Garbage, recycling and composting services

Menlo Park residents are served by Recology San Mateo County for garbage, recycling and composting services. For all inquiries pertaining to these services and those listed below, please contact Recology San Mateo County directly.

Contact Recology San Mateo County directly to:

  • Set up new or cancel existing garbage, recycling, or composting service
  • Ask questions regarding your bill
  • Notify of a missed pick-up
  • Schedule a free bulky item pickup (available twice annually to Menlo Park residents)
  • Receive more information regarding proper battery or cell phone disposal

2020-2025 solid waste service rates

Learn about Menlo Park's rate assistance pilot program

Single-family residential (once weekly only) bundled service, which includes 64-gallon recycling and 96-gallon organics service, plus variable garbage size as listed below
Description 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
20-gallon $22.81 $28.31
$33.81 $39.31
$44.81
$50.31
32-gallon $31.14 $36.64
$42.14
$47.64
$53.14
$58.64
64-gallon $63.73 $63.97
$65.23
$67.22
$70.15
$73.93
64-gallon, each additional $55.99 $55.99 $55.99 $55.99 $55.99 $55.99
96-gallon $91.46 $91.46
$91.46
$91.46
$91.46
$92.21
96-gallon, each additional $83.72 $83.72 $83.72 $83.72 $83.72 $83.72

View the full rate schedule

2020-2025 solid waste rate schedule for single-family, multifamily and commercial(PDF, 384KB)

FAQs

How can I find out my waste collection, recycling, and/or organics service day?

Recology of San Mateo County can inform you of your waste collection, recycling, and/or organics service days by calling 650-595-3900 or visit Recology's website.

Who can I call for waste collection service changes or questions about my bill?

Recology of San Mateo County can answer billing questions at 650-595-3900.

How can I recycle hazardous wastes such as oil, antifreeze, pesticides, computer monitors, sharps, fluorescent tubes, and bulbs?

Residents of San Mateo County can recycle their household hazardous waste with the San Mateo County Environmental Health Household Hazardous Waste program. To set up an appointment, please visit SMCHealth website or call 650-595-3900.

How do I recycle organics properly? I am not used to placing food scraps out for recycling.

The organics recycling cart is simply a large compost container. Place your food scraps in the bin with yard trimmings for weekly pick-up. Common household items that can be placed in the bin include coffee grounds, breads, pasta, eggshells, fruit, meat, pizza boxes, and wine corks. For additional information on how to compost, please visit the Recycling, Compost & Garbage Page.

Are plastic bags acceptable in organics containers?

Compostable bags certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) are acceptable in the organics program. For detailed information on these bags, please visit the South Bayside Waste Management Authority's website.

I am doing construction / remodeling on my property. Do I need to obtain a debris box from Recology?

Debris from construction, demolition, or remodel of a building is not included in the Franchise Agreement between the City of Menlo Park and Recology. This means that any company can be used for construction, demolition, or remodeling projects. If a project requires a deposit because of the Construction and Demolition Ordinance, be certain that recycling tags show Menlo Park as the City of Origin and that recycling requirements are met.

What is the proper way to dispose of prescription medication?

Prescription drugs should not be placed in the trash. The City of Menlo Park offers a free, safe, and convenient location for residents to dispose of unwanted or expired medication. A secured drop box is located in the Police lobby at 701 Laurel St. Drop-offs can be made during regular business hours.

Contact us

Recology San Mateo County

To add, change or for questions about garbage, recycling or composting services
Website
Email

650-595-3900