It’s funny, isn’t it? We all generate waste, and most of us try to do our bit with recycling, but the actual mechanics of how it all gets picked up can feel a bit like a mystery. If you’re in Hercules, Pinole, Richmond, San Pablo, or the unincorporated parts of West County, there’s a system in place, and understanding it can make life just a little bit smoother. And honestly, who doesn't want that?
First off, the law requires every occupied property to have weekly waste collection. It’s not just a suggestion; unpaid charges can actually become a lien on your property or lead to your service being interrupted. So, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.
What does a standard service look like? You’ll typically get three carts. There’s the brown or black one for your regular solid waste – you can choose from a few sizes, 20, 35, 65, or 95 gallons. Then, a bright blue cart is dedicated to recyclables, and a green one is for all your organics, which means yard waste and food scraps. The rates are usually based on how full that main brown or black waste cart is, with the lid closed properly. Need more space? You can always get extra carts for an additional fee.
Now, let’s talk about keeping things clean – and by clean, I mean using the right cart for the right stuff. Contamination is a big no-no. If you put recyclables or organics in your trash cart, or trash in your recycling or organics cart, you might get hit with extra charges. It’s like sending your mail to the wrong address; it just causes confusion and extra work.
What about those times when you have a bit more than usual? Like after a big garden project or a spring clean? Good news! You’re entitled to two “On-Call Curbside Clean-ups” each year, at no extra charge. This is for up to 15 bags of non-hazardous waste or all your yard waste (but no food scraps in this instance). Just make sure the bags are no bigger than 35 gallons, weigh under 40 pounds, and are sturdy enough not to break. You’ll need to call customer service at least a week in advance to schedule these, and they’ll usually come on your regular collection day. Need it sooner? Same-week pick-ups might cost extra.
And if you find yourself with a cart that’s overflowing, or you’ve compacted your trash down so much that it looks like a solid block, that’s considered “extra waste.” It’s best to call customer service ahead of time to arrange for its collection, as there will be an additional charge. Landlords, take note: you might be responsible for these extra charges, so it’s a good idea to communicate with your tenants.
When collection day rolls around, a few simple guidelines can help things run smoothly. Face your carts towards the street with the wheels against the curb or gutter by 6 a.m. Give them some breathing room – at least 2 feet between carts and 5 feet from other objects. And, as mentioned, make sure those lids are shut tight. If you miss your collection day, you can either wait until the next week or request a special return trip, which will incur an extra charge. Unfortunately, carts not put out for service aren’t eligible for credit, so it’s worth setting a reminder.
Recycling is a weekly affair, happening on the same day as your regular waste collection. Remember to use that blue cart for accepted recyclables. The general rule of thumb is to keep them empty, clean, and dry. Rinse out those food and beverage containers. Loose plastic bags and film should be bundled and bagged tightly. And please, no food-soiled recyclables or non-recyclable materials in the blue cart. Contaminated recycling carts can lead to fees and non-collection.
What can go in the blue cart? A good range of paper products, including cardboard, newspapers, magazines, junk mail, and even paperback books. For other recyclables, think plastic beverage and food containers, aluminum cans and foil, glass bottles and jars, and various steel/tin cans. Just make sure they’re clean!
What shouldn’t go in? A whole list of things, really. Animal waste, appliances, ashes, ceramics, clothing, food products, food-contaminated paper, dirt, rocks, and hazardous items are all on the “do not” list. It’s all about making sure the recycling process works efficiently.
And for those CRV beverage containers – glass, aluminum, and plastic – you can even take them to the Buy-Back Center at 101 Pittsburg Avenue in Richmond. They’re open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a lunch break from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. It’s a nice way to get a little something back while still doing your part.
Ultimately, it’s about understanding the system and doing our best to follow the guidelines. A little bit of attention can go a long way in keeping our communities clean and our recycling efforts effective. If you ever have questions, the Customer Service Department at 510.262.7100 or the website Richmondsanitaryservice.com are your go-to resources.
