Can I use my old garbage and recycling containers with the new service?

No, all garbage and recycling routes are automated. This means that driver must be able to service the container from inside of the vehicle, and containers supplied by Recology can only be used. Containers must be placed on the street with wheels against the curb and arrows on the lid pointing toward the street, with approximately two feet between each cart. If you don't have Recology carts, you can order them by calling 595-3900 or click here to visit Recology's website.

Menlo Park residents were previously billed for waste collection service yearly with their property tax. Why is this option no longer available?

As a cost saving measure, the City of Menlo Park chose to bill through Recology instead of with annual property taxes.

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 or visit Recology's website.

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

Pick up of all residential recycling and waste collection service is weekly. Commercial and multi-family service days vary. Click here for the Recology website which lists garbage and recycling service days by addresses.

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

The City of Menlo Park subscribes to Curbside, Inc., a new door-to-door hazardous waste collection service. Click here for detailed information.

How do I recycle with the new service? I am used to separating bottles and cans from mixed paper.

All containers (bottles, cans, dairy containers, etc.) and mixed paper can be placed in your blue recycling cart. Remember to recycle organic material with yard trimmings. Detailed information on how to recycle can be found here.

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

Organics recycling carts 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. Detailed information can be found here.

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. Prescription medications can be dropped at one of the following confidential drop-off locations.