Residential Recycling

Residential Recycling Service

Marin Sanitary Service operates a dual-stream recycling program, meaning paper is collected separately from glass, plastic and metal containers. For our residential customers, we provide split-carts for weekly recycling curbside service so that you can easily keep your recycling materials separated.

The Blue side of the split-cart is for paper recyclables.

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

Visit our Residential Services page to review the cart options and set out rules for residential customers.

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 SIDE

Paper Recycling Cart Items

The blue side of the cart is for clean paper & cardboard only.

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

Marin Residential Split-Cart Recycling
Residential Recycling Split Cart

WHAT CANNOT GO IN THE BLUE SIDE

Paper Recycling Cart Nos

WHAT CAN GO IN THE BROWN SIDE

Container Recycling Cart Items

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

Marin Residential Split-Cart Recycling
Residential Recycling Split Cart

WHAT CANNOT GO IN THE BROWN SIDE

*These items can be dropped off at Marin Recycling or the Marin Resource Recovery Center.
ALWAYS RECYCLE THESE
AlwaysRecycleThese
NEVER RECYCLE THESE
We’ve listed some general guidelines about what can and cannot go into your recycling split-cart, 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.

HAVE QUESTIONS

Our customer support representatives are available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 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.

EXTRA RECYCLING

Extra recycling may be placed in a separate container or paper bag/box beside your recycling cart. Please keep paper products separate from your glass, plastic and aluminum containers. Extra recyclables are collected at no additional charge for our residential customers. If you find you consistently have extra recycling, please call our office and request to rent a second split cart for a nominal monthly fee.

Extra cardboard is collected at no additional charge but must be broken down and either stacked into 2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft bundles tied with twine or stacked into another small box.

See Extras, Clean-ups, Bulky Items & Other Services 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.

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