Transition to Curbside Collection FAQ

To improve safety and efficiency, MarBorg is phasing out traditional cans (containers without wheels) and replacing them with carts (wheeled containers). Previously, MarBorg employees collected cans from customer properties. Beginning July 1, 2025, customers must wheel carts to the curb on their regular collection day for service.

• In April 2025, MarBorg began exchanging brown carts (wheeled containers) with the new gray carts.
• In May 2025, MarBorg began exchanging cans (containers without wheels) for new carts for all waste streams (trash, recycling, and yard waste).
• Customers currently subscribed to can service will continue to have their new carts serviced in-place (on their property) through June 30, 2025.
• Starting July 1, 2025, all customers will be required to bring their carts to the curbside for collection.
• There will be a 3-week grace period starting July 1, where MarBorg customer service will directly contact customers needing assistance with proper cart placement, including free “go back” services for missed service days. After the three week grace period, the City will begin enforcement of cart placement and MarBorg will begin charging for “go back” services.

• Place your carts (wheeled containers) at the curbside by 6:00 AM, no earlier than the night before.
• Leave at least one foot (12 inches) of space between each cart AND between your carts and any other obstacles (cars, trees, mailboxes, etc.). If carts are blocked by cars, they will not be able to be serviced.
• Place your carts with the handles facing your house, so the lids open facing the street.
• Do not block your mailbox so that the mail carrier can deliver your mail.
• Make sure your cart lids fully close – do not overfill the containers.
• Return the carts to their storage location on your property by noon the following day.

When your new carts are delivered, MarBorg employees will stage the containers in the proper set-out placement. If you have concerns about proper placement of your carts, have limited space curbside for placement, or are interested in adding in-place service for an additional fee or finding out if you qualify for an in-place service waiver, please contact MarBorg Customer Service at (805) 963-1852.

• Cans (containers without wheels) are round, have no wheels, and come only in a 32-gallon size. They have fully removable lids and must be lifted by hand.
• Carts (wheeled containers) are rectangular, have wheels and hinged lids, and come in 35-, 64-, and 96-gallon sizes. They can be rolled easily and are serviced at the curb using automated side-loader trucks.

MarBorg’s fleet of vehicles is also going through a transition. New, more efficient, and safer, automated side-loader collection vehicles are replacing aging rear-loader vehicles. These new vehicles can operate with a single driver and automate the loading process.

Carts (wheeled containers) are safer and easier to use than cans (containers without wheels). Automated trucks cannot service cans, and carts reduce the number of containers needed due to their larger sizes. For example, two 32-gallon cans can be replaced with one 64-gallon cart at no additional cost.

Carts (wheeled containers) are available in 35-, 64-, and 96-gallon sizes. Since cans (containers without wheels) are limited to 32-gallons, MarBorg will match your current total volume of service with the appropriate number and size of carts. Your charges are based on total volume, not the number of containers.

• 1 can (32-gal) → 1 cart (35-gal)
• 2 cans → 1 cart (64-gal)
• 3 cans → 1 cart (96-gal)
• 4 cans → 2 carts (64-gal each)

Carts (wheeled containers) are being distributed in phases. The transition will continue through June 30, 2025. If you haven’t received new carts by July 1, 2025, contact MarBorg at (805) 963-1852.

Yes. All customers will receive gray carts (wheeled containers) for trash. Cans (containers without wheels) will be phased out entirely. Most areas will transition to automated service, though highly congested areas may remain on manual service. Regardless, all customers must place carts at the curb.

To comply with California Senate Bill 1383, MarBorg is replacing brown trash cans (containers without wheels) and brown carts with gray carts to ensure statewide color consistency for waste containers.

MarBorg staff are collecting old cans and carts and sending them to a Southern California HDPE plastic recycler. The materials are repurposed into products such as new carts, lawn furniture, buckets, and car parts.

There will be no changes to rates prior to July 1, 2025, unless a customer voluntarily changes service levels. Current can (containers without wheels) customers will continue to have their new carts (wheeled containers) serviced in-place until June 30, 2025. Starting July 1, 2025, all carts much be brought to the curbside to be serviced. In-place service for an additional fee is available.

Yes. In-place service (where MarBorg staff empty containers from their storage location on your property) will continue to be available for an additional fee. For current and proposed Trash and Recycling Rates please visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/TrashRates.

Yes. If the account holder meets qualifying age (80 years of age and over) or is disabled, and no other household member is physically able to move the carts, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.

Some new cart (wheeled container) lids may appear warped due to storage or shipping. Leave the cart in direct sunlight for a day and the lid should return to its proper shape.

No. Only cans (containers without wheels) and brown carts (wheeled containers) are being replaced. Existing blue (recycling) and green (yard waste) carts will remain in use.

Yes. You will receive new gray (trash), blue (recycling), and green (yard waste) carts (wheeled containers), sized to match your current service levels.