Recycling and Trash

To speed up and improve customer service, beginning February 1, 2026, the following types of 311 requests will require the account holder to provide an account number:

  • Services level changes (includes changes in frequency and container size or number of containers)
  • Start or stop service (includes new service requests or requests to stop service and remove containers due to vacancy)
  • Additional pickups (additional paid pickups of your containers; please allow at least 48 hours to schedule your additional service)
  • Rent-a-bin (paid rental of a bin, including one dump, for a four-week period)
  • Container requests (damaged or missing containers)

Both account number and account holder are necessary as it may affect the billing amount or container placement on the property. You can find your account number on the top left-hand corner of your bill or by contacting the Utility Billing division at billing.collections@santamonica.gov. 

If you are not the account holder but have authorization to make these requests, please attach a written confirmation from the account holder to your 311 requests. Otherwise, staff will not be able to process your request.

Recycling and trash collection is performed by city's Resource Recovery and Recycling (RRR) team seven days per week. Please see the top resources below for information on compost and recycling, bulky item pick-up, and more.

Please contact 311 online, by email (311@santamonica.gov), by phone (call 311 within Santa Monica or 866-311-SaMo outside of the city), or by downloading the mobile app (search city of Santa Monica in the app store) to request these common services.

Until this important change is made: Please note that providing your account number is highly recommended on some items below to expedite your request. Most requests take seven to ten business days.

Account Number Recommended
- To request a change in the pickup frequency of your trash (black container), recycling (blue container), or compost (green container)
- To request a replacement for damaged or missing containers
- To report a missed collection (please allow 48 hours for service)

No Account Number Required
- To report a bulky item pickup/illegal dumping

Please make sure that your request includes your name, account number (if applicable), contact information, relevant pictures, and exact address with location (alley or curbside).
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