Multifamily Recycling

Marin Sanitary Multifamily Recycling Service

Marin Sanitary Service provides a dual-stream recycling program, meaning paper and cardboard is collected separately from containers (glass, plastic and metal).

The Blue is for paper recyclables.

The Brown is for bottles, cans and containers (glass, plastic and aluminum).

The size and number of recycling carts and/or bins a complex uses varies, but what goes in these recycling receptacles remains the same: recyclables only.

If your complex has a cardboard bin, please use this bin for cardboard only. Paper and containers should go in their respective carts.

Your recycling receptacles should be clearly marked and easy to identify. You can see all the carts and bins available to you here.

Please help us in reaching Marin’s zero waste goals by making sure that what you put into your recycling belongs there and not in the garbage or compost.

Where Does It Go, Joe?

It can be difficult to know what material goes into what container, but it’s very important that we avoid contaminating our recycling or compostable streams.

When in doubt, use our handy “Where Does It Go, Joe?” online tool to find out what material goes where.

JOE ON THE GO.

You’ll always have Joe’s sorting advice at your fingertips with the Marin Sanitary Service mobile app.

Download it now for free!

App on Google PlayApp on Apple Store

Get the Marin Sanitary App

WHAT CAN GO IN THE BLUE CART

Paper Recycling Cart Items

The blue cart is for clean paper & cardboard only.

Please keep all paper separate from other recyclables before placing in the blue cart to prevent contamination.

Multifamily Recycling Cart
Multifamily Paper Recycling Cart

WHAT CANNOT GO IN THE BLUE CART

Paper Recycling Cart Nos

WHAT CAN GO IN THE BROWN CART

Container Recycling Cart Items

The brown cart is for clean bottles, cans, and containers only.

Marin Sanitary Multifamily Container Recycling
Multifamily Container Recycling Cart

WHAT CANNOT GO IN THE BROWN CART

*These items can be dropped off at Marin Recycling or the Marin Resource Recovery Center.

THE CARDBOARD RECYCLING BIN

Some complexes utilize a bin for cardboard recycling. 

This bin is for cardboard only.

Carboard-Recycling-Bin
Cardboard Recycling Bin
ALWAYS RECYCLE THESE
AlwaysRecycleThese
NEVER RECYCLE THESE

We’ve listed some general guidelines about what can and cannot go into your recycling carts, but the list isn’t comprehensive. When in doubt, please use the Where Does It Go, Joe tool above to look up a what cart a specific item should go into.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

We provide compost and recycling opportunity assessments, diversion planning, training and posters to help your complex recycle successfully.  Learn more by contacting a recycling coordinator at (415) 456-2601.

IT’S THE LAW

Per California law, compostables (food scraps, plant debris & food-soiled paper) and recycling must be removed from garbage containers.

NO PLASTIC BAGS OR FILM WRAP

In this short video, we explain how the mantra “bottles, tubs, and jugs” will help ensure that you’re putting the right plastic in your recycling. Remember: keeping your film plastics out of your recycling may feel like a small contribution, but when it’s multiplied by the entire community, it makes an enormous difference!

WHAT IS RECYCLING CONTAMINATION?

In this short video, we explain how contamination can ruin your best recycling efforts.

HOW WE SORT

Watch videos about how we sort your recycling at our facility.

RECYCLE GUIDE

Recycling only works if you do it right.

CONTAMINATION

The wrong material in your recycling cart can send it to landfill.

MISSED COLLECTION

Missed collections must be reported within 48 hours of the service day. MSS will make every effort to return that same day if the miss is reported by noon on the service day or the following day if the miss is reported after noon on the day of service. Any misses reported after 48 hours will be subject to a fee for collection.

Contact us to report a missed collection. You may also call our office at (415) 456-2601.

RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS

EXTRA MATERIAL

Fees apply for any extra bags of garbage next to, on top of, or overflowing from designated containers. Extra bags must be less than 60 pounds and 32 gallons in volume.

Extra recycling carts and cardboard bins are available and no extra charge. See our Compostables page for more information.

RECYCLING THEFT

Theft of recyclable materials is illegal and may even put you at risk for identify theft. The cities and towns we serve are partnering with Marin Sanitary Service to help prevent future theft. Please help us out.

For your safety, if you see someone other than an employee of Marin Sanitary Service removing recyclables from your cart or bin, DO NOT confront the recycling thieves. You may report this information to the number for non-emergency crime reporting, which is 311, or go to your local police force’s website for their crime reporting procedures. If it is not an emergency do not call 911.

Non-emergency phone numbers for:

  • San Rafael – (415) 485-3000
  • Larkspur – (415) 927-5150
  • San Anselmo – (415) 258-4610
  • Fairfax – (415) 453-5330
  • Ross – (415) 453-1453

When you call to report the theft, please try to have the following information:

  1. License Number
  2. Good description of the vehicle & person(s)
  3. Time of theft (this is helpful for those who are not in a vehicle: who visit the same street, week after week)
  4. Location/Address

Copyright © 2024 Marin Sanitary Service. All Rights Reserved.

Translate »
Skip to content