San Mateo County, CA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

Bulky item disposal in the unincorporated franchise area is handled through the hauler's program rather than a separate County permit. Recology San Mateo County provides residential customers two curbside Bulky Item Collection (BIC) appointments per calendar year at no additional charge, scheduled between February 1 and December 31 and serviced on the customer's regular collection day. Each appointment accepts a defined allotment: up to twelve 32-gallon bags of garbage, recyclables, or compost (loose items must be bagged, boxed, or bundled and weigh under 60 pounds); one large appliance such as a washing machine, clothes dryer, or household refrigerator; one bulky item such as a mattress and box spring, furniture, or four tires without rims; and one e-waste item such as a computer monitor, microwave, or television. The program excludes liquids, sludge, dirt, rock, hot ashes, concrete, asphalt, hazardous waste, infectious waste, construction and demolition debris, treated wood, materials exceeding five feet in length, and items weighing more than 200 pounds. Residents schedule pickups through Recology's website or by phone. For materials outside the program or beyond the two free pickups, residents may self-haul to the Shoreway Environmental Center (operated under the South Bayside Waste Management Authority/RethinkWaste) or, on the South Coast, the Pescadero Transfer Station. Customers served by other unincorporated-area haulers should check that hauler's bulky-item policy.