All occupied premises must have weekly waste collection service. Although owners are not required to underwrite the cost of service for rental units (it can be included in the rent) owners are ultimately liable for the cost of service under jeopardy of lien against the property and/or special assessment upon the property taxes. Property owners may be held liable for costs associated with nuisance abatement resulting from lack of solid waste collection service.
Solid wastes are collected weekly; recyclables and green wastes are collected bi-weekly on alternating weeks.
Owners or their designated representatives or agents (including managers and tenants) may subscribe for solid waste collection service. It is Richmond Sanitary Service 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. To protect property interests and prevent the blight of accumulated wastes, owners are strongly encouraged to arrange for waste collection services at their rental properties.
Food Scrap Collection Pilot Program
The City of San Pablo has implemented a voluntary food scrap collection pilot program. Beginning September 1, 2010, in addition to yard trimmings, food scraps and food-soiled paper also will be allowed in your green cart. Servicing of green carts will continue on the current collection schedule of every other week. This program is voluntary and you may continue to place food scraps and food soiled paper in your brown garbage cart if you prefer weekly collection.
Free food scrap pails will be available for pick up by San Pablo residents at San Pablo City Hall, 13831 San Pablo Avenue, Bldg 3, while supplies last. If you use a food scrap pail, you must empty the contents into your green cart. Do not set out food scrap pails for collection. You may line the pail with newspaper, paper bags or compostable bags (must be BioBag® brand available at local stores) as a convenient means of keeping the pail clean and easy disposal of the contents. To minimize odor and mess, place food scraps between layers of yard trimmings and be sure to keep you cart lid securely closed.
Call the city of San Pablo (510) 215-3083 with any questions or concerns you have about the food scrap collection program.
Containers
Standard service consists of a brown cart for solid wastes, one blue 65-gallon cart for recyclables and one green 65-gallon cart for green wastes. All containers are provided and serviced by Richmond Sanitary Service (RSS). Only containers provided by RSS will be serviced. 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 the allowable limit indicated on the cart. If the cart is too full for the lid to close properly, or the wastes are compacted, an extra fee will be charged (see “Extra Wastes” in the Special Services section.
Collection Day
Collections may not be made at the same time on collection day each week. To assure collection, containers must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on collection day. Face carts toward the street with wheels against the curb or gutter. Allow at least 2 feet between carts and 5 feet from other objects (i.e. automobiles, mail boxes, power poles, etc). To minimize spillage in the emptying process, make sure lids are securely shut. In consideration for your neighbors and to keep your community attractive, empty carts should be removed from the curb and placed out of public view by 7:00 p.m. on collection day.
If containers are not put out on collection day, customers have the option to wait until the next week for pickup or to request a “call back” pickup. Call back service is subject to an additional charge. Carts not placed out for collection on time are not eligible for credit.
Billing and Payments
For customer convenience and cost containment, residential customers are billed quarterly in advance. Bills are due upon receipt and considered past due at the end of the first month of the billing period. Past due accounts are subject to late payment charges applied at 60 days. Delinquent waste collection service charges may be made a lien against the benefitting property and/or special assessment upon the property taxes.
Payments may be made by check, money order or credit card by mail using the tear-off coupon from your bill. Checks returned from the bank for insufficient funds are subject to processing charges as permitted by state law ($25 for the first check, $35 for subsequent dishonored checks). Credit card payments may be made through the online bill pay service or by telephone at (877) 692-9729.
Cash payments can be made only at the RSS business office located at 3260 Blume Drive, Suite 100, in Richmond. There is no other authorized payment center. We strongly recommend that you do not make payments at any third-party merchant because you run the risk of your payment not reaching Richmond Sanitary Service and your account becoming delinquent.
Garbage/Solid Waste Collection—BROWN Cart
Use your brown cart for regular household garbage (also referred to as “solid waste”). To take full advantage of your service and help the environment, make sure to maximize use of our recycling and green waste collection services using the blue and green carts.
What NOT to place in brown cart:
W Explosive, hazardous or toxic material of any kind
W Hot ashes, sod, dirt, rocks, concrete
W Liquids or petroleum products (such as insecticides, herbicides, paint, oil, gasoline, anti-freeze or similar substances*)
W Car parts, tires, batteries
W Lumber (except small pieces of painted lightweight woods such as wood trim that can fit in the cart with the lid properly closed)
W Furniture
W Appliances such as microwave ovens, TV’s*
W Household batteries*
W Mercury-containing items (cell/cordless phones, answering machines, computers, computer screens, computer parts DVD/VCR players, fluorescent lamps, thermostats, etc.)*
* Take to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 101 Pittsburg Ave., Richmond.
On-Call Clean-up for Solid Waste (and all Yard Waste)—NO EXTRA COST!!!
