Bulk Item Disposal: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do bulk item disposal 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
Recology San Mateo County residential customers receive two free curbside Bulky Item Collection appointments per calendar year, scheduled February 1 through December 31 on the regular collection day. Each appointment accepts a defined set — one large appliance, one bulky item, one e-waste item, and up to twelve 32-gallon bags — with weight and size limits and hazardous/construction exclusions.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
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.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Free bulky pickups (Recology) | Two per calendar year | - |
| Scheduling window | February 1 through December 31 | - |
| Per-appointment allotment | 1 appliance, 1 bulky item, 1 e-waste, up to 12 bags | - |
| Weight/size limits | No item over 200 lbs or over 5 feet long | - |
| Excluded | Hazardous waste, C&D debris, treated wood, liquids | - |
| Self-haul option | Shoreway Environmental Center / Pescadero Transfer Station | - |
| Bulk Pickup | - | Recology — 650-595-3900 |
| Recycling Center | - | Shoreway Environmental Center |
| E-Waste | - | Designated drop-off only |
| Hazardous Waste | - | SM County HHW facility |
| Illegal Dumping | - | Misdemeanor |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
How many free bulky item pickups do I get?
Recology San Mateo County residential customers receive two free curbside Bulky Item Collection appointments per calendar year, scheduled between February 1 and December 31 and serviced on your regular collection day. Each appointment has set item and weight limits.
What can I not put out for bulky collection?
Excluded materials include hazardous waste, construction and demolition debris, treated wood, liquids, dirt, rock, concrete, asphalt, hot ashes, infectious waste, items over five feet long, and items weighing more than 200 pounds. These must go to an appropriate facility instead.
San Mateo FAQ
How do I schedule a bulk pickup in San Mateo?
Call Recology at 650-595-3900 to schedule. Place items at the curb on the scheduled date.
Where do I take old electronics?
E-waste must go to designated drop-off locations. Recology or the Shoreway Environmental Center can direct you.
Where do I dispose of paint and chemicals?
Take hazardous household waste to the San Mateo County HHW facility. Do not place in regular trash or recycling bins.
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