Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to my old garbage service provider?
On August 28, 2008, Recology San Mateo County (formerly Norcal Waste Systems of San Mateo County) was chosen by the South Bayside Waste Management Authority (SBWMA) to provide recycling, organics and garbage collection services for the 12 Member Agencies of the SBWMA: Atherton, Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, San Carlos, San Mateo, Redwood City, Unincorporated San Mateo County and the West Bay Sanitary District starting January 1, 2011.
As part of Recology San Mateo County and Rethink Waste's CartSMART program, you will receive Garbage, Recycle and Yard Trimmings/Compost collection services - all on the same day of the week, every week.
Why am I getting new carts?
The new CartSMART services will be provided using fully automated collection vehicles that operate a mechanical arm to lift the carts, making service faster and more efficient. These vehicles are able to accommodate four cart sizes: 20, 32, 64 and 96-gallon.
How do I recycle materials that can't go in the blue cart?
Please visit our hard to recycle items page for a list of items that can be recycled but do not belong in the blue Recycle cart.
You can also check out RecycleWorks of San Mateo County for general recycling and waste reduction information.
How do I place my carts for service?
Recology's new services will be provided using fully automated collection vehicles that operate a mechanical arm to lift the carts, making service faster and more efficient. As of January 3, 2011, we ask that you follow the following guidelines when you set your carts out for service.
When you set your carts out for service, place them curbside in the street, with the wheels against the curb and the arrows on the lid pointed toward the street. If you live on a street without a curb, place them roadside. Place each cart 24 inches, or 2 feet apart, all facing the same direction.
What do I do about large items I want to get rid of but can't fit into my cart?
- One large appliance such as a washing machine, clothes dryer, refrigerator and freezer
- A bulky item such as mattresses, reusable furniture, tires
- E-Waste such as computers, computer monitor or television
Items NOT accepted are liquids, dirt, rock, concrete or asphalt, hazardous or infections waste, and materials that exceed 5 feet in length.
Once you've used up your 2 free annual collections, we will provide further services for an additional fee. Call us at (650) 595-3900 or e-mail us to schedule an appointment.
Before contacting us to schedule a pick-up, please consider donating to any number of local non-profits and community groups. This can reduce the waste stream and provide a second life for the items you are discarding. Please visit the commercial page for a list of organizations.
What should I do with old paint and other hazardous waste?
For information on where you can bring your paint, cleaning products and other hazardous chemicals, visit our Hazardous Waste page. You can also visit Recycle Works, the San Mateo County Health Department or call (650) 363-4718.
A new Door to Door curbside pick up program is available in some communities to Single Family Residents. Visit RethinkWaste for more information.
What should I do with my old computer or TV?
Computers and TVs can be recycled in the Bulky Item Collection program. They are considered Electronic Waste, one of the fastest growing segments of our nation's waste stream. To find a location nearest you to donate or recycle these items, please visit RecycleWorks or call (888) 442-2666.
We strongly urge donating old items that you no longer want to organizations that can use them. Please visit the commercial page for a list of organizations.
Can I use plastic bags in my Recycle or Compost cart?
No, the only cart that can be lined with a plastic bag is the black one for garbage. We cannot accept recyclables or compostable material in plastic bags. Plastic bags are a significant problem for the equipment that we use to processes the materials we collect. However, you can line your green and blue carts with newspaper, paper bags, paper towels or cardboard.
What are the dimensions of the 20, 32, 64, and 96 gallon carts?
| Size | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| *20-gallon | 24 | 19.75 | 37.5 |
| *32-gallon | 24.25 | 19.25 | 38.50 |
| 64-gallon | 31.75 | 24.25 | 41.75 |
| 96-gallon | 35.25 | 29.75 | 43.25 |
*20 and 32 gallon carts do look very similar in size, however, the 20 gallon cart has an in-mold volume reducer to diminish its capacity.
How do I pay my bill?
You can mail in a check with your bill, or pay online. You can also set up automated billing through our website to receive bills via e-mail you can pay online. You can even drop off your payment at our facilities.
The holidays are over. What do I do with our old tree?
Once you've removed all the tinsel, lights, decorations and stands from your holiday tree, you can leave the tree next to your green compost cart, and we will pick it up for you between December 26 and January 31.
Please make sure trees are 8 feet and under. If it's taller than 8 feet, cut the tree into lengths of 8 feet or less.
What can you do for my neighbor who doesn't speak English?
We offer a free Language Line with over 170 different languages through our Customer Service Department. Please call (650) 595-3900 for more information.