The Arcata City Council worked with the community to develop a universal curbside solid waste and recycling collection program 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.The program requires that all property owners and multifamily and business property owners subscribe to one of the service levels for garbage and recycling collection. To sign up for service, pay your bill, or find out about rates and recycling/yard waste/garbage services available through Recology Arcata (formerly Arcata Garbage Company), visit the Recology Arcata online resource. Recyclables can also be dropped-off at a local recycling drop-off facility.

Single-Family Residence Services

Residential customers receive the following services:

• New! Optional curbside yard waste collection.
• New! Twice per year free bulky item pickup.
• Curbside weekly recycling collection. Check out the Curbside Recycling Guidelines (PDF).
• Curbside garbage collection. There are many bin sizes and service levels to choose from.
• Access to the green waste drop-off site at no charge.

Multifamily & Business Services

State law (SB 1018) mandates that all businesses that generate 4 or more cubic yards of waste weekly, and all multifamily housing with 5 or more units recycle. Note that the property owner may allow a tenant to be the customer, but the property owner will remain ultimately responsible for service charges. 

For more information see the Universal Garbage and Recycling Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).