FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Each branch of business at Marin Sanitary Service compiled the FAQ list below for your convenience. Please click on the question to link to the answer.

FAQ about the Food Scraps Composting Program:

• Why have a food scraps composting program?
• How does the food scraps composting program work?
• Who can participate in the food scraps composting program?
• How do I participate in the food scraps composting program?
• Where can I get more copies of the food scraps compost flyer or see a sample of the new green can sticker?
• Will my bill increase as a result of this new program?
• Am I required to participate in the food scraps composting program?
• What food scraps are allowed and not allowed in my green can? (Extended “Yes/No” list.)
• Why does my green can need to be picked up weekly?
• When my green can gets dirty who is responsible for cleaning it?
• Can I participate in the food scraps program if I don’t have a yard waste can?
• Can I put compostable or biodegradable bags in the green can with my food scraps?
• Can I put food scraps in my green can even if I have no yard waste at this time?
• I have a green can with a wire grate at the bottom.  How do I prevent food waste from getting caught inside the grate?

FAQ’s from the Marin Recycling Center:

• Why can’t all plastics be recycled?
• What happens to plastic that is recycled?
• Can glossy magazines and ad pages from the newspaper be recycled?
• How well do I need to wash containers before putting them in the recycling bin?
• Should I remove the lids from jars and bottles before recycling them?

FAQ’s from the Buyback Center:

• Do I have to sort the materials before I bring them in?
• How much will I get paid for the stuff I bring in?
• Do you take paper and cardboard at the Buyback Center?

FAQ’s about Residential Garbage Service:

• When should I be putting out my cans and buckets for pick up?
• What do I do if I have extra garbage on my service day?
• If my pick-up day falls on a holiday, when will my garbage be picked up?
• How do I dispose of extra cardboard?
• What can I put in my yard-waste can?
• What can I not place in my yard-waste can?
• What is my yard-waste pick-up day?
• Will Marin Sanitary Service pick up my Christmas tree?
• When we can start adding residential food waste composting in our curbside green-waste container?
• When will Marin Sanitary service start collecting commercial food waste for composting?

FAQ’s about Debris Boxes:

• How do I contact the Debris Box Department?
• What sizes of debris boxes are available?
• What can I put in a general debris box?
• What is not accepted in a debris box?
• How much weight can be placed in a debris box?
• How long can I keep the debris box?

FAQ’s about Confidential Document Shredding:

• Where can I bring my documents to be shredded?
• What are the hours that the Confidential Document Shredding Department is open?
• Does Marin Sanitary Service pick up boxes of documents to be shredded from my home or business?
• Can I witness my documents getting shredded?

FAQ’s about Billing:

• Does Marin Sanitary Service accept payments by credit card over the phone?
• Does Marin Sanitary Service offer any automatic payment options?
• Who do I call if I have a question about my bill?
• Where do I mail my payment check?

FAQ about the Food Scraps Composting Program

Why have a food scraps composting program?

The food scraps composting program is essential to reducing Marin County’s waste to zero and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  Twenty five percent of the food prepared in the U.S. each year is thrown in the garbage– approximately 96 billion pounds! In landfills, food scraps decompose releasing methane, a greenhouse gas twenty times more potent than CO2.

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How does the food scraps composting program work?

The program allows participating residents to put food scraps in their green cans with yard waste. The food scraps are collected weekly to be ground up with yard waste on site at MSS.  The mixture is then transported to a specialized organic composting site in Zamora, CA, where it will be composted using state-of-the-art technology to prevent the release of harmful greenhouse gasses.  The result is a rich organic soil amendment that is distributed to the local agricultural community, completing the circle from food to farm to food.

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Who can participate in the food scraps composting program?

All single-family homes in residential areas serviced by Marin Sanitary can now participate in the program, with San Anselmo joining soon pending approval from the Town’s city council. 

Residents should have received a flyer or a new sticker on their green can. If you have not, you can download a PDF of the flyer and sticker to print at home.

