FAQs

Answers to Common Questions

Below is a list of questions we answer frequently. If your question is not addressed here, you can call us at (510) 262-7100 or use our contact form to send us your question via email. A customer care representative will contact you promptly.

Answer
Do you accept plastic bags for recycling?
We are not able to accept plastic bags for recycling at this time. Drugstores and grocery stores of at least 10,000 square feet are now required to offer in-store recycling programs for plastic bags under a new law, AB 2449, making it convenient to recycle plastic bags when you shop.
Do you accept Styrofoam for recycling?
We do not accept Styrofoam. For all practical purposes, Styrofoam is not recyclable. Before discarding Styrofoam packing peanuts, consider taking them to your local UPS or mail packaging store. These stores will accept them for use at no charge. If you are throwing Sytrofoam packing peanuts in your garbage cart, please secure them in a plastic bag to prevent neighborhood spills.
Do you collect electronic waste (TVs, computers, cell phones, etc?)
Electronic waste should not be placed in your garbage or recycling carts. All electronic waste should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Visit our E-waste page for the location and a list of electronic waste items.
Do you collect motor oil and filters?
Used motor oil and filters will be collected curbside if you order an oil recycling kit at no charge. Kits include an unbreakable plastic container with a secure screw-on cap and a leak-proof bag for the filter and will be mailed to you upon request. There is a limit of 3 kits per request, 6 kits per calendar year. You may Contact Us to order an Oil Recycling Kit(s), and to schedule a curbside pick-up appointment date. On the scheduled day, place the container and oil filter bag at the curb for pick up. An empty kit will be left in its place. Save the kit for your next oil change and when you're ready, request another collection appointment.
Do you collect paint, batteries, chemicals & household cleaners?
It is illegal to dispose of batteries, chemicals and household cleaners in your garbage or recycling carts. Chemicals, solvents, household cleaning products, motor oil, mercury containing items such as thermometers and batteries must be taken to your local Household Hazardous Waste facility. Paint should also be taken to the HHW facility.
Do you offer Online payment?
Yes, online bill pay is available for this division. Click here to pay your bill.
How do I dispose of cooking oil?
Large amounts of cooking oil, such as that used in turkey fryers, should not be poured down the drain nor should it be put in your garbage or recycling carts. Though it is not officially hazardous, large quantities of cooking oil should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Facility for proper processing. There is a limit of 15 gallons per trip.
How do I dispose of needles and old medications?
It is illegal to dispose of sharps (needles & lancets) in household garbage or recycling. Old needles must be placed in a medical sharps container (available at local drug stores) and taken to an official drop-off center. Illegally disposing of needles in your household or recycling carts endangers the health of our employees and all workers who handle your waste. Please follow the law and take your sharps to: Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Center 101 Pittsburg Avenue Richmond, Ca 94804 (888) 412-4512
How do I rent a debris box (commonly called a dumpster)?
Richmond Sanitary Service is the only collector authorized to collect wastes and recyclables in West Contra Costa County. Debris boxes (10 to 40-yard) are available for household remodeling, landscape projects, site clean-up or other projects. The rental period for debris boxes is 3 days, including the delivery & pick-up days. Keeping boxes longer than 3 days will result in an additional charge for every day thereafter. Please call (510) 262-7100 for rates and scheduling. What NOT to put in your debris box: Hazardous Waste - paint, motor oil, pesticides, cleaning products, mercury thermometers, batteries etc. Electronic Waste - TVs, computers, computer monitors, cell phones, etc . Mattresses Appliances
How do I report a missed pick-up? Schedule an on-call clean-up? Change my cart size?
Contact Us to perform these functions online. You will need to include your account number on our electronic form in order for us to process your request. You may also call Customer Service at (510) 262-7100.
How do I schedule an On-Call Clean-up?
For specific information on the number of clean-ups customers in your residential area are entitled to, please click on the link to your community on the For Your Home page. Please Contact Us at least one week in advance to schedule an On-Call Clean-Up. Extra charges apply for same week collection. You also may call our Customer Service Office at (510) 262-7100 to schedule.
If I failed to put my carts curbside will I be billed?
If containers are not available for service on collection day, customers have the option to wait until the next week for pick-up or to request a "call back" pick-up. "Call back" service is subject to an additional charge. Carts not available for collection on time are not eligible for a billing credit.
