Skip to main content
TRANSLATE

Using Translation

The County of San Mateo has added a translation feature developed by Google Translate to assist web visitors in understanding information on this website in a variety of foreign languages. Please be aware that Google Translate, a free third party service which the County does not control, provides automated computer translations that may not give you an exact translation. The County cannot guarantee the accuracy of translations through Google Translate so translations should not be considered exact and only used as a rough guide. Anyone relying on information obtained from Google Translate does so at his or her own risk. The County disclaims and will not accept any liability for damages or losses of any kind caused by the use of the Google Translate feature.

Tag: featured

Collage with four nature images and text in middle that reads '2026 Earth Month'

2026 Earth Month Events

Written on . Posted in Education.

Happy Earth Month! As we step further into spring, the month of April reminds us to celebrate our planet and continue working towards a healthier future together. Here at the Sustainability Department, we have a variety of events we’ll be participating in, and we can’t wait to connect with our community across San Mateo County. All of these events are free to attend but note that some require an RSVP. 

Whether you’re a parent looking for a fun weekend activity or a student interested in learning about sustainable careers, we’ve got you covered. Check out the map below to find an event near you!

Continue reading

A person adds sliced tomatoes to a salad bowl on a cutting board

Climate Action in Your Kitchen: How to Prevent Food Waste

Written on . Posted in Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Waste Reduction.

Think back to your last trip to the grocery store: maybe you purchased some more veggies to try out a new recipe, or bought extra food in bulk because there was a sale. If you were to take a look in your trash can right now, how much of that purchase would you find? Odds are, it may be more than you expect, and you’re not alone. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a family of four is estimated to lose $3000 each year on food that never gets eaten — an average of up to $56 a week. What you may find even more surprising is that the food waste you produce at home is actually a significant contributor to climate change.  

Continue reading

A group of five park rangers stand together smiling in a sunny parking lot in front of a pickup truck loaded with Surplus items. Two wear tan shirts and three wear green shirts with matching green caps.

Surplus into Service: How San Mateo County’s Surplus Program Builds Community

Written on . Posted in Waste Reduction.

When the Park Rangers in San Mateo County needed supplies and furniture for their shop at San Bruno Mountain, they didn’t head to a retailer, they turned to the Surplus Property Program. From lockers and safety gear storage to office furniture, mirrors, and tables, Rangers were able to upgrade their workspace with reused items from all over the County.

“These items have saved us a couple of thousand dollars which I know I don’t have in my budget. We love to save items going into the landfill.” — Priscilla Alvarez, County of San Mateo Parks Supervisor 

Continue reading