Solid Waste, Recycling and Organics
The City assists community members with reliable and cost-effective collection of solid waste, recycling, and organics (green waste & food waste) through the City’s franchised waste hauler, Atascadero Waste Management. The City's Franchise Agreement helps to ensure solid waste, recycling, and organic waste collection that is reliable, stable, and environmentally responsible. The City’s primary focus is on maximizing diversion of solid waste from landfill disposal.
To Start, Stop, or Change Curbside Collection Services, please contact Atascadero Waste Management at (805) 466-3636.
Report Atascadero Spills/Dumping
Call (805) 538-9166. Please state the location of the spill/dumping (street intersection/street address), the time, any information that can help the City find the source and alert the offender of the violation.
Integrated Waste Management Authority
The City is part of the regional Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) of San Luis Obispo County. The IWMA provides City residents with many solid waste benefits, including community outreach.
Senate Bill 1383
In September 2016, Governor Brown signed into law SB 1383, establishing methane emissions reduction targets in a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) in various sectors of California's economy. The targets must:
- Reduce organic waste disposal 50% by 2020 and 75% by 2025.
- Rescue at least 20% of currently disposed surplus food by 2025.
Effective January 1, 2022, all California residences and businesses will be required to separate organic waste from other trash and non-organic recyclables and participate in an organics collection program. The City of Atascadero, in partnership with IWMA, is working with its waste hauler to provide programs for residents and businesses to comply with the requirements of this legislation.