Do I have to put my trash and recycling at the curb?
Garbage and recycling containers must be placed curbside or roadside with the arrows on the lid pointing towards the street and with the carts spaced 24" apart. For special accommodations when medically necessary please contact Recology directly at (650) 595-3900.
How do I get a debris box delivered?
You may call a local dumpster company for delivery of the box. If a debris box 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 Recology at (650) 558-9575 to schedule a pickup and delivery of the box or visit http://www.recologysanmateocounty.com/debrisbox.php.
Is garbage service mandatory in San Carlos?
Yes, garbage service is mandatory. If you have minimum garbage, you can request residential service for a 20-gallon container. Recology will provide recycling containers and provide recycling collection free of charge.
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!)
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, batteries, flourescent lights, televisions and computer monitors may not be placed in the trash. To properly dispose of some of these items, San Carlos participates in a Door-to-Door Household Hazardous Waste program. Detailed information can be found at: http://www.rethinkwaste.org/residents/beyond-cart/household-hazardous-waste#section1
What can I recycle and what should I throw in the trash?
You would be amazed at what you can recycle! For detailed information on what can be placed in your blue cart, please visit Recology's website.
For a complete and up-to-date list on some things that must go in the trash visit: http://www.recologysanmateocounty.com/single_family_garbage.php.
For a comprehensive look at items that can be placed in your compost cart visit: http://www.recologysanmateocounty.com/single_family_compost.php.
For any additional questions you may contact Recology directly at (650) 595-3900.
San Carlos also participates in a Door-to-Door Household Hazardous Waste program which is no extra charge and is a teriffic opportunity to dispose of paint, automotive parts, consumer electronics, cleaning products and more! For detailed information and to arrange a pick-up, please visit: http://www.rethinkwaste.org/residents/beyond-cart/household-hazardous-waste#section1.
Also, check with the County's Recycle Works at (888) 442-2666 or their website at www.recycleworks.org for additional recycling opportunities.
When is my trash pickup day? When is my recycling day?
Both trash and recycling are collected daily in the City of San Carlos. For the most up-to-date schedule information, utilize the service day look-up tool at Recology's website or call (650) 535-3900.
