Waste & Consumption

Redwood City aims to reduce solid waste emissions, which currently account for 4% of total emissions, through enhanced recycling, composting, and waste reduction initiatives.

Creating a More "Circular" Economy

To reduce GHG emissions, we need to do more than just clean up our energy and buildings. We also need to change the way we make and use products, materials, and food. All of Redwood City’s waste reduction initiatives aim to help residents and businesses move beyond “linear” consumption -- take, make, waste -- and towards “circular” consumption: reduce, reuse, recycle and recover. In a circular economy, materials never become waste and are instead designed for reuse and minimal environmental impact. 

Learn More About the Circular Economy

Recycling & Composting

Learn How to Landfill Less

We all know about recycling and composting. However, for whatever reason, many of us still throw most things in the trash. Luckily, Redwood City, Recology San Mateo County, and Rethink Waste make recycling and composting easier than ever with the following resources: 

Take advantage of these resources and equip yourself with the knowledge to recycle and compost properly – not just for the climate, but for a cleaner, healthier home, too. 

What You Can Do

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover

Reduce waste emissions with small, easy changes to your daily life.


SB 1383 requires all of us to divert our organic waste from the landfill through composting
Attend our clean-ups, compost giveaways, shred events, and waste drop offs
Repair broken items at one of our Fixit Clinics instead of tossing them out
Reduce waste at your next event with a free to rent Zero Waste Party Pack
Learn everything you need to know about recycling and composting in Redwood City in under 5 minutes
Businesses: Learn About the Foodware Aware Program
Businesses: Learn About the Edible Food Recovery Program