Atherton
See Service Day
Customer Service
Hello, Atherton!
Omar Lopez
General Manager
GreenWaste proudly provides the Town of Atherton mixed compostables, recyclables, and yard trimmings collection and processing. Learn how material is sorted for recycling and composting at our GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery Facility.
Effective 1/1/26, we will be providing debris box services to the City of Atherton!
Atherton’s sorting program is SB 1383 compliant! Only yard trimmings are accepted in your green cart. Food scraps must remain in the gray mixed compostables cart and GreenWaste will sort and process the organic material.
Upcoming Events
None at this time.
Holiday Collection Notice
If your collection day falls on or after New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas Day, your collection will be delayed one day.
Our Latest Residential Newsletter
Read our newsletter for proper sorting tips, collection reminders, and more about your GreenWaste service.
Read It Here
What Goes Where Guide
Confused about what GreenWaste cart an item goes in? Check out our What Goes Where Guide.
Learn More
Residential
Commercial
Residential Services
Single-family residents in Atherton will receive weekly collection service of mixed compostables, recyclable materials, and yard trimmings. All materials must be ready for collection no later than 6:30AM on your normal collection day. Contents cannot exceed the weight limits listed on the cart or 150 lbs, whichever is less.
Residential Services Guide
Mixed Compostables
Residents may choose subscription volumes of 20-, 32-, 64-, or 96-gallons for weekly collection in gray carts provided by GreenWaste.
Recyclables
Residents are provided one blue cart for recyclable material collection at no additional charge. The default size is 64-gallons.
Yard Trimmings
Residents are provided up to two green carts for yard trimmings collection at no additional charge. The default size is 96-gallons.
Commercial Services
Businesses in Atherton are offered weekly collection service of mixed compostables, recyclable materials, and yard trimmings. Service is provided up to six days per week on a Monday-Saturday schedule. Containers must be ready for collection no later than 6:30AM and should be returned to their service location promptly after service.
Mixed Compostables
Businesses can select from cart or bin service. Choose the appropriate size for your business.
Recyclables
Businesses can select from cart or bin service for recycling at no additional charge with mixed compostables collection. Commingle all recyclables into either your recycling cart or bin.
Yard Trimmings
Source-separated yard trimmings collection is available to businesses. GreenWaste offers 96-gallon carts for the collection of yard trimmings.
Backyard Service: Residents may request that GreenWaste collect carts on-property (greater than five feet from the accessible roadway) for an additional fee.
On-Call Clean-Ups: Residents may request up to two on-call clean-ups per year at no additional charge. Call customer service to schedule a collection of up to:
- Two cubic yards of material (rigid container <60lbs or bagged <30lbs)
- One large appliance
- One bulky item, and
- One e-waste item
Bulky Item: Residents may request the collection of bulky items (beyond those included in the on-call clean up) for a fee. Call customer service at least 48-hours in advance.
Extra Material: Extra material will be collected and additional charges will apply based on volume and material type. The first 32-gal of extra material each year will be collected for no additional charge.
- All materials must be properly labeled by material type and set out curbside next to their associated cart
- All material types may be placed in a rigid or otherwise durable and lidded container where combined weight is less than sixty (60) pounds
- Mixed compostable and recyclable materials may be placed in cinched and secured bags where the contents are less than thirty (30) pounds in weight
- Wood debris may be bundled/tied or otherwise secured where each set-out is no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’
If you have extra material seasonally or on a recurring or frequent basis, it is less expensive to order additional GreenWaste-provided carts for weekly service. Please note, there is no delivery charge for these additional carts, but there is a per-vehicle trip charge to remove the additional carts.
Extra Cardboard: Cardboard must be set out curbside and secured such that the bundle or box remains intact upon lifting and:
- Flattened and bundled/tied or otherwise secured (e.g. with twine or tape) in a set-out that is no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’, or
- Cut and placed inside an intact cardboard box and secured (i.e. to prevent litter) in a set-out that is no larger than 2’ x 2’ x 2’
Holiday Trees: On service day, residents may place unornamented trees (cut to no longer than six foot lengths) curbside, next to service carts for collection. Trees are collected for no additional charge starting December 26 and continuing until the end of January.
Holiday Recyclables: Recyclable materials set out for collection during the week following New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas will be collected at no additional charge.
Used Motor Oil and Filters: Residents may set out used motor oil (in plastic containers with a screw-on lid only) and filters (in sealed plastic bags only), next to their blue cart for collection at no additional charge (limited to five gallons of oil per collection). Free containers and bags can be requested by calling customer service.
Household Batteries and Cell Phones: Residents may set out household batteries and cell phones placed on top of their recyclable materials cart in clear ziplock-type plastic bags. Tape the contacts/terminals of lithium and lead acid button cell batteries with clear tape prior to placing them in the plastic bag.
