Garbage and recycling is collected from apartments and other high-density complexes using garbage dumpsters (large metal bins) and group recycling carts (newspaper cart, mixed paper cart, and bottles/cans cart). Garbage is collected once a week, and recycling is collected every other week. For a detailed list of what's recyclable, click here.
Garbage Dumpsters
Place household garbage in durable plastic bags and tie shut before putting in dumpster. Please do not put furniture, appliances, mattresses, toilets, sinks, water heaters, carpets or large construction materials in the garbage dumpsters as these dumpsters are for only bagged household garbage.
Recycling Group Carts
For every garbage dumpster, a group of recycling carts is provided. Each group consists of three recycling carts:
- Newspaper Cart: Newspapers and inserts (no rubber bands or plastic bags).
- Mixed Paper Cart: Junk mail, telephone books, writing paper, catalogs, magazines, cereal boxes and small pieces of cardboard.
- Bottles/Cans Cart: Glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles and tubs marked #1 through #7, and metal cans (tin, steel and aluminum).
Large Cardboard: Cut large cardboard into pieces about 3'x3' and lean against the mixed paper cart.
Sorry, collection of used motor oil, oil filters, and household batteries is not provided at this time for apartments.
How to Start Recycling
Whether to participate in the voluntary recycling program is a decision for the apartment manager or homeowner's association. If you live in a complex not currently recycling, tell your manager there is no charge for recycling collection and to contact Foothill Disposal at 650-967-3034.
Recycling Leaders
If you are interested in being a Recycling Leader to help your neighbors learn recycling, please call the City's Solid Waste & Recycling Program at 650-903-6311 to order brochures about the program.
