Recycling, Compost, and Garbage

Public Hearing Notice: Proposed Increase in Solid Waste Rates
On November 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. the San Mateo City Council will hold a Public Hearing to accept public input and testimony on a proposed increase on the maximum allowable charge for solid waste/recycling/compost collection and disposal, to be effective January 1, 2023. Learn more and view proposed rate increases

Need to contact Recology?
Use the “Contact Us” feature at www.recology.com/recology-san-mateo-county or, for immediate action, please call Recology’s service hotline at (650) 595-3900.  

Our residents can also contact Siliva Pa’uli in our Solid Waste Division at spauli@cityofsanmateo.org or call (650) 522-7297.

Compost

Compost will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to the public on May 2, at the following location:

  • City of San Mateo Corp-yard - 1949 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403

Residents bring shovels, gloves, and containers and leave with rich compost for their gardens!  

Waste 101 - Did you know? 

The State of California anticipates our average resident should produce about 5.8 pounds of garbage each day and the average employee should produce about 13.3 pounds of garbage each day?

Yet, our average resident produces only 3.9 pounds of waste per day while our employees average only 7.6 pounds. With your continued help, we can continue to reach for the goal of producing zero waste.

As of 2015, we achieved close to a diversion rate of 73 percent. This means that close to three quarters of all debris produced in our City is sent to recycling, composting or alternative fuel instead of the landfill. Not only is this better for the environment but it will also help to keep our City clean and beautiful.

With the combined efforts of our residents, businesses, and partnerships between staff and a number of waste management and recycling companies, we to continue to work together in realizing this long term goal.

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