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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.

Tri-bin waste bins at county facility for compost, recycling and landfill
WASTE REDUCTION
Protecting our resources for future generations.

Waste Reduction

Waste from County operations ends up in landfills, where it breaks down and releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Preventing these emissions requires prioritizing source reduction and strengthening waste diversion actions reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting. By keeping materials out of landfills, the County can significantly reduce its climate impact and move closer to zero waste.

Goals:

  • 2030: Reduce emissions from waste by 80% compared to 2005 levels
  • 2035: Reduce emissions from waste by 100% compared to 2005 levels

Summary of Strategies

  • Certify County Departments as Green Businesses
  • Adopt a Sustainable Purchasing Policy
  • Reduce Paper Use
  • Divert Surplus Property from Waste
  • Remove Disposable Food Serviceware
  • Analyze the County’s Waste Stream and Improve Collection and Services.
  • Reduce Waste from Public Spaces
  • Incorporate More Local Food Options
  • Conduct Employee Training and Outreach

See Focus Area 3: Waste in the Government Operations Climate Action Plan (PDF) for more details on objectives and actions.

The Latest News & Events

Compost Workshop
Jun
27
Compost Workshop

Learn how easy and fun it is to recycle your fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and plant cuttings into compost in these free workshops! These workshops teach composting options suitable for those with or without a backyard. Apartment dwellers welcome! Compost provides valuable nutrients for your garden soil, helps retain moisture, which saves water, prevents erosion, loosens clay and compacted soils for better drainage, and suppresses weeds. It is rewarding to know you are turning what some consider waste into precious organic material for your garden.

Discounts and rebates for backyard compost and worm compost bins will be distributed to San Mateo County residents!

COMPOST WORKSHOP

Date: June 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Foster City Community Garden
Register here.

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