Medical & Solid Waste
Medical Waste Program
The San Mateo County Medical Waste Program has been managed by Environmental Health Services (EHS) since 1991. EHS is responsible for the regulation of medical waste generation, storage, transport and disposal. The Program is authorized by California’s Medical Waste Management Act passed by the California Legislature in 1990. EHS enforces these regulations and additional requirements adopted by the County, such as Medical Waste Management Plans and closure requirements.
Solid Waste Program
Overview of the Solid Waste Program
San Mateo County residents create large amounts of solid waste – including garbage or trash, bottles, cans, newspapers, construction materials, debris and lawn and garden trimmings. This solid waste is usually picked up by the garbage collectors and taken to transfer centers, where it is separated into materials that must be disposed of in a landfill.
Waste and Used Tire Program
Hundreds of tires are illegally dumped every year in San Mateo County. Numerous more are stockpiled at residences. Millions of dollars are spent annually to clean up tires and illegal tire dumps statewide. Your tax dollars and other recycling-based fees pay for city and county personnel to collect dumped tires and place them into the recycling stream.
Additionally, improperly stored tires contribute to the spread of West Nile Virus and in large numbers, cause hard to extinguish and toxic fires.