Atherton residents are on a quarterly billing cycle. This means you can expect to receive your GreenWaste invoice in January, April, July, and October.
Atherton commercial customers are on a monthly billing cycle. If you have any questions about your billing, please contact Customer Service.
What Goes Where & More
Residential |
Commercial |
|---|---|
Program and Sorting Guidance
|
Program and Sorting Guidance
|
| Newsletters |
Mandatory Recycling: California Assembly Bill 341 (AB 341) became effective July 1, 2012. AB 341 mandates recycling for all businesses producing 4+ cubic yards of garbage per week. Subscribing to recyclable materials collection services through GreenWaste will help ensure compliance with AB 341.
Mandatory Organics Recycling: California Assembly Bill 1826 (AB1826) was signed into law in 2014, mandating organics recycling for businesses in California. All businesses in California producing 2+ cubic yards of total generated material per week are required to subscribe to organic material collection services. Since GreenWaste processes the mixed compostables, all businesses are automatically compliant with this regulation.
Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy: California Senate Bill 1383, effective January 1, 2022, requires all Californians to subscribe to their jurisdiction’s organics curbside collection service. For Atherton businesses, GreenWaste provides both a mixed organics stream (gray cart) and a source separated organics stream (green cart). Food scraps, food soiled paper, and other organics are recovered from the gray cart at the GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery Facility, which serves as a high diversion organic waste processing facility. Businesses are required to provide properly-labeled and/or color-coded containers in all areas where disposal containers are provided, except in restrooms. Annually, businesses must educate employees, contractors, customers, and tenants on how to properly sort organic waste, and all of these users are required to properly sort these materials into the correct containers. Starting in 2022, some food service businesses must donate edible food to food recovery organizations, with others starting in 2024. GreenWaste will be working with the Town of Atherton to raise awareness and provide resources regarding food recovery.
Backyard Service: Residents may request that GreenWaste collect carts on-property (greater than five feet from the accessible roadway) for an additional fee.
On-Call Clean-Ups: Residents may request up to two on-call clean-ups per year at no additional charge. Call customer service to schedule a collection of up to:
- Two cubic yards of material (rigid container <60lbs or bagged <30lbs)
- One large appliance
- One bulky item, and
- One e-waste item
Bulky Item: Residents may request the collection of bulky items (beyond those included in the on-call clean up) for a fee. Call customer service at least 48-hours in advance.
Extra Material: Extra material will be collected and additional charges will apply based on volume and material type. The first 32-gal of extra material each year will be collected for no additional charge.
- All materials must be properly labeled by material type and set out curbside next to their associated cart
- All material types may be placed in a rigid or otherwise durable and lidded container where combined weight is less than sixty (60) pounds
- Mixed compostable and recyclable materials may be placed in cinched and secured bags where the contents are less than thirty (30) pounds in weight
- Wood debris may be bundled/tied or otherwise secured where each set-out is no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’
If you have extra material seasonally or on a recurring or frequent basis, it is less expensive to order additional GreenWaste-provided carts for weekly service. Please note, there is no delivery charge for these additional carts, but there is a per-vehicle trip charge to remove the additional carts.
Extra Cardboard: Cardboard must be set out curbside and secured such that the bundle or box remains intact upon lifting and:
- Flattened and bundled/tied or otherwise secured (e.g. with twine or tape) in a set-out that is no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’, or
- Cut and placed inside an intact cardboard box and secured (i.e. to prevent litter) in a set-out that is no larger than 2’ x 2’ x 2’
Holiday Trees: On service day, residents may place unornamented trees (cut to no longer than six foot lengths) curbside, next to service carts for collection. Trees are collected for no additional charge starting December 26 and continuing until the end of January.
Holiday Recyclables: Recyclable materials set out for collection during the week following New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas will be collected at no additional charge.
Used Motor Oil and Filters: Residents may set out used motor oil (in plastic containers with a screw-on lid only) and filters (in sealed plastic bags only), next to their blue cart for collection at no additional charge (limited to five gallons of oil per collection). Free containers and bags can be requested by calling customer service.
Household Batteries and Cell Phones: Residents may set out household batteries and cell phones placed on top of their recyclable materials cart in clear ziplock-type plastic bags. Tape the contacts/terminals of lithium and lead acid button cell batteries with clear tape prior to placing them in the plastic bag.
Atherton residents are on a quarterly billing cycle. This means you can expect to receive your GreenWaste invoice in January, April, July, and October.
Atherton commercial customers are on a monthly billing cycle. If you have any questions about your billing, please contact Customer Service.
