Is garbage service mandatory in San Carlos?
Yes, garbage service is mandatory. If you have minimum garbage, you can request residential service for a 15-gallon container. Allied Waste will provide recycling containers and provide recycling collection free of charge.

Do I have to put my trash and recycling at the curb?
Recycling containers must be placed at the curb unless you are frail or medically disabled. While it is preferred that garbage also be placed at the curb, Allied Waste  will collect from backyards.

How do I get a dumpster delivered?
You may call a local dumpster company for delivery of the box. If a dumpster is placed on your private property, a permit is not required; however, if it is placed in the public right-of-way, you must obtain a permit from the Public Works Department at (650) 802-4203. You may also call Allied Waste  at (650) 592-2411 to schedule a pickup and delivery of the box. Normally, they will only let you keep the box for one week. Call Allied Waste  for current pricing information.

How can I get a yard waste container? How can I get rid of my yard waste container?
Every residence in San Carlos is entitled to a yard-waste cart. If you don't have a cart or would like to get an extra cart, call (650) 592-2411. You may purchase an additional cart for $60 or rent one for $3 a month. You may also call to have the cart removed if you do not want to use it. Even though the 96-gallon cart seems rather large, most people end up needing that size. However, Allied Waste   will swap out the 96-gallon cart for a 64- or 32-gallon cart if you call (650) 592-2411 and request a swap. You may not use the cart for garbage, only for yard waste.

When is my trash pickup day? When is my recycling day?
Trash is collected every Monday and recycling collection is every other Monday. For the most up-to-date information, call Allied Waste  at (650) 592-2411.

What can I recycle and what should I throw in the trash?
You would be amazed at what you can recycle! Some things that can be recycled: newspapers, junk mail, cereal boxes, tissue boxes, egg cartons, catalogs, magazines, phone books, paperback books, wrapping paper, cardboard, glass bottles, jelly jars, cosmetic jars, plastic soda bottles, water bottles, shampoo bottles, plastic bags, soda cans, aluminum foil, batteries, motor oil, and a lot more!. Cell phones can now be recycled at City Hall and hardcover books can be reused through Friends of the Library (drop-off location in the library garage). Electronics including computers, monitors and televisions can now be recycled at the Allied Waste  Recyclery, located at 333 Shoreway.

For a complete and up-to-date list, call Allied Waste  at (650) 592-2411 or check the website at Allied Waste . Also, check with the County's Recycle Works at (888) 442-2666 or their website at www.recycleworks.org for additional recycling opportunities.

What am I not allowed to place in my trash?
Hazardous waste (paint, solvents, asbestos, etc.), building materials (concrete, sand, etc.), rocks, dirt, motor oil, mercury thermometers, televisions and computer monitors may not be placed in the trash. Call Allied Waste  at (650) 592-2411 for more information.

Is it OK to put anything other than water in the storm drains?
No! Everything that goes into the San Carlos storm drains eventually flows to the bay. The federal government has ordered cities to make sure that only clean water goes into the bay. Please make sure that clean water and nothing else flows into the San Carlos storm drains. (Fines may be imposed!)