As a participant in this program it is very important that you bring the flyer into your home and post, paste or tape the list somewhere in your kitchen to help keep out unwanted materials.

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How do I participate in the food scraps composting program?

If you have weekly green can service and reside in a single-family residential home, congratulations! You can start composting your food scraps right away by following these 5 easy steps:

  1. Designate a “Food Compost” container for your kitchen.  You can buy a compost pail at most home improvement stores or reuse an old coffee can.  It is helpful to have a tight lid to keep smells contained.
  2. Post, paste or tape the list of acceptable food scraps in an easily visible place near or on the “Food Compost” container to help keep unwanted materials out.
  3. Fill it up! 
  4. Empty it often into your green can to avoid smells and attracting pests.
  5. Remember to put out your green can by the curb every week.

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Where can I get more copies of the food scraps compost flyer or see a sample of the new green can sticker?

Download a PDF of the flyer with acceptable and unacceptable materials here.

Download a PDF of the new green can sticker here.

As a participant in this program it is very important that you bring the flyer into your home and post, paste or tape the list somewhere in your kitchen to help keep out unwanted materials.

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Will my bill increase as a result of this new program?

Rates in all of our jurisdictions are reviewed and increased at regular intervals (the most recent increase was in February 2011 for most jurisdictions) to: accommodate the increased cost of doing business, add staff and vehicles as our community grows and implement new programs, like this one, that help us get closer to Marin County's goal of zero waste.

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Am I required to participate in the food scraps composting program?

No, the program is voluntary.  However, we encourage all residents to take part at whatever level they feel comfortable.  Reducing food scraps in the waste stream is essential to Marin’s goal of zero waste.

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What food scraps are allowed and not allowed in my green can? (Extended “Yes/No” list.)

NOTE: Any amount of the items listed under “YES” can be placed in your green can.

NOTE: “Including” does not mean, “limited to”.

YES                                                                                          

  • Perishable items – Including: Anything that putrefies or decays
  • Meat and poultry – Including: bones, skin, cartilage or gristle.
  • Dairy products – Including: cheese, yogurt, sour cream or butter
  • Breads – Including: crackers, pastas, rice and corn
  • Cooking oils and grease – Including: olive oil, vegetable oil or bacon grease
  • Fats – Including: Animal fat, lard or rendered fat.
  • Fruit – Including: pulp, rinds, pits or seeds
  • Vegetables
  • Eggshells
  • Coffee grounds – Including: coffee beans or paper filters
  • Tea bags
  • Soiled paper or cardboard – Including: Pizza boxes or paper fast food bags
  • Napkins and paper towels – Including: Soiled napkins and paper towels from the kitchen or dinner table.  Does not include soiled tissue paper or bath tissue
  • Paper plates – Including: any soiled paper plate not coated in plastic regardless of color or density
  • Waxed paper and waxed cardboard – Including: waxed cups or plates.  Does not include juice boxes or milk cartons that are often coated in plastic
  • Biobags– Brand Compostable Bags– Does not include: any other brand of bag labeled as compostable, degradable or biodegradable
  • MSS discourages the composting of clean, unsoiled paper that could be recycled into new paper products.

NO                                                                                           

  • Recyclable items – Such as clean, dry office paper, books and junk mail
  • Non-perishable items – Including: Anything that does not decompose or decay
  • Liquids or juices – Including: milk, syrup or wine or fruit juice
  • Glass
  • Plastic – Including: plastics made from vegetables or bio-plastics, or products coated in plastic such as cardboards or cartons
  • Utensils or food containers labeled as compostable or biodegradable – Please place these items in your black garbage can
  • Foil
  • Animal feces
  • Styrofoam
  • Diapers – Including: cloth or compostable diapers
  • Hazardous waste – Including: compact fluorescent light bulbs, batteries or ammonia
  • Motor oil
  • Milk or beverage cartons – Including: Any plastic or foil coated carton such as broth, stock or soup cartons

For more information please call (415) 456-2601.

