Trash & Recycling in San Mateo, CA (2026)

4 verified trash & recycling rules for San Mateo, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Recology San Mateo County provides weekly curbside collection of trash, recyclables, and organic waste. SB 1383 requires organic waste separation. Bins must be at the curb by collection morning and retrieved by evening.

San Mateo Trash & Recycling Pickup

Some Restrictions

Cal. SB 1383 (2016) — Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (Organic Waste Recycling)

It is the intent of the Legislature to support the adoption of policies that improve organics recycling and innovative, cost effective, and environmentally beneficial uses of biomethane derived from solid waste facilities. [...] SEC. 2. Section 39730.5 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: 39730.5. (a) No later than January 1, 2018, the state board shall approve and begin implementin...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Bin Placement Rules

Bins must be at the curb by collection morning with lids closed. Space bins 3 feet apart and 3 feet from obstacles. Retrieve by evening. Store out of public view when not at curb.

San Mateo Trash Bin Placement Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Bulk Item Disposal

Recology San Mateo County provides scheduled bulk item pickups for residential customers. Additional large items may be taken to the Ox Mountain Landfill or Shoreway Environmental Center. E-waste and hazardous waste require special handling.

San Mateo Bulk Waste Disposal

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Recycling Requirements

Recycling is mandatory in San Mateo. AB 341 requires businesses with 4+ cubic yards of waste to recycle. SB 1383 mandates organic waste diversion. Recology provides blue recycling bins to all residents. Multi-family properties must provide recycling access.

San Mateo Recycling Requirements

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Looking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Mateo city rules.

Trash & Recycling in San Mateo County →