Green Waste Frequently Asked Questions

Increased costs to operate the program stem from higher processing costs for green waste. To sustainably fund the program, the City dropped the allowance from 24 cubic yards to 11.

The no-cost green waste program is funded through a portion of the City’s solid waste franchise fee revenue, which is paid by Arcata residents who have service with Recology.

Starting July 1^st the city reduced the allotment of free green waste drop offs to 11 cubic yards (or 1.1 tons) from 24 cubic yards. The allotment each account holder has did not reset on July 1^st. For example, if a citizen only dropped off 8 yards of green waste in May 2023, come July 1^st they would only have 3 yards left on their account before they needed to pay to drop off their green waste. A reset of annual allotments will be on January 1^st, 2024.

If you have already dropped off 11 cubic yards (or greater) of green waste before July 1^st, that means you will need to pay for the remaining green waste you will need to drop off until the annual allotment resets at the beginning of the next year.  

The drop off is located at 1500 Glendale Drive McKinleyville, CA 95519 and is operated by Steve Morris Logging. 

Please present a photo ID and a copy of your current Recology Arcata bill to establish your account. If you are unsure if you have an account established, please give Steve Morris Logging a call at 707-822-8537.

Yard trimmings such as grasses, weeds, leaves, branches and also unpainted & untreated lumber are acceptable. Please make sure no dirt or sod is mixed into your green waste. If you have further questions about what is accepted, please call Steve Morris Logging at 707-822-8537.