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Why does my green can need to be picked up weekly?

Due to the perishable nature of food waste California law requires that food waste receptacles be emptied from any premises on a weekly basis.

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When my green can gets dirty who is responsible for cleaning it?

It is the resident’s responsibility to clean any and all garbage, recycling or compost and yard waste cans. You can schedule to have your cans cleaned by MSS for an $11.00 fee. For more information please call (415) 456-2601.

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Can I participate in the food scraps program if I don’t have a yard waste can?

No, only residents with green cans and weekly green can pick up can participate.  If you rent a single-family home in a neighborhood with weekly green can service please contact your landlord or property manager about adding a green can to your regular garbage service.  If you are a homeowner and would like to start weekly green can service please call (415) 456-2601.

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Can I put compostable or biodegradable bags in the green can with my food scraps?

The only brand of biodegradable bag accepted in the food scraps composting program can be found here http://www.biobagusa.com/. Not all compostable or biodegradable bags are made equally.  Some companies sell biodegradable plastic bags that simply degrade faster then regular plastic but it is still plastic.

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Can I put food scraps in my green can even if I have no yard waste at this time?

Yes!

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I have a green can with a wire grate at the bottom.  How do I prevent food waste from getting caught inside the grate?

MSS prides itself on evacuating every bit of waste and recycling from all cans.  But, if you would like to take extra precautions to keep food scraps from getting stuck behind the grate you may use Biobags to contain your food scraps or you may cover the top of the grate with paper bags, leaves or other yard clippings.

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FAQ’s from the Marin Recycling Center

Why can’t all plastics be recycled?

Marin Sanitary Service accepts all plastics that have a California Redemption Value (CRV) and are labeled #1-7 in the chasing arrows symbol except Styrofoam (even if it is labeled with a number in the chasing arrows).
 
The numbering system is used to group plastic packaging into seven general categories. Of these seven, only #1 and #2 narrow-necked bottles are commonly collected and recycled into new material.  95% of the plastic bottles in California are #1 or #2.
 
The chasing arrows symbol leads some people to believe that any container with arrows is recyclable. The plastics industry says it never intended the symbol to indicate that a container was recyclable or had recycled content, but simply used it as a catchy graphic to highlight the identifying number. Recyclers requested that plastic container manufacturers change the graphic since it is misleading, but the industry has resisted efforts to modify it.
 
The market for recycled plastic is somewhat unstable because the technology for recycling #3- #7 is problematic and limits the amount of buyers who want to purchase post-consumer plastics.  New plastic products that contain recycled plastic are still made up mostly of pre-consumer content (virgin material).  This is because the availability of plastic that is commonly recycled into new content (#1 and #2) is miniscule compared to the volume of new plastics being produced.

Although we do currently have a market for much of the #3- #7 plastics, we still discourage the use of plastic packaging due to its environmental impacts and the instability of the recycling market.  Please see the curbside recycling protocol for more details about the plastics we currently accept.

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What happens to plastic that is recycled?

Plastic is usually not “recycled” over and over again into a new container. Beverage bottles are primarily “downcycled,” or made into a new product one time, and then that product ends up in the landfill at the end of its usefulness.

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Can glossy magazines and ad pages from the newspaper be recycled?

Yes! Ever since toxic bleaching of paper was outlawed, the clay-coated or “glossy” pages are now mixed in as a way to brighten newsprint, instead of bleach.

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How well do I need to wash containers before putting them in the recycling bin?

Please give all containers a quick rinse. We don’t want you to use a lot of energy and water, but for jars with sticky substances such as peanut butter, try soaking overnight with the lid on, shake vigorously to remove most of the stuff loosened by the soaking, then recycle.

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Should I remove the lids from jars and bottles before recycling them?

Metal or plastic lids can be left on bottles and jars for recycling (please remember to rinse first).

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FAQ’s from Buyback Center

Do I have to sort the materials before I bring them in?