What Goes Where & More
Residential |
Commercial |
|---|---|
Program and Sorting Guidance
|
Program and Sorting Guidance
|
| Newsletters |
Mandatory Recycling: California Assembly Bill 341 (AB 341) became effective July 1, 2012. AB 341 mandates recycling for all businesses producing 4+ cubic yards of garbage per week. Subscribing to recyclable materials collection services through GreenWaste will help ensure compliance with AB 341.
Mandatory Organics Recycling: California Assembly Bill 1826 (AB1826) was signed into law in 2014, mandating organics recycling for businesses in California. All businesses in California producing 2+ cubic yards of total generated material per week are required to subscribe to organic material collection services. Since GreenWaste processes the mixed compostables, all businesses are automatically compliant with this regulation.
Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy: California Senate Bill 1383, effective January 1, 2022, requires all Californians to subscribe to their jurisdiction’s organics curbside collection service. For Atherton businesses, GreenWaste provides both a mixed organics stream (gray cart) and a source separated organics stream (green cart). Food scraps, food soiled paper, and other organics are recovered from the gray cart at the GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery Facility, which serves as a high diversion organic waste processing facility. Businesses are required to provide properly-labeled and/or color-coded containers in all areas where disposal containers are provided, except in restrooms. Annually, businesses must educate employees, contractors, customers, and tenants on how to properly sort organic waste, and all of these users are required to properly sort these materials into the correct containers. Starting in 2022, some food service businesses must donate edible food to food recovery organizations, with others starting in 2024. GreenWaste will be working with the Town of Atherton to raise awareness and provide resources regarding food recovery.
Drop Box
GreenWaste offers temporary and permanent roll-off services for large quantities of mixed and source-separated materials. Roll-off dumpsters range in range from 10 yards to 40 yards. Delivery and pick-up is available up to five days per week, Monday through Friday. For additional information, or to order a drop box, please contact customer service.
16’ L x 8’ W x 3.5’ H
10 Cubic Yard Box
Great for small remodels, home projects, bulky items, and heavier materials such as concrete, brick, or dirt.
Request Quote
16’ L x 8’ W x 5’.3” H
20 Cubic Yard Box
Our most popular box size, ideal for small remodels, property clean outs, and general debris removal.
Request Quote
21’ L x 8’ W x 7’.5” H
40 Cubic Yard Box
The perfect size for large-scale or long-term projects, such as major renovations, construction sites, and more.
Request Quote
Recyclable Materials |
Construction & Demolition Debris |
Landscape Waste |
|
|
|
Note: Treated Wood Waste is NOT accepted (DTSC)
For more information: Atherton debris box flyer
Unaccepted or Restricted Materials
- Wet garbage (kitchen waste)
- Medical waste
- Hazardous materials (paint, oil, chemicals, etc)
- Concrete (must use 10 cubic yard bin)
- Tar and gravel roofing material (Must use 10 cubic yard)
- Sheetrock (cannot exceed 25% of load)
- Tree trunks cannot exceed 6 inches in diameter (must be a 10 cubic yard bin)
- Asbestos material
- Extra fees may be applied for contamination
Additional Charges Apply For:
- Excess of dirt and concrete
- Overweight box
- Carpet in excess of 25% of load
- Sheetrock in excess of 25% of load
- Overloaded box
- Truck tires
- Passenger tires
- Relocation of box
- Additional days
- Dry run charge
- Bulky items
- Appliances
The loading box must be level to the rim without anything hanging off the sides.
Roll Off Rates, Effective Date, July 1, 2025
Does GreenWaste of San Mateo County offer dumpsters for construction debris?
Absolutely! GreenWaste specializes in construction and demolition debris recycling. We can provide traditional open top dumpsters for construction debris, concrete, dirt, brick, wood, and metal.
Does GreenWaste of San Mateo County offer dumpsters for residential customers?
Yes! We have debris boxes that are perfect for home cleanouts, spring cleaning, remodels and renovations, cleaning up brush/trees around your property, or whatever else your project might be.
When will my debris box be dropped off and picked up?
Drop-off and pick-up times are dependent on our driver’s route, but we try to accommodate your preferred time as closely as possible.
Can I place a dumpster/debris box on the street?
Unfortunately, the County of San Mateo limits the placement of a debris box or dumpster on the street. We also recommend placing your dumpster on private property to deter illegal dumping. If you require your debris box be placed on the street, please request a permit from your local city.
What size debris box do I need?
Finding the right size debris box is crucial to ensuring efficient waste management. Here are the different sizes we offer and their typical use:
10-CY: This is our smallest size debris box and is ideal for small-scale projects, such as cleaning out a spare bedroom, decluttering a garage, or small landscaping projects. This size debris box is equal to approx. 3-4 pickup truck loads, depending on the material. This is the only box that accepts dirt, asphalt, concrete, and brick.
