General FAQ

 Who is responsible for franchising overall solid waste service?

The Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority (CCCSWA) is responsible for franchising your overall solid waste services. The CCCSWA's service area encompasses the Cities/Towns of Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and Walnut Creek, and Contra Costa County (Member Agencies). 

Who picks up my garbage (my Blue cart)?

Allied Waste Services (formally Pleasant Hill Bayshore Disposal) is responsible for collecting your garbage. AWS provides garbage service to all residential, multi-family, and commercial customers in Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, and the surrounding unincorporated County.

Who collects my recyclables and yard clippings?

Valley Waste Management (VWM) collects your recyclables, yard clippings and used motor oil. VWM provides recycling service and separate yard clippings collection to all residential and multi-family customers in Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, and the surrounding unincorporated County. (Commercial recycling is not franchised.)

Will I receive more than one bill for garbage and recycling services?

No, you will receive one bill from Allied Waste Services. Included in that bill will be the cost for recycling and green waste services.

How often will I be billed?

You will be billed quarterly. Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda and unincorporated county residents receive quarterly bills for the following periods: March-May, June-Aug., Sept.-Nov., Dec.-Feb.  Danville and Walnut Creek residents receive quarterly bills for the following periods: Feb.-Apr., May-July, Aug.-Oct., Nov.-Jan., 

Can I pay for garbage, recycling and yard clippings service by credit card?

Yes, but customers paying by credit card must call Allied Waste Services Customer Service quarterly and provide the required information. Automatic payment is not available at this time.

Whom do I call if I have a question or problem with my service?

For questions concerning billing, special clean-ups, vacation hold requests, new service or your blue Allied Waste Services garbage cart or service, call Allied Waste Services at 603-1144, and press 1 after the message.

For questions regarding VWM’s service of your burgundy recycling cart or green yard clippings cart, to request a 96-gallon or a second 64-gallon yard clippings cart, to schedule a recyclable or green waste cleanup, to request motor oil disposal containers, or for info on the Walnut Creek Recycling Center, call VWM at 935-8900, or at 603-1144, and press 2 after the message.

Are there different days for garbage, recycling and yard clippings collection?

No. Garbage, recycling and yard clippings collection all occur on the same day. If you are unsure of your collection day, please call Allied Waste Services at 603-1144.

Can I have recycling and yard clippings service without garbage service?

No. There is currently one rate, which includes garbage, recycling and yard clippings collection.

Can I set out extra garbage from time to time?

Yes, but call Allied Waste Services and make arrangements in advance. The extra garbage should be set out only in 32-gallon trash bags. Extra service requires manual collection and larger bags cannot be managed. There will be an additional charge of $10.00 per bag.

Is garbage service mandatory?

It is only mandatory to have garbage service for occupied property that is within the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. You can however, apply for an exemption by contacting the County's Environmental Health Division of the Health Services Department at (925) 646-5225. Residents of the Cities and Towns must remove garbage from their property at least once per week. Please note that you cannot use another service provider to haul your garbage and recycling.

Why is my garbage rate different from neighboring communities?

Different communities have different service needs because of terrain. Also, the city fee structure for each community may be different. Another factor affecting the rates depends upon each community's commercial/residential mix.