Home > What is CartSMART?

What is CartSMART?

Submitted by rethinkw-superadmin on Thu, 06/03/2010 - 14:19.

CartSMART:Weekly Service

CartSMART is the name of the program for the weekly Recycle, Compost and Garbage collection services that started January 3, 2011 for residents in the RethinkWaste service area with Recology San Mateo County as your collection service provider.

The CartSMART program is a 3-cart system consisting of the following:

  • Recycle - Blue Cart

For single stream recycling, where all recyclables will be mixed together - no more sorting! You can mix newspapers, junk mail, cardboard and other paper products with plastic, metal and glass containers.

  • Compost - Green Cart

For yard trimmings and food scraps and food and beverage-soiled paper products. Things like leftovers, meat and bones, dairy, fruits, vegetables, pizza boxes and paper plates, napkins and cups will be composted along with grass clippings, prunings and other yard trimmings.

  • Garbage - Black Cart

For anything that can't be recycled or composted. Things like Styrofoam packaging, peanuts and food containers; bagged animal waste and diapers; ceramics, glassware, mirrors and window glass; wrappers and juice pouches; black plastic; and plastic bags, buckets and broken toys.

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Cart Placement

Curbside/Roadside Service

Recology provides collection services utilizing fully automated collection vehicles that operate a mechanical arm to lift the carts. Please use the following guidelines when setting your carts out for service:

Place carts curbside in the street with the wheels against the curb and arrows on the lid pointed toward the street. If you live on a street without a curb, place them roadside. Place each cart approximately 24 inches, or 2 feet apart, all facing the same direction.

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Backyard Service

Special Handling Service: Residents who are physically unable to place their carts curbside or roadside for service, can request the Special Handling Service from Recology for no additional cost.

View the Special Handling Application for more information and requirements.

Backyard Collection Service: Residents who do not wish to leave their carts out curbside or roadside, can request Backyard Collection Service. Recology will make arrangements to service your carts from a mutually designated area for an additional fee, dependent upon the distance and elevation from the curb. Contact Recology at carts@recology.com or call (650) 595-3900 for more information.

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Bill Payment

You can send in your payment by mail with your bill, or pay online through Recology's website. You can even set up automated billing through Recology's website to receive bills via e-mail you can then pay online. You can also drop off your payment at Recology's offices at 225 Shoreway Road in San Carlos at the Shoreway Environmental Center.

Please note, East Palo Alto and North Fair Oaks residents will continue to be billed on their property taxes, and will only receive a direct bill from Recology for any additional services requested beyond the basic collection services.

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Ask Mario

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Please visit our Ask Mario FAQ page for answers or visit Recology San Mateo County.

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Language Assistance

Recology offers a free Language Line with over 170 different languages through their Customer Service Department. Please call Recology at (650) 595-3900 for language assistance and more information.

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