Cart Safety

Reflective Sticker Project

In Fall 2023, the San José Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and San José’s bicycle community members recommended that reflective stickers be installed onto solid waste containers to improve visibility and safety for people riding bikes when carts are placed near the bike lane.

The Environmental Services Department and Department of Transportation proposed a project to install reflective adhesive safety devices onto 2,512 Residential and Commercial Program solid waste carts set out near bike lanes along the following streets:

Map

7th Street
Empire Street

King Road

Bird Avenue

3rd Street

Park Avenue

These reflective stickers will enhance cart visibility, reduce collision risks, and provide proper set-out instructions aligning with Vision Zero San José’s goal of eliminating traffic fatalities.

How the project will work

One week prior to sticker installation, City staff will leave a cart hanger reminding participants to leave their carts out on their collection day the following week. The following week, staff will install stickers onto all four sides of each cart at no cost to the resident, property owner/manager, or business. Larger metal solid waste bins are excluded from this project because they will receive reflective sticker in response to a California law approved by the Governor in 2022.

2025-06 Bike Lane Stiker v9 [Recovered]

PROPER CART SET-OUT

Proper cart set-out eliminates delays in weekly collection and is crucial to improving safety for people who ride bikes and use the bike lanes. Please see the below proper set out instructions for residents and businesses.

RESIDENTIAL SET-OUT GUIDELINES

Residential garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings piles or carts must be set out away from obstructions like parked cars and clear of bike lanes to ensure safety. The image below, from the Residential Garbage and Recycling Guide, models proper setout.

View the full page in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Traditional Chinese.

Limited space? Residents with limited curb space due to parked vehicles can set out carts in front of their driveway as seen in the image below. Carts should be set out no more than 24 hours before collection. Visit the Residents Recycling & Garbage Service page to learn more about residential solid waste services.

Bike Photo Res Guide

COMMERCIAL SET-OUT GUIDELINES

Reflective Sticker Study Pilot

Commercial wet, dry, and customized containers must be set out away from obstructions like parked vehicles and clear of bike lanes. Containers must also be kept off the sidewalk and out of the public right of way.

Limited space? Commercial businesses may sign up for push/pull service where drivers will pull out, service, and return containers to their enclosure. Visit the Commercial Recycling & Garbage Service page to learn more about Commercial solid waste services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Reflective Sticker Project?

The Reflective Sticker Project is a joint effort by the Environmental Services Department and the Department of Transportation to improve bicyclist safety. As part of the project, reflective stickers are being added to garbage and recycling carts placed near bike lanes to make them more visible, especially in low-light conditions.

2. Why is the City of San José conducting this project now?

This project was created in response to feedback received in Fall 2023 from the San José Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and San José bicycle community members regarding safety concerns due to poor visibility of solid waste containers placed near bike lanes.

3. What is the intention of this project?

These reflective stickers will enhance cart visibility, reduce collision risks, and provide proper set-out instructions aligning with Vision Zero San José’s goal of eliminating traffic fatalities.

4. What was the selection process for the project?

The Environmental Services Department and the Department of Transportation staff compiled a list of six, higher priority areas based on complaints submitted to the Environmental Services Department’s Integrated Waste Management Enforcement team and from the March 2024 San José Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting.

5. What is the timeline for the project?

Sticker installation is anticipated for Summer/Fall 2025. City staff will monitor feedback received from the San José Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, San José bicyclist community members, from direct inquiry, and any incident reports to evaluate the project’s effectiveness.

6. Will the reflective stickers be removed when the project is complete?

No, stickers will remain on carts for the entirety of their life cycle.

7. Can I remove the reflective stickers?

To promote the enhanced safety of people riding bikes, we ask that participants keep their reflective stickers on their solid waste carts and follow proper set-out guidelines.

8. How do I request a sticker replacement?

Please contact Environmental Services staff directly at (408) 975-2550 or via email at ZeroWaste@sanjoseca.gov.

9. How do I request a damaged or missing cart replacement?

Contact your collection company directly to repair or replace a damaged, or stolen cart. You can look up your collection company and find contact information with the Residential Services Lookup. Missing or damaged carts can also be reported through San Jose 311 at 311.sanjoseca.gov.

10. I operate a commercial business; how do I request a damaged or missing cart replacement to Republic Services?

Contact Republics customer service line at (408) 432-1234 or via email at SanJoseRecyclingTeam@republicervices.com , to request a repair or replace a damaged or stolen cart.

11. Will this affect my scheduled waste collection?

No, your service provider has been notified about this project and the sticker does not disrupt collection.

12. Is there a cost for participating?

City staff will install the reflective stickers at no cost to participants. You’ll receive a cart hanger one week in advance as a reminder to leave your carts out from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on your regular collection days until the stickers have been installed.

CONTACT

Questions? Contact us at (408) 975-2550 or via email to ZeroWaste@sanjoseca.gov.