Have you ever had too much garbage to squeeze into your garbage cart? It can happen to all of us, especially after a party, barbeque, or a big cleaning day.

If this happens at your home, the extra garbage should never go in the recycling. Garbage, such as food, liquid or food and liquid-soiled items, can ruin otherwise good recyclables.

Here in San José, we have a few ways you can avoid an over-filled garbage cart:

• Think of ways to reduce waste in the first place. For example, using reusable items instead of single-use items such as plastic cutlery, paper plates and napkins can reduce the amount of garbage going in your cart.

• San José residents living in single-family homes have a choice among three garbage cart sizes: 32-gallon, 64-gallon and 96-gallon. If your garbage cart is often over filled, it may be time to consider increasing your cart size. Residents can change their cart size here.

• Purchase extra garbage stickers (scroll to the bottom of the page) for $6.25 at local Lucky and Safeway stores and San Jose Library branches. This is a great option if you only have extra garbage occasionally.  Affix the extra garbage sticker to a 32-gallon garbage bag and place it next to your garbage cart for pickup (see the set-out instructions here). Each bag must have a separate sticker.

• Use the City’s free Junk Pickup program to get rid of old junk and large items from your home. Make an appointment, set items out and we’ll pick up. It’s easy and free!

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