Each calendar year, residential customers are entitled to two (2) oncall cleanup collections without additional charge. Oncall cleanups can be used either for trash or all yard wastes (mixed set outs must be collected and disposed of as solid wastes). Please contact us or call our customer service office at (510) 262-7100 at least one week in advance to schedule your collection day. Trash clean-up collections will be made on the customer’s regular collection day; all yard waste clean-up pickups will be made on the regular green waste collection day. Up to two cubic yards (12-15 bags) will be picked up on each cleanup collection. Containers will not be returned—all items must be bagged. Bags should be no larger than 35-gallons, weigh no more than 30 pounds and be strong enough to hold the materials without breaking.
For yard waste only clean-ups, materials must be placed in compostable bags of 30-35 gallons, or less. Compostable bags can be purchased at some Bay Area retail outlets, and via the internet. They can also be purchased from Richmond Sanitary Service either at our office or by mail order (postage and applicable fees will apply). Please call (510) 262-7100 for more information. Please note: These environmentally friendly bags are highly light and moisture sensitive, so they should be stored in a cool dry place and should not be set out for collection earlier than the evening before your scheduled pick up day. Materials in plastic bags or mixed set-out piles will be collected and disposed of as garbage and are subject to additional disposal charges
Mini-can Service
For single occupant households, or those that generate smaller quantities of waste, 20-gallon “mini-can” service is available. Call (510) 262-7100 for more information.
Residential Rental Units
By local ordinance, although not obliged to underwrite the cost of waste collection service (it can be included in the rent), owners of residential rental units may be held liable for nuisance abatement charges for properties without weekly waste collection service. It is RSS policy to bill owners, or with written authorization, their designated agent, property manager or other representative. To protect property interests and prevent the blight of accumulated wastes, owners are strongly encouraged to arrange for waste collection services at their rental properties.
Recyclables Collection – Blue Cart
Use your 65-gallon blue cart for recycling. Place rinsed recyclable containers and papers loose in the cart—do not bundle or place recyclable materials in plastic or paper bags. Don’t put non-recyclables in the recycling cart—place those in the brown waste cart. Contaminated recycling carts are subject to return trip collection and waste (garbage) disposal charges.
What to place in your blue cart:
P White, colored & mixed paper, newspaper
P Paper bags, junk mail, envelopes
P Telephone books, corrugated cardboard
P Cereal-type boxes, cardboard egg cartons
P Magazines, catalogs, paperback books
P Non-carbon forms
P Plastic milk/water jugs, water, soda, juice bottles
P Aluminum cans, foil pans
P Glass bottles, jars (all colors)
P Steel/tin cans
P #1 PETE and #2 HDPE narrow neck bottles
P #3-7 plastic narrow neck bottles
What NOT to Place in Your Blue Cart
W Plastic bags, Styrofoam, take out containers
W Yogurt and cottage cheese containers
W Microwave trays
W Food products
W Food contaminated paper products, pizza boxes
W Soy milk containers
W Straws or plastic utensils
W Waxed cardboard (milk cartons, juice boxes)
W Paper plates, paper towels, napkins, tissues
W Toys, garden hose, plastic tarps
W Window glass
W Dishware, drinking glasses
W Paint cans
W Hazardous, toxic or explosive materials of any kind
W Hot ashes, sod, dirt, rock or concrete
W Painted or treated wood
W Ferrous metals
W Household batteries*
W Household Hazardous Wastes *
W Electronic or mercury containing items*
*Take to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 101 Pittsburg Ave., Richmond.
Additional recycling carts are available at a modest charge. Please call (510) 262-7100 for details.
Removal (theft) of recyclable items from curbside carts is illegal and makes it more difficult for your community to meet its mandated diversion goals. Please report any incidents of recyclables theft by calling the non-emergency telephone line of your police department.
Reuse and Recycle
You can take a wide range of materials not allowed in the curbside recycling cart to various locations for reuse or recycling. For details, visit these links.
Recyclables Buy-Back Center
The Buy-Back Center buys CRV (California Redemption Value) glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, metals, PET soda bottles, and HDPE jugs and other plastics. All types of paper and cardboard may be donated. Located at 101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond, the center is open weekdays, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and is closed from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 pm.
For a free copy of the Contra Costa County Reuse and Recycling Guide or other information regarding local reuse and recycling options, visit the County’s Recycling Website at www.cccrecycle.org or call the County’s Recycling Hotline at (800) 750-4096.
E-Waste and Universal Waste
The Household Hazardous Waste Center at the West County Integrated Resource Recovery Facility (IRRF) accepts TV and computer monitors and universal wastes (household batteries, fluorescent lamps, thermostats, CPU’s and peripherals, VCR/DVD players, microwaves, radios and CD players, cell phones and telephone answering machines) at no cost to RSS service area residents. There is a fee for business drop-offs. Bring your most recent waste collection service bill and proof of residency. There is a limit of five (5) large electronic items per visit. The HHW Center, located at 101 Pittsburg Avenue (off the Richmond Parkway) in Richmond, is open Thursdays, Fridays and the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and is closed from 12:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
Used Motor Oil Recycling Collection
Richmond Sanitary Service collects used motor oil and filters from the curb. To obtain an oil recycling kit that includes an unbreakable plastic container with secure screwon cap and a leak proof bag for filters, and arrange for a convenient collection date, contact us or call (510) 262-7100.
