By Lookout Staff

January 20, 2026 -- Starting next month, customers who request changes to their recycling and trash services using 311 will need to provide an account number, according to Public Works.

The account number -- which can be found on the top left-hand corner of a bill, as well as the account holder -- are necessary since it can "affect the billing amount or container placement on the property."

Non-account holders who have authorization to make the requests can attach a written confirmation from the account holder to the 311 requests.

The account number, which can also be obtained by contacting the Utility Billing division, is required to request the following:

• Services level changes, including changes in frequency and container size or number of containers;
  
  
• Start or stop service, including new service requests or requests to stop service and remove containers due to vacancy;
  
  
• Additional paid pickups of containers after a missed pickup, which require at least 48 hours to schedule;
  
  
• Paid rental of a bin, including one dump, for a four-week period, and
  
  
• Containers to replace damaged or missing containers.

Recycling and trash collection is performed by the City's Resource Recovery and Recycling (RRR) team seven days a week.

Customers can contact 311 online, by email (311@santamonica.gov), by phone (call 311 within Santa Monica or 866-311-SaMo outside of the city) or by downloading the mobile app (search City of Santa Monica in the app store).

When calling, customers should make sure their request includes name, account number (if applicable), contact information, relevant pictures and exact address with location (alley or curbside).

"Until this important change is made, please note that providing your account number is highly recommended on some items to expedite your request," officials advise. "Most requests take seven to ten business days."