Washer and Dryer Recycling in San Mateo, CA
A washer or dryer counts as the one large appliance on each of two free Recology bulky collections a year in San Mateo.
See all 2 optionsChecked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check
Before you go
- Ask whether each machine is priced separately.
- Disconnect water and gas lines safely, or have a professional do it.
- Confirm whether the operator wants hoses and cords left attached.
California rules
- Washing machines and clothes dryers are major appliances under the special-handling rules. Source: DTSC: Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) Program (opens in new tab)
- DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab)
More California rules (5)
- It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
- DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
- Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
- Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
- CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Source: CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Where this information comes from (10)
Where this information comes from
Checked October 26, 2026
- Bulky Items - Recology San Mateo County (opens in new tab) · Recology San Mateo County
- Residential customers receive two curbside Bulky Item Collection appointments per calendar year at no additional charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
- 1 large appliance (washing machine, clothes dryer, refrigerator) per pickup. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Special Recycling Programs | San Mateo, CA (opens in new tab) · City of San Mateo
- The City of San Mateo says Recology San Mateo County is its hauler and residents get 2 on-call cleanups a year. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
- CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC: Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) Program (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- Washing machines and clothes dryers are major appliances under the special-handling rules. Checked October 26, 2026.
“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.
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