San Francisco is a major city in California with over 800,000 residents. This guide provides an overview of trash and recycling collection schedules for residential and commercial properties in San Francisco.
Residential Collection
Residential trash, recycling, and compost collection in San Francisco is handled by Recology, a private company contracted by the city.
Trash Collection
- Trash collection occurs once a week on a regular schedule. Collection days are determined by location.
- Standard trash cart sizes are 16, 32, and 64 gallons. Extra trash can be placed in bags beside carts.
- Up to 3 cubic yards of extra trash bags/bundles are collected per week.
- San Francisco has mandatory recycling and composting ordinances. Trash should only contain non-recyclable and non-compostable materials.
Recycling Collection
-
Recycling collection occurs once a week on a regular schedule. Collection days are determined by location.
-
Recyclables should be placed loose in carts, not bagged.
-
Accepted recyclable materials include:
- Plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars
- Glass bottles and jars
- Metal cans
- Paper
- Cardboard
-
Blue 32 or 64 gallon carts are provided for recycling.
Compost Collection
-
Compost collection occurs once a week on a regular schedule. Collection days are determined by location.
-
Compost materials should be placed loose in carts, not bagged.
-
Accepted compostable materials include:
- Food scraps
- Food soiled paper
- Plant trimmings
- Certified compostable products
-
Green 32 or 64 gallon carts are provided for compost.
Bulky Item Collection
- Bulky items like furniture and appliances can be collected by scheduled pickup appointment.
- Fees apply for collecting bulky items. Mattresses have an additional recovery fee.
Holiday Schedule
- No collection service on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
- One day delay if holiday falls before a weekday.
- No delay if holiday falls on a weekend.
- View the holiday collection schedule.
Commercial Collection
- Most businesses contract directly with Recology or other private haulers for trash, recycling, and compost collection.
- Service levels and frequency determined by contract.
- Restaurants often have daily collection service.
How to Look Up Your Collection Schedule
Residents can look up their trash, recycling, and compost collection schedule:
-
Online using Recology’s collection calendar tool. Enter address to view schedule.
-
By contacting Recology customer service at (415) 330-1300 or using the online contact form. Provide address for schedule.
-
Collection schedule stickers are placed on cart lids with service day. Check carts for stickers.
Key Contacts
For additional questions regarding trash and recycling collection in San Francisco, contact:
Recology San Francisco
- Phone: (415) 330-1300
- Website: www.recology.com
San Francisco Department of the Environment
- Phone: (415) 355-3700
- Website: https://sfenvironment.org/
San Francisco Department of Public Works
- Phone: (415) 554-6920
- Website: https://sfdpw.org/
Reference