City of San Luis Obispo - Utilities Department Recycling Corner

Residential customers include any residential address with three or fewer units. Our surveys have shown us the need to concentrate on recycling more of the following items: Junkmail, magazines and catalogues, cardboard, and greenwaste.

With the changes made to the recycling system effective January 1, 2001, recycling is a whole lot easier. Now instead having to separate materials, all recyclables can go commingled into the blue waste wheeler.

Metal & tin cans, empty aerosol cans, glass jars & bottles telephone books, plastic containers #1,2,3,4,5 & 7, cardboard boxes, paper bags, cereal & snack boxes, plastic milk jugs, newspapers, magazines & junk mail office paper and computer paper.
Curbside recycling for used motor oil is available for City residents. Please call San Luis Garbage at 805-543-0875 for information on this service.The following items are NOT recyclable:

NO plastic bags, plastic wrap, plastic silverware, foam peanuts styrofoam containers of any sort and paper plates.

About 65% of our residential customers are now participating in this popular program. There is no additional cost, so if you are one of the 35% who have not yet recycled green waste, why not get on board today? You will need to obtain a special wheeled container by calling San Luis Garbage at 543-0875.

Allowable Green Waste
Grass Leaves Shrub Trimmings	Weeds Tree Prunings Construction Wood
All items must be less than 6" in diameter, no more than 4' in length, and weigh 100 lbs or less. No painted, stained or treated wood. No other items.

This category includes all residential dwellings with four or more units. You can now recycle everything residential customers can! Most customers have specially marked containers next to the trash containers. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on these containers. A few customers have been provided with orange bins to place on the curb. To sign up, call 543-0875.

Owners of many businesses have been able to significantly reduce overhead by recycling and switching to a smaller garbage container or requiring fewer collections. MARGIE’S DINER is a prime example. Through a recycling program with San Luis Garbage Company, Margie was able to reduce her garbage bill by 72%! Take advantage of a great opportunity and call San Luis Garbage Company at 543-0875, today! They can help you develop a program that will make a difference - It will be worth your time!

Both Cold Canyon and Chicago Grade Landfills have developed hazardous waste drop-off facilities that are open to the public on an ongoing basis. The basic limitations are fifty gallons of liquid or 125 lbs. Of other materials per visit. Most materials are accepted except for biological hazards, explosives, and nuclear wastes. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. businesses must make an appointment, but private citizens can just show up. Rain cancels. For more information or appointments, call the Integrated Waste Management Authority at (800) 400-0811 or 782-8530 (Mon-Fri). More information