Green Waste Collection – GREEN Cart
Place all green yard waste and food scraps directly into your 65-gallon green cart. Do not place any materials in plastic bags.
What to Place in Green Cart
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Yard trimming
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Grass clippings
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Leaves and flowers
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Pine needles
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Weeds
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Uncooked fruits, vegetables, trimmings
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Fruits and vegetables
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Bread and pasta
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Meat and bones
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Dairy products
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Egg shells
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Coffee grounds and tea bags
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Food soiled paper: paper coffee cups, paper plates, paper bags, napkins
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Paper milk cartons
What NOT to Place in Your Green Cart
- Plastic bags
- Palm leaves, bamboo, ivy
- Lawn sod
- Painted or treated wood
- Dirt, rock, sand, concrete
- Pet waste, manure
- Lumber over 4” x 4” x 24”
Your annual On-call Clean-ups can be used for all yard waste collection. Please see “On-Call Clean-up for Solid Waste (and all yard waste)—No Extra Cost” under GARBAGE COLLECTION above, or call our customer service office for more information.
Christmas Tree Recycling
To help your community meet its state mandated landfill waste diversion goals, UNFLOCKED, NATURAL Christmas trees (free of tinsel, ornaments, stands, etc.) will be collected as a part of the green waste recycling program on your scheduled green waste collection day. Christmas trees must be placed inside your green cart—cut to size so that contents will fall freely when serviced—on your scheduled green waste collection day. Please remember that carts with materials extending beyond the rim of the container are subject to extra waste charges.
Richmond Sanitary Service customers with recyclable trees that are unable to meet their scheduled green waste collection day may take their Christmas tree to the Golden Bear Transfer Station to be recycled at NO CHARGE through the first weekend in February. This free service is offered only to Richmond Sanitary Service customers—please bring your most recent Richmond Sanitary Service bill and proof of residency. Regular disposal charges will apply to artificial trees, trees that are flocked, wrapped in cloth or plastic, contaminated with tinsel or ornaments, and trees with stands attached.
Flocked and artificial trees, and trees wrapped in cloth or plastic, are not recyclable. Non-recyclable tree pickup must be scheduled by calling our customer service office at (510) 262-7100. There will be a $15 pickup fee for non-recyclable trees. To be collected curbside, non-recyclable natural trees must be cut so that pieces are no longer than 4 feet long. Non-recyclable trees also may be cut to size to fit in the brown waste cart with the lid closed.
Homeowners’ Association/Apartment Complex Customers
Recyclable Christmas tree collections in residential complexes where there is no regularly scheduled green waste collection must be arranged by the homeowners’ association or complex manager by calling (510) 262-7100. Christmas trees must be free of tinsel, ornaments, metal stands, flock, cloth, plastic wrap, etc. Flocked trees will not be accepted.
SPECIAL SERVICES
Extra Wastes
Refilled containers, carts with compacted wastes, carts filled above the rim or additional wastes beyond the service subscription level are considered “extra” wastes and are subject to additional charge. Please call our customer service office in advance to make arrangements for extra waste collection service. Owners of residential rental units may be liable for extra waste charges and must notify the customer service office if no extra waste is to be taken from a rental unit.
Residential Pre-paid Bag Service
Pre-paid bag service is available for residential customers who occasionally have extra wastes. Pre-paid bag ties can be purchased from our customer service office, or by mail. Mail orders are sent Certified Mail with return receipt at an additional cost, plus postage. Mail rates are subject to change. Contact us to order or call (510) 262-7100 for more information.
Carry-out Service
Collection rates are based on curbside collection of waste and recyclables. Special arrangements may be made for carry out service for households where none of the occupants is physically able to move their containers to the curb for collection. A doctor’s certificate documenting the disability is required for this special service and must be renewed annually. For others who prefer onsite collection, carry-out service is available at an additional cost. Please call our customer services office for more information.
Bulky Item Pick-up
Arrangements for special pickup of bulky items, including mattresses, furniture, refrigerators and freezers, or larger quantities of wastes may be made by calling the customer service office. Richmond Sanitary Service will estimate the cost of special pickup service in accordance with current rates, which will include a pickup fee, disposal charge and any applicable special service charges (i.e. refrigerant removal).
Debris Boxes
Richmond Sanitary Service is the only collector authorized to collect wastes and recyclables in West County. Debris boxes (10-40-yards) are available on 3-day rentals for household remodeling, landscape projects, site clean-up or other projects. Debris box rates vary by box size and filled weight. Call (510) 262-7100 for more information.