Attention Atherton Residents: New Service Information

On September 16, 2020, the Town of Atherton’s Council voted in favor of exiting the South Bayside Waste Management Authority Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and to finalize contract negotiations with GreenWaste Recovery for recycling, compost, and solid waste services.

This means that the current contract the Town of Atherton has with Recology San Mateo County for waste collection services will expire on December 31, 2020.

Please review the GreenWaste Atherton webpage for more information about the transition and information about new services, rates, and more. General questions and answers for residents can be found below.

The Town of Atherton has been a longtime valued member of the South Bayside Waste Management Authority (SBWMA/RethinkWaste) and we respect their decision.

Atherton customers can direct all inquiries regarding new services and rates that will begin January 1, 2021 to GreenWaste Recovery at (650) 798-5999 or by visiting the GreenWaste Atherton webpage.

This section highlights general questions and answers for Atherton residents to refer to.

1. Why will Recology no longer be my waste hauler?

The Town of Atherton decided at its September Town Council to exit the Joint Powers Authority. All information regarding the exit can be found here.

2. When will I no longer have Recology as my waste hauler?

Effective January 1, 2021, your new waste hauler will be GreenWaste.

3. What will happen to my carts?

Your Recology carts will be removed at the same time your new carts are delivered on your service day. According to Recology and GreenWaste, the cart replacement process will begin on January 18, 2021 and will occur during a 3-4 week period. Set all carts in their service location by 6:30am on your service day, even if they are empty. GreenWaste and Recology are using the same cart removal/delivery subcontractor to minimize the opportunity for disruption. You will receive the same size and number of carts you currently have based on the information in Recology’s database. More information on Recology‘s and GreenWaste‘s websites

4. Will my carts get serviced if my regular collection day falls on Christmas and New Year’s Day?

There are no collection services on Christmas Day. Friday customers, whose Recycling, Compost, and Garbage service falls on Christmas Day, will be serviced on Saturday, December 26, 2020 by Recology San Mateo County. Please have carts out by 6:00 a.m. for regular collection services.

There is also no collection services on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2021. If your service day is on this day, your service collection day will be on Saturday, January 2, 2021 by GreenWaste.

5. What do I do with my holiday tree?

Holiday tree collection services will occur through GreenWaste since Recology’s new holiday tree schedule is now January 2 – 31.

Households wanting to dispose of their holiday trees (non-flocked trees) before January 1 should place holiday trees inside their green compost cart. If the tree is larger than 8 feet, please cut trees in half and place inside green compost carts. Please remove all decorations and tree stands.

6. How will the waste hauler changing affect my costs?

All information about new services and costs with GreenWaste can be found on their website at: https://www.greenwaste.com/service_area/atherton/

7. Can I still drop off at the Shoreway Transfer Station and Public Recycling Center?

Yes, the Shoreway Transfer Station and Public Recycling Center are open to all members of the public.