Garbage & Recycling
On July 8th, 2009, the Arcata City Council finalized the implementation of a universal curbside solid waste and recycling collection program. The City spent many months working with citizens to develop a unique system to recognize the efforts that Arcata residents invest in reducing waste and recycling. We sincerely hope that you will find this service a benefit to you and your household.
All properties should have now received their recycling services. If you have not received a recycling tote and have garbage service, please call Arcata Garbage at 822-0304. For more information: Universal Garbage and Recycling Frequently Asked Questions
The program requires that all property owners subscribe to one of the several levels for garbage and recycling collection, (Note - the property owner may allow a tenant to be the customer, but the property owner will remain ultimately responsible for service charges). If you or your tenant currently subscribe to collection service with Arcata Garbage Co., you may either choose to do nothing or consider a new service level. The program has several service / price options to continue to meet State waste reduction mandates, provide convenient service, reduce illegal disposal and public health hazards, and assist the City in moving towards the goal of zero waste in our community.
Residential Service Prices
| Service Level - Solid Waste | Recycling Service | Service Cost |
| Every other month - 30 gallon can | 60 or 90 gallon tote weekly | $13.82/month (+ deposit) |
| Once per month - 30 gallon can | 60 or 90 gallon tote weekly | $15.44/month (+deposit) |
| 20 gallon can weekly service | 60 or 90 gallon tote weekly | $18.88/month |
| 30 gallon can weekly service | 60 or 90 gallon tote weekly | $25.30/month |
| 60 gallon can weekly | 60 or 90 gallon tote weekly | $52.14/month |
| 1 yard weekly | 60 or 90 gallon tote weekly | $163.75/month |
| Additional Fiber | $53.11/yard/month | |
| Additional Bin Sizes | $163.75/yard/month |
Residential customers receive the following services:
1. Curbside garbage collection. There are many bin sizes and service levels to choose from.
2. Access to the green waste drop-off site at no charge.
3. Curbside weekly recycling collection (2 sided rolling tote).
Potential Exclusions
There are potential exclusions from the program, which you may be eligible for. These include owners of unimproved parcels, owners of parcels with residential and other structures that are vacant for more than two months, owners of parcels that cannot reasonably be serviced due to inadequate access, and persons who legally recycle and/or compost virtually all their solid waste. If you wish to apply for an “Opt Out” exclusion, please review the Frequently Asked Questions and contact the Environmental Services Department at 822-8184 or eservices@cityofarcata.org.