Billing and collection rates

Solid waste collection service for single-family residences and multi-family residences with individual cart service is billed on a bi-monthly cycle.

Rates for additional services, such as upsizing carts, additional trash or organics carts, on-premise “valet” collection, are itemized individually. Residential rate schedule can be found HERE.

Solid waste collection service for commercial locations, multi-family and mixed-use complexes with centralized bin service, is billed on a monthly basis. Additional services for commercial collection are itemized individually.

Commercial rates include a “bundled” service: garbage, recycling and organics collection. Commercial rate schedule is available HERE.

Is there a discount for seniors?

There is a 10% senior discount available for residential service. The 10% discount is applied to the monthly base rate only and is not applicable to additional services.

How do I qualify for the senior discount?

The account holder must be 65 or older, and must provide ID as proof. Residents can show ID in-person at the Sustainability Center or by mail, fax or email to Athens. Contact Athens Services at (805) 852-5264.

Will my rates increase?

Collection rates are adjusted annually and approved by City Council and follow the terms of the franchise agreement that stipulates annual rate increases are tied to the consumer price index and capped at a maximum of 4%.

Is my business required to have trash, recycle, and organics collection?

The franchise agreement requires businesses to have a 3-container bundled service that includes trash, recycling, and organics collection. This is for compliance with State law. There are a few rare exceptions to this requirement, but in most cases the bundled service will apply. Athens Services has a team of recycling coordinators that can work with each commercial business in Thousand Oaks to “right-size” the service (container size and frequency of collection) and minimize costs to the businesses. Businesses may also reach out to Athens directly by calling them at (805) 852-5264.

What is my collection day?

Commercial waste collection occurs weekly and frequency will vary and depend on individual business needs. Click here to view a map of collection days in the city.

What is my collection day?

Click here to view a map showing collection days for your area.

Am I required to have an organics cart?

Yes. Beginning January 2022, California law (SB 1383) requires every jurisdiction to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses. Learn More.

Why do I have an organics cart?

Beginning in 2022, California law (SB 1383) requires every jurisdiction to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses.

What can I put in my organics bin?

You can add any green waste (yard waste, grass clippings, branches, weeds, untreated and unpainted lumber), food scraps (fruits and vegetables, cheese and dairy products, meat, fish, bones, eggs, bread and rolls, and pizza crust), and food-soiled paper (used paper towels and napkins, pizza boxes, 100% fiber-based to-go containers) to your organics bin. Learn more

Can I bag my organic waste?

To avoid plastic waste, it is strongly preferred that organic waste be unbagged. You may place a brown carrier bag in the bottom of your bin. If you need to use a bag for your food waste, please use a clear plastic bag so that its contents are visible through the bag. Plastic (and compostable) bags placed in the organics bin will be ripped open and discarded.

How do I start new service or adjust my current service?

Contact Athens Services at (805) 852-5264.

Large/Bulky Item Collection

Residents living in single-family dwellings and multi-family residences with individual cart service may request up to two free collections and up to six items per calendar year. To request a large/bulky item collection, contact Athens Services at (805) 852-5264.

Residents living in multi-family complexes with centralized bin service are eligible for free bulky collection once per month from a designated area in the complex on a designated date as identified by the property owner/manager. Property managers will work with Athens Services to identify collection area and date. Additional collections during the month may be requested by the property manager and arranged with Athens.

Bulky items are oversized or overweight household articles that do not fit in your trash cart or bin and may need special handling, i.e. stoves, water heaters, washers, dryers, televisions, computers, furniture, etc.  Some limitations apply.

Will I be charged if my bin lids aren’t fully closed?

The City’s solid waste ordinance (Sec. 6-2.502. Collection Containers) requires that “the lids of waste containers be kept closed at all times except during the loading and unloading process”. This is to prevent litter, maintain compliance with stormwater quality regulations, reduce environmental pollution, eliminate odors, and prevent rodents and other pests.

You are encouraged to right-size your containers to prevent overfilling or order extra containers if additional volume is needed.

You will not be charged a fee if your bin lid does not close on occasion. The fee ($25) will be sparingly applied if your containers are utilized correctly and for the correct waste stream. However, if your containers are habitually overfilled and the lids do not close, you will receive a warning followed by a fee if the situation is not remedied.

Can I bag my recyclables?

No. Please do not place plastic bags in your recycling container. Recyclables should be loose in the bin. Plastic bags cause sorting machinery to jam and break.

Can I bag my food waste/organics?

To avoid plastic waste, it is strongly preferred that organic waste be unbagged. If you need to use a bag for your food waste, please use a clear or translucent plastic bag so that its contents are visible through the bag. Plastic (and compostable) bags placed in the organics bin will be ripped open and discarded and the organic contents will be processed.

How do I know what I can recycle?

Please refer to the Residential brochure mailed by Athens Services to all residents in the City. You can also use the “What Goes Where?” recycling guide on the Athens website at athensservices.com/recycling-guide/.

Who is my waste hauler if I live in the unincorporated Ventura County areas within Thousand Oaks?

If you live in the unincorporated areas of Newbury Park/Thousand Oaks, your waste hauler is E.J. Harrison and Sons. For more information about service in unincorporated areas, click HERE.

Are there information sheets I can print to help my household sort our waste properly?

Yes, click here to view printable/downloadable sheets in several languages.

For service related questions please call Athens Customer Care at (805) 852-5264 or visit their Sustainability Center at 2550 Conejo Center Drive, Mon - Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.