20-CY: This mid-sized option is commonly used for larger home renovation projects, such as kitchen and bathroom remodels. These boxes can also accommodate larger amounts of general household waste and debris. This size debris box is equal to approx. 7-8 pickup truck loads, depending on the material.
30-CY: This container is suitable for large-scale projects, including major home cleanouts or construction and remodeling projects. These boxes can accommodate furniture, appliances, and construction debris. This size debris box is equal to approx. 10-12 pickup truck loads, depending on the material.
40-CY: This is our largest standard debris box side and is typically used for significant construction or demolition projects. These boxes can accommodate large volumes of debris including bulky items like furniture, drywall, and other construction materials. This size debris box is equal to approx. 12-14 pickup truck loads, depending on the material.
If you are ever unsure about the appropriate dumpster size for your project, please contact customer service.
Recyclable Materials |
Construction & Demolition Debris |
Landscape Waste |
|
|
|
Note: Treated Wood Waste is NOT accepted (DTSC)
For more information: Atherton debris box flyer
Unaccepted or Restricted Materials
- Wet garbage (kitchen waste)
- Medical waste
- Hazardous materials (paint, oil, chemicals, etc)
- Concrete (must use 10 cubic yard bin)
- Tar and gravel roofing material (Must use 10 cubic yard)
- Sheetrock (cannot exceed 25% of load)
- Tree trunks cannot exceed 6 inches in diameter (must be a 10 cubic yard bin)
- Asbestos material
- Extra fees may be applied for contamination
Additional Charges Apply For:
- Excess of dirt and concrete
- Overweight box
- Carpet in excess of 25% of load
- Sheetrock in excess of 25% of load
- Overloaded box
- Truck tires
- Passenger tires
- Relocation of box
- Additional days
- Dry run charge
- Bulky items
- Appliances
The loading box must be level to the rim without anything hanging off the sides.
Roll Off Rates, Effective Date, July 1, 2025
Does GreenWaste of San Mateo County offer dumpsters for construction debris?
Absolutely! GreenWaste specializes in construction and demolition debris recycling. We can provide traditional open top dumpsters for construction debris, concrete, dirt, brick, wood, and metal.
Does GreenWaste of San Mateo County offer dumpsters for residential customers?
Yes! We have debris boxes that are perfect for home cleanouts, spring cleaning, remodels and renovations, cleaning up brush/trees around your property, or whatever else your project might be.
When will my debris box be dropped off and picked up?
Drop-off and pick-up times are dependent on our driver’s route, but we try to accommodate your preferred time as closely as possible.
Can I place a dumpster/debris box on the street?
Unfortunately, the County of San Mateo limits the placement of a debris box or dumpster on the street. We also recommend placing your dumpster on private property to deter illegal dumping. If you require your debris box be placed on the street, please request a permit from your local city.
What size debris box do I need?
Finding the right size debris box is crucial to ensuring efficient waste management. Here are the different sizes we offer and their typical use:
10-CY: This is our smallest size debris box and is ideal for small-scale projects, such as cleaning out a spare bedroom, decluttering a garage, or small landscaping projects. This size debris box is equal to approx. 3-4 pickup truck loads, depending on the material. This is the only box that accepts dirt, asphalt, concrete, and brick.
20-CY: This mid-sized option is commonly used for larger home renovation projects, such as kitchen and bathroom remodels. These boxes can also accommodate larger amounts of general household waste and debris. This size debris box is equal to approx. 7-8 pickup truck loads, depending on the material.
30-CY: This container is suitable for large-scale projects, including major home cleanouts or construction and remodeling projects. These boxes can accommodate furniture, appliances, and construction debris. This size debris box is equal to approx. 10-12 pickup truck loads, depending on the material.
40-CY: This is our largest standard debris box side and is typically used for significant construction or demolition projects. These boxes can accommodate large volumes of debris including bulky items like furniture, drywall, and other construction materials. This size debris box is equal to approx. 12-14 pickup truck loads, depending on the material.
If you are ever unsure about the appropriate dumpster size for your project, please contact customer service.
Material Processing & Recovery
All material collected by GreenWaste is brought to the GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery Facility for processing.
Mixed Compostables
Organic material in your black cart is sorted and composted.
Learn More
Recyclables
After sorting by commodity type, recyclables are reintroduced into the supply chain.
Learn More
Yard Trimmings
Yard trimmings are transformed into organic compost.
Learn More
Quick Links
Pay My Bill
Need to pay your bill or invoice?
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Dumpster Rental
From a small dumpster to a 40-yard debris box, we have you covered.
Order Today
Bulky Item, Construction, and Demolition Recycling
Whether you are getting rid of a couch or 10-tons of debris, recycle more than 75% of your material with GreenWaste.
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Sustainability
Learn about our commitment to environmentally-responsible operations and recycled products.
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