Yes. Each type of material has a different value and must be weighed separately. NOTE: You will only be paid for bottles and cans that have a CRV notice on the label (California Redemption Value).

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How much will I get paid for the stuff I bring in?

The redemption values change periodically, so it is best to call Marin Recycling (453-1404) for the current amount being paid for each material. Also, a printed page with current values for each material is available at the Buyback Center.

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Do you take paper and cardboard at the Buyback Center?

If you have large amounts of cardboard or paper, it can be dropped off at our Resource Recovery Center (565 Jacoby), down the road from Marin Recycling”s Buyback Center.

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FAQ’s about Residential Garbage Service

When should I be putting out my cans and buckets for pick up?

Garbage, recycling, and yard-waste should be put out for collection by 6am the day of service. Drivers start collecting in the early morning hours.

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What do I do if I have extra garbage on my service day?

Lids must close on garbage and yard-waste cans. Over-flowing or over-full cans can attract animals and other pests.

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If my pick-up day falls on a holiday, when will my garbage be picked up?

The only holidays that collection would not occur are Christmas and New Year’s Day.

If your collection day should fall onto one of these holidays, collection will be done one day later. For example: if Christmas or New Year’s Day occurs on Thursday, Thursday collection would be done on Friday and Friday’s collection would occur on Saturday.

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How do I dispose of extra cardboard?

Cardboard may be placed with other paper recycling in the recycling bucket for paper or the paper section of your recycling can. Cardboard may also be paper bagged or tied into bundles of 2’x 2’x 2’ or smaller. Your driver cannot accommodate larger pieces of cardboard at this time. Cardboard or other paper recycling materials will not be accepted in plastic bags.

Cardboard can also be dropped off at the Marin Resource Recovery center at 565 Jacoby St.

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What can I put in my yard-waste can?

Grass clippings, leaves, weeds, shrub and tree clippings, small branches under 4 feet in length can be placed in your green can. Tree branches in tied bundles will be picked up for an extra fee. Extra yard-waste in plastic bags is unacceptable but can be arranged to be picked up for an extra charge. Please call customer service at 415-456-2601. For a small fee, we can supply you with an extra yard-waste can for additional vegetation.

For neighborhoods participating in the pilot Residential Food Waste Compost Program please read this flyer for details on what can be placed into your yard-waste can.

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What can I not place in my yard-waste can?

Dirt, rocks, pesticides, treated wood, concrete or other construction debris, rubbish, pet waste, any food waste including pumpkins and apples, ceramics, metals, plastics and plastic bags will not be accepted in yard-waste cans.

For neighborhoods participating in the pilot Residential Food Waste Compost Program please read this flyer for details on what cannot be placed into your yard waste can.

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What is my yard-waste pick-up day?

Your yard waste pick up day depends on whether you have odd or even day pickup.  Please check out the odd and even pickup day calendars here.  If you do not know if your pickup day is odd or even please call Please call the customer service office at 415-456-2601.

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Will Marin Sanitary Service pick up my Christmas tree?

Christmas trees are collected at the curb during the month of January on your scheduled yard-waste day. If the tree is more than 6 feet tall, please cut the tree in half. Please remove all ornaments and metal stands. Exception: Flocked trees will not be accepted.

Apartment complexes: Trees must be placed in one accessible location for one accumulated pick-up at no charge.

Any other variation will be considered a special pick up at $5.00 a tree. Residential customers may drop off up to two trees, free of charge, during the month of January, at the Marin Resource Recovery Center located at 565 Jacoby St. Note: There is a fee for accepting flocked trees at the Marin Resource Recovery Center.

Please also check your local newspaper for other drop off sites in your area.

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When we can start adding residential food waste composting in our curbside green-waste container?

When the necessary permits are in place, which we anticipate to be early 2010, we will begin co-collecting residential, kitchen, and food waste in your curbside green waste can.

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When will Marin Sanitary service start collecting commercial food waste for composting?