Is garbage service mandatory?
Yes. All occupied premises are required to have weekly waste collection service.
What are compostable biodegradable bags and how can they be used?
Compostable biodegradable bags are specialty lawn and leaf bags whose production is based on starch, vegetable oil and other renewable resources. No polyethylene is used in their production. Bags certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute are 100% biodegradable and compostable. Compostable biodegradable bags are the only bags that may be used for Yard Waste Clean-up Collections. Yard waste in compostable biodegradable bags set out with your green cart on your regular service day are subject to extra waste charges.
What can I do if I have extra waste?
There are several ways to handle extra waste. You may schedule an On-Call Clean-up, schedule a Bulky Item Pick-Up or order pre-paid bag ties.
What do I do with a refrigerator or freezer?
We collect refrigerators and freezers as part of our Bulky Item Program for a fee (Pinole residents, click here), which will include a pick-up fee, disposal charge and special service charge for refrigerant (freon) removal. Please call (510) 262-7100 for rates and scheduling.
What do I do with mattresses and furniture?
We collect mattresses and furniture for a fee depending on the size of the item (Pinole residents, click here). For rates and scheduling, please call (510) 262-7100. If your furniture is in good condition you may donate it to a local charity. Please visit www.cccrecycle.org for businesses in Contra Costa County that accept used furniture.
What if I am disabled and unable to move my carts to the curb?
Carry-out service is available at no extra charge for residential households where none of the occupants are physically able to move their carts to the curb for collection. A doctor's certificate documenting disability is required for this special service and must be renewed annually. Otherwise, an additional charge applies for anyone that requests carry-out service or on-site pick-up. Please call (510) 262-7100 for more information.
Where can I purchase compostable biodegradable bags?
Bio-bags are available at some local retail outlets. They also may be purchased at our office located at 3260 Blume Dr., Suite 100 in Richmond or you may contact us to order up to four boxes of five bags (postage and applicable fees will apply).
Where can I take extra waste that won't fit in my cart or in plastic bags for On-Call Clean-ups?
The Golden Bear Transfer Station serves residential, industrial and commercial customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. It is open daily to the Bay Area public throughout the year except for Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Golden Bear Transfer Station is conveniently located at 1C Parr Blvd. in Richmond, just west of the Richmond Parkway. Please cover all loads with a tarp. Loads without a tarp will be charged an extra fee.
Where do I put my carts out and when?
Carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 am on collection day. Face carts toward the street with wheels against the curb or gutter. Cart lid must close completely. Allow at least 2 feet between carts and 5 feet from other objects. Do not place plastic bags in green waste or recycling carts. Remove carts from the street by 7:00 pm on collection day.
Why wasn't my garbage/recycling/green waste cart picked up?
On those rare occasions that a customer's garbage/recycling/green waste is not picked up, the primary reasons are: The container was not left at the curb by 6:00 am or our driver did not have access to your container. The container was overloaded. The lid was not able to close completely. The container was too heavy. There is a 60-pound limit per cart. Dirt, concrete, asphalt and rocks should NOT be placed in your trash cart. The recycling or green waste cart was contaminated with unacceptable material.
Will I be able to set up service under the renter's name?
Owners or their designated representatives or agents (including managers and tenants) may subscribe for solid waste collection service. It is RSS policy to bill owners unless an agent (property manager, tenant or other representative) has been designated and authorized in writing to receive billings and other information. Unpaid collection service charges may be made a lien against the benefitting property, and owners may be liable for costs of nuisance abatement associated with accumulated waste. To protect property interests and prevent the blight of accumulated waste, owners are strongly encouraged to arrange for waste collection services at their rental properties.
Will I be billed for contaminated Green Waste and Recycling?
Yes, you will be billed. Contaminated green waste or recycling carts are subject to return trip collection and waste (garbage) disposal charges.
Will I be billed for overloaded carts?
Yes, you will be billed for an overloaded cart. When filled, materials should not extend beyond the container rim and the lid should fit properly when closed. The weight of the containers should not exceed 60 pounds. If the cart is too full for the lid to close properly, or the waste is compacted, an extra fee will be charged.