We have been in a process of improving the City’s recycling and compost programs for residents and businesses for the past five years. I am happy to report that expanded recycling and compost services are coming to Richmond that will help the City continue to reduce its solid waste output.  These programs are a top priority for our City Council, as stated in the City’s General Plan 2030, and now are mandatory under State Law Assembly Bill No. 1826.

Expanded Weekly Service of Green Waste and Recycling at Home – Starting March 2nd, all West County residents will begin receiving weekly curbside service of both compost and recycling carts at no additional cost. This service enhancement was achieved through our new contract with Republic Services last year. Historically, recycling and organics carts were collected on an every-other-week alternating basis. Weekly collection of recycling and organics carts will be a significant quality of life improvement for our residents and provide cost savings opportunities for individuals to downsize the size of their trash bin. We encourage you utilize the compost and recycling services to help the City reach its environmental and climate action goals. All residents will be receiving announcements in the coming weeks from Republic of the enhanced service and any changes in collection days. Please keep an eye out for these service announcements and share the news with your neighbors. Any questions regarding your home service should be directed to Republic Services at 510-262-7100.   

Food scrap recycling is becoming the new normal and it’s the right thing to do! When we recycle and compost food scraps it’s better for the environment; and recyclables and compost are processed in Richmond, which creates local jobs. Richmond is one of the only cities in the Bay Area that has a closed loop composting program whereby the food scraps are composted within the City – actually on top of the old, capped landfill. The compost is then given back to residents in to be used in home gardens and sold to farms and wineries. Please find a food scrap recycling guide attached and referenced below and a link to Republic’s bi-lingual quartlerly newsletter here.  

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