Residential Recycling

Residential Recycling Services

The town provides a state-of-the-art three cart system for collection of residential trash, recyclables and organics (e.g., food and yard waste). Recyclables such as bottles, cans, paper and newspaper can be commingled in the same container. Visit the Refuse and Recycling Program page for additional information and check out local resources San Mateo County Office of Sustainability and RethinkWaste for a wealth of information about how to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Battery & Electronics Recycling Programs

Did you know that California law prohibits landfill disposal of electronics, batteries and cell phones? In response to this ban and to facilitate proper recycling, the town has held a number of successful electronic waste recycling drop-off events. Furthermore, the town, in partnership with the South Bayside Waste Management Authority (SBWMA) offers its residents curbside collection recycling service for household batteries and phones. Here’s how to use this service:

  1. Collect your household rechargeable and disposable alkaline batteries (no automotive batteries).
  2. Place tape around lithium button batteries with duct or electrical tape for safety reasons.
  3. For cell phones, wrap with any type of paper to protect them.
  4. Place all items in a clear plastic bag and seal bag.
  5. Place the sealed bag on top of your mixed paper recycling bin.
  6. Set recyclables out on your collection day.

For additional information about the Hillsborough battery and cell phone curbside collection service, check out the Refuse and Recycling Program page or RethinkWaste.

Battery

Drop-Off for Prescription Medications

Small concentrations of prescription drugs (including hormones, antidepressants, and antibiotics) and over-the-counter drugs like pain relievers, antiseptics, and cold and flu remedies are being found in various waterways nationwide. If you flush your expired or unwanted medication down the toilet or pour them down the drain, they may end up in our own San Francisco Bay where they could harm the Bay's marine life and ecosystems. The medications that end up in our waters don't necessarily kill aquatic organisms, but they may interfere with growth and reproduction.

The town participates in the campaign to prevent the dumping of medications into the local water system. Unwanted or expired medications can be placed into the disposal box located at the Town of Hillsborough’s Police Department Lobby at 1600 Floribunda Avenue - no questions asked.

Prescription Medicine

Document Shredding & Recycling

These community shredding events give residents the opportunity to have their confidential documents destroyed on site, free of charge. Mobile shredding trucks arrive at the designated location and residents bring their important documents for destruction using cutting-edge paper shredding technology that crosscuts and reduces materials to fine pieces of confetti. Paper sorting or separation is not necessary - paper can be recycled with staples, paper clips and binder clips.

Events are sponsored by the SBWMA-RethinkWaste and the town. Sign up for email notifications or visit the News Flash® page for event postings.

Disclaimer

The Town of Hillsborough makes no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of the materials at this site or at other sites to which this website links. Links or references to other information or organizations do not constitute an endorsement.