such as virtual fix-it cafes and video tutorials
  • Hire a technician or specialist to repair or refurbish your item

• Donate usable items to a thrift store, non-profit organization, friends, family, neighbors, or local BuyNothing groups

• Visit SanJoserecycles.org for reuse ideas 

If items are no longer in good or usable condition: 

For items not accepted through the City’s Junk Pickup Program, utilize the following disposal options:

• Find a drop-off location at RecycleStuff.org

• Self-haul to a nearby landfill
  • For a list of nearby landfills, visit SJEnvironment.org/Landfill-Transfer. Please call ahead to confirm the location accepts your specific items. 
  • If unable to self-haul, hire a licensed or permitted hauling company. To help prevent illegal dumping of your items, it is recommended that you request a copy of the weight ticket for your records.

• Hire an authorized hauler to pick-up items from your home in a debris box  
  • For a list of City approved haulers, visit SJEnvironment.org/AuthorizedHaulers

• For mattresses: 

  • If you are having a new mattress delivered, California law requires your retailer to offer to take back your old mattress at no additional cost, contingent on the condition of the mattress. You can also drop off your old mattress at no additional cost at participating locations. More information available here: ByeByeMattress.com/California.

No-Cost Junk Pickup: Available for San José Owners and Renters

San José’s Junk Pickup program is available at no cost for single-family homes and multi-family complexes. Both property owners and renters can use the service. If you live in a multi-family complex, check with your property manager for instructions on where to place items for your Junk Pickup appointment.

How to schedule a junk pickup: 

  STEP 1  See the list of acceptable junk items, such as mattresses, furniture, tires, and more. Requests may include up to 12 items for pickup.

  STEP 2  Visit 311.SanJoseCA.gov, dial 3-1-1, or call (408) 535-3500 to request a junk pickup appointment at no cost. Appointments are scheduled on the same day(s) as your regular recycling and garbage collection. To find out your specific collection day, visit the 311 My Collection Schedule.

  STEP 3  You will receive a separate appointment date confirmation email within two business days of scheduling your pickup. This is different from the automated 311 email. Follow setout instructions provided in the confirmation email. If you don’t see it, please check your spam folder.

If you need help right away, contact your recycling collection company during business hours to receive an appointment date confirmation. You can look up your recycling collection company through the 311 My Collection Schedule. 

Before You Set Out Your Items: Tips and Reminders

Set out your items up to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Set out your Junk Pickup items the same way you set out your carts – on the street next to the curb. It cannot be in a red zone, blocking a hydrant or directly next to a parked car as haulers cannot risk damage to vehicles during pick up. Early and/or improper set out may result in the items not being picked up or a citation, as it may be considered illegal dumping. 

Example of Junk Pickup Setout:  

The information and documents contained on this page include both current and past entries. In accordance with ADA Title II requirements mandating WCAG 2.1 AA compliance for state and local government digital content by April 24, 2026, materials dated prior to this deadline may not meet current accessibility standards. If you require an accessible version of any material, please contact us SJEnvironment@SanJoseCA.gov.