San Mateo County, CA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum pickup frequency
- At least once every 7 days
- Governing section
- Ordinance Code § 4.04.130
- Service is
- Mandatory where hauler serves area
- Enforcer
- County Health Officer
- Scope
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated San Mateo County properties must dispose of solid waste at least once a week and, where a hauler serves the area, must subscribe to that hauler's weekly collection service.
(a)All premises within the County of San Mateo shall dispose of Solid Waste by removal to an authorized disposal area or facility at least once per week (seven (7) days), or more frequently than once per week, to prevent the accumulation of Solid Waste in quantities in excess of those customarily handled by a Solid Waste Hauler, and to safeguard the public health and safety of the inhabitants of the County of San Mateo as determined by the County Health Officer.(b)All premises within the County of San Mateo situated in an area served by a Solid Waste Hauler must use such service for the Weekly Collection service of organic/putrescible waste, except as hereinafter otherwise provided.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47).
Full Breakdown
Ordinance Code § 4.04.130 requires every premises in the county to remove solid waste to an authorized disposal facility at least once every seven days, or more often if needed to prevent excess accumulation, as the County Health Officer determines. Any premises in an area served by a franchised solid waste hauler must use that hauler's Weekly Collection Service for organic and putrescible waste; the County Health Officer can require a higher service level at specific properties for health or safety reasons. This applies only in the unincorporated county: incorporated cities like Redwood City and San Mateo run separate franchise programs.
Violations & Fines
Letting solid waste accumulate beyond weekly removal, or refusing to subscribe to the required hauler service in a served area, is enforceable by the County Health Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip trash service if I take my own waste to the dump?
Does this cover Redwood City or Daly City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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