Contaminated Recycling & Yard Waste

Recycling and yard waste carts will not be collected if the carts are "contaminated" with garbage or other non-recyclables. For example, plastic bags, milk cartons, styrofoam and pizza boxes are not accepted for recycling; and palm fronds, plant pots and dirt are not accepted for yard waste. The driver will leave a notice on the cart to advise you of the problem and how to correct it.

If you get a notice, please remove the contaminants and call Foothill Disposal (650-967-3034) to arrange another collection (fees apply). If the contamination is not removed, the cart may be collected as garbage and a charge will appear on your utility bill.

For a list of what items are accepted for recycling, please visit What's Recyclable.

Overflowing Containers

Residential garbage carts will not be collected if they are overflowing or if there are extra bags on top of or next to the cart. If you occasionally have extra garbage, please purchase an extra garbage sticker from a local Safeway, Albertsons or Rite-Aid store in Mountain View, or from City Hall at 500 Castro Street, or from Foothill Disposal at the Mountain View Recycling Center at 935 Terra Bella Avenue. If you often have more garbage than will fit in the cart, please contact the City Finance & Administrative Services Department, Utilities Section (650-903-6317), to increase your garbage service.

Residential recycling or yard waste carts will not be collected if they are overflowing or if there are extra bags of recycling or yard waste. Please contact Foothill Disposal (650-967-3034) to arrange for a larger or second recycling cart, or use one of the On Call Plus Clean Up Days.

Commercial or Apartment Dumpsters will not be collected if they are overflowing or blocked by garbage bags or parked cars. Please contact Foothill Disposal (650-967-3034) to arrange for special collection of extra materials and/or increase garbage service.