Trash Bin Storage: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do trash bin storage rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Unincorporated San Mateo County properties used for residential purposes within the Service Area receive a minimum curbside service set by County Code Section 4.04.220, which includes garbage, recycling, and organics carts collected weekly. The County pays the cost of the minimum service levels to the authorized hauler, and those service charges are collected along with the property tax.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo requires trash bins to be stored out of public view except on collection days. Recology San Mateo County provides residential waste services. Bins must be placed at the curb on collection day and retrieved promptly after collection.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum service authority | County Code Sec. 4.04.220 | - |
| Base carts | One garbage, one recycling, one organics cart | - |
| Collection frequency | Once a week (all three carts) | - |
| Who pays minimum service | County pays hauler; charged on property tax | - |
| Extra service | Owner contracts and pays Board-set rates | - |
| Franchised hauler (CSA-8/franchise areas) | Recology San Mateo County | - |
| Hauler | - | Recology San Mateo County |
| Storage | - | Out of public view |
| Collection Day | - | Place morning, retrieve evening |
| SB 1383 | - | Organic waste separation required |
| Contact | - | Recology — 650-595-3900 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
Can a residential property in the unincorporated Service Area skip trash service?
Generally no. County Code Section 4.04.200 establishes minimum curbside service for residential properties in the Service Area, paid by the County to the authorized hauler and collected along with the property tax. Service beyond the minimum is contracted and paid for separately by the owner.
How is my garbage bill collected?
For the minimum service levels in Section 4.04.220, the County pays the authorized company, and the service charges are reported under Section 4.04.250 and collected along with your property tax. Any service above the minimum is billed directly by the hauler at Board-set rates.
San Mateo FAQ
When do I put bins out in San Mateo?
Place bins at the curb by the morning of your collection day. Retrieve them by the evening.
Who provides trash service?
Recology San Mateo County provides residential collection. Contact them at 650-595-3900.
Where do I store bins?
Out of public view when not at the curb — in a side yard, backyard, or garage.
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