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Rules change: confirm with your city before acting.

Full San Mateo, CA guide

Printable guide · for tenants, landlords and property managers

Getting rid of bulky items in San Mateo, CA

Fact-checked · Sourced · Dated Last verified Sources

San Mateo residents are allowed 2 on-call clean-ups per year, and each can include 1 large item such as a mattress.[1]

Independent guide, not a government website. Confirm with your city or the linked official source before acting; rules and fees change.

CITY City & county options

City pickup?San Mateo: 2 on-call clean-ups per year, each with 1 large item such as a mattress; Recology says residential appointments are at no additional charge
How to bookRecology San Mateo County: (650) 595-3900[1]
Bag it?No rule found
City feeCollections beyond the free pickups have a fee.[2]

Pickup schedule: Call Recology at (650) 595-3900 to schedule (source: Twice Yearly Clean-Up - San Mateo, CA, verified Oct 23, 2026).[1]

The rules

  • You are allowed 2 on-call clean-ups per year; single-family homes can set out 1 large item such as a mattress (up to 200 pounds) plus up to 2 cubic yards.[1]
  • Recology says residential customers get two appointments per calendar year at no additional charge.[2]
Multi-family residents: your property manager coordinates the twice-yearly pickup.[1]

Hazardous items

Paint, batteries, propane, electronics and chemicals don't go in the trash. See getridmap.com/hazardous/.

Get Rid Map: independent guide, not a government agency. Rules change; confirm with the official page before setting anything out. Checked Oct 23, 2026.

Sources (checked Oct 23, 2026)

  1. City of San Mateo Public Works: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/2166/Twice-Yearly-Clean-Up
  2. Recology (San Francisco franchised hauler): https://www.recology.com/recology-san-mateo-county/bulky-items/