Waste Reduction Resources

If you’re looking for ways to reduce waste at home, the San Mateo County Sustainability Department is here to help. We offer free resources, workshops, and events to help residents recycle waste responsibly and reuse old items. Explore our guides, attend a Fixit Clinic, and take steps toward a more sustainable community.

How to Limit Your Waste

Reduce, reuse, repair, recycle, and compost.

tote bag filled with a reusable water bottle, utensils, and coffee mug

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Guide

Choosing to reduce, reuse, and repair is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint. View our comprehensive guide (PDF) to learn more about reusing, donating, and recycling your items.

electronics waste at recycling event in San Mateo County

Computer and Electronics Recycling

Proper disposal of old electronics reduces landfill waste and protects the environment from harmful pollution. The Sustainability Department offers multiple free electronics recycling and reuse drop-off events throughout the county. These events offer residents a convenient way to dispose of their electronic waste responsibly.

Additionally, our Fixit Clinics are a fun and engaging way to extend the life of your electronics and household appliances. These repair clinics offer hands-on help from experts to fix your broken items and provide a collaborative space for learning with others.

person dumping food scraps from kitchen pail into backyard compost tumbler

Organic Waste and Composting

Organic waste refers to biodegradable materials that come from plants and animals, such as food scraps, yard waste, and paper products. These materials naturally decompose over time and can be transformed into useful resources rather than sitting in a landfill. Composting is a simple yet powerful method for converting kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost that can be applied to local parks and gardens.

We offer resources to help you get started, including compost workshops, information on curbside compost collection, and a guide to set up a home compost system.