A Feasibility Study has been completed, sponsored by PG&E, the Central Marin Sanitation Agency, the City of San Rafael, the City of Larkspur and Marin Sanitary Service.  It will allow us to develop commercial food waste composting, probably in mid-2010, from the restaurants and other points of food waste we collect currently.

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FAQ’s about Debris Boxes

How do I contact the Debris Box Department?
Please contact our Debris Box Department at 415 456-2601.

What sizes of debris boxes are available?
3 yard - 6’ Length x 3’6” Width x 4’ Height
5 yard - 6’6” Length x 4’ Width x 4’6”Height
10 yard - 12’ Length x 4’6” Width x 5’ Height
18 yard - 13’10” Length x 7’6” Width x 4’6” Height
25 yard - 17’9” Length x 7’5” Width x 5’ Height

Larger sizes are available by request.

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What type of debris boxes are available?

Debris boxes are available for general debris. Special boxes are available for dirt, rock, concrete and roofing materials. Please specify the type of materials to be placed in the debris box, so the correct type of box can be provided. Dirt, rock, concrete and roofing materials cannot be co-mingled with general debris.

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What can I put in a general debris box?

General debris boxes can have anything but dirt, rock, concrete and roofing materials placed in them. No hazardous waste or tires are allowed.

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What is not accepted in a debris box?

Tires are not acceptable in debris boxes at this time. You may bring tires to the Marin Recycling Recovery Center at 565 Jacoby St. in San Rafael.

Hazardous materials are not accepted in debris boxes. Examples of Hazardous Materials are: Asbestos, televisions, computer monitors, batteries, and paint. Please contact the Hazardous information line to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials. Tel: (415) 485-6806.

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How much weight can be placed in a debris box?

There is a weight limit of 500 lbs. per Cubic yard on general debris boxes.

Heavy materials such as dirt, rock, and concrete may result in overweight and/or overload fees.

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How long can I keep the debris box?

Debris boxes can be kept for one week. Overtime fees will apply for debris boxes kept beyond one week.

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FAQ’s about Confidential Document Shredding

Where can I bring my documents to be shredded?

Boxed or bagged documents are accepted at 1050 Andersen Drive in San Rafael. Follow the signs to the Document Shredding area. Payment is accepted in cash, by check or credit card.

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What are the hours that the Confidential Document Shredding Department is open?

The office hours are 8:30a.m.to 4:00p.m. Monday through Friday. Tel: 415 456-2601

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Does Marin Sanitary Service pick up boxes of documents to be shredded from my home or business?

Yes, service is available to commercial and residential customers to have documents picked up and shredded. Please call 415 456-2601 for an appointment and fee schedules.

Bins for your use can be provided.

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Can I witness my documents getting shredded?

Yes, appointments to witness document shredding are available. Please call 415 456-2601. There is an additional fee for this service.

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FAQ’s about Billing

Does Marin Sanitary Service accept payments by credit card over the phone?

Yes, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover are accepted over the phone to make payments on your account. Please call 415 456-2601 to make a payment.

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Does Marin Sanitary Service offer any automatic payment options?

Yes, arrangements can be made to automatically pay your bill with a credit card or have a payment made directly from your checking account. Call the billing department at 415 456-2601 to have automatic payments set up.

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Who do I call if I have a question about my bill?

Please call the billing department at 415 456-2601 for any billing inquiries. You may also contact us in writing at the following address:

Marin Sanitary Service-Attn. Billing Department
1050 Andersen Dr.
San Rafael, CA 94901

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Where do I mail my payment check?

The following addresses are all acceptable to mail your payment:

Marin Sanitary Service
P.O. Box 10067
San Rafael, CA 94912-0067   

Marin Sanitary Service
P.O. Box 30680
Los Angeles, CA 90030-0680

You may also mail or bring your payment (Cash, Check, or Credit Card) to:

Marin Sanitary Service  (Office Hours 7:00am to 5:00pm)
1050 Andersen Drive
San Rafael, CA 94901

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