SF Dept. of the Environment: Lifeline Rates and Special Services

San Francisco has a world-class recycling program and pioneers ways to take care of potentially hazardous household discards like automobile oil, latex paint, solvents and cleaners.

Our "Fantastic Three" three-cart curbside recycling program, which we're rolling out across the City, has increased recycling by an average of 90 percent on each new route. We also have folks that will come right to your home to pick up toxic household products. The service is free for common items like latex paint and automotive oil, but for cleaning products, pesticides, oil-based paint and other items there's a small charge.

However, at SF Environment we want all San Franciscans to have access to these programs, and we won't let income, age, or health get in the way. That's why we work with Sunset Scavenger and Golden Gate Disposal & Recycling to offer deep discounts for recycling and garbage collection to low-income residents. And when it comes to senior citizens and the housebound, we will pick up all types of hazardous waste materials for free.

Lifeline rates for recycling services
In San Francisco, low-income households may be eligible for a 25 percent discount on basic collection services.

The discounted "Lifeline" rates are based on once-a-week collection, the standard residential service. Lifeline Rates for garbage are $13.94 a month for households using a 32-gallon can and $10.73 per month for households currently using the 20-gallon can. All households receive the same high-quality garbage and recycling collection service regardless of the rate they pay.

If you already participate in PG&E's CARE program for reduced gas and electricity rates you will qualify for Lifeline garbage and recycling rates. Generally, if your household's gross annual income is under $19,000 for an individual or couple, or $27,000 for a family of four, you can take advantage of Lifeline.

To determine if you qualify, contact your local recycling company. Sunset Scavenger can be reached at 330-1300, or Golden Gate Disposal at 626-4000. You may also download an application at www.sunsetscavenger.com or www.goldengatedisposal.com.

Free services for senior and disabled San Franciscans
If you are 65 or over, or are housebound due to illness or physical handicap, you qualify for free pick-up of household hazardous waste from your home. If you have leftover latex paint, used motor oil, pesticides or household cleaners lying around, you can get rid of them through the City's household hazardous waste collection program. There is a limit of 15 gallons that can be picked up at one time. For an appointment, call 355-3777.

Free ­ for all!
And remember, all San Franciscans can take advantage of SF Environment's free services to collect used motor oil, oil filters, latex paint, and bulky items.

To schedule your free oil or paint pick-up, call 355-3777. You can also get rid of household hazardous waste free of charge at the City's special collection facility, located at the Sanitary Fill Company on Tunnel Avenue. It's open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Proof of San Francisco residency is required. Call 554-4333 for directions and restrictions.

San Francisco garbage bill payers who live in buildings with five units or less can schedule two bulky item collections each year at no additional cost. We will pick-up and recycle broken metal appliances, TVs, computers, scrap metal, used motor oil, mattresses, and yard trimmings. We can also take up to five items, like broken furniture, that will end up in landfill. Call (415) 330-1300 to schedule a pick-up.

SF Environment is San Francisco's Department of the Environment. For more information, go to the website www.sfenvironment.com, call 355-3700, or visit the EcoCenter at 11 Grove St.