Learn how to better manage your waste in Isla Vista!
The County of Santa Barbara proudly provides solid waste management to Isla Vista residents. Isla Vista (IV) is a densely populated community in the unincorporated area of Santa Barbara County. A large portion of the 23,000 residents are college-aged students. This educated community cares about the environment and wants to do the right thing. If you live in IV, this page is for you! Click on each program below for more information.
Please note: Even though IV and UCSB are neighbors, each has its own separate waste management program.
Here are some resources for UCSB’s program.
Isla Vista Programs
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Regular Trash, Recyclables, & Green Waste Collection
- Regular waste pick-ups in Isla Vista are provided by MarBorg and administered by Santa Barbara County Staff.
- MarBorg Website
- County Information
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Food Scraps
- Most businesses in Isla Vista compost their food scraps through the County's onsite collection program. Residents can also participate by composting at home. Earth Machine composting bins can be purchased from the County for $45. Or if you're short on space, attend one of our composting workshops to learn more about DIY worm bins! IV residents can also drop off their food scraps at the Isla Vista Co-op.
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Food Donations
- Food items that are safe to eat, healthy, and unopened (like bags of chips or uncut produce) can also be donated. Click here for more information. Local agencies that accept donations are listed below.
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Always call ahead to make sure that your items are accepted and when you can drop them off.
- UCSB Associated Students Foodbank
- Catholic Charities
- Showers of Blessings
- Michaels Café Picasso
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Hazardous Waste and E-Waste
- Many items we throw out contain materials that require a special recycling process. Luckily, Isla Vista residents can make sure their waste is getting disposed of safely. Electronic waste, or anything with a chord, battery, or that charges up, should be taken to the South Coast Recycling & Transfer Station or picked up through the County's bulky item collection program. Hazardous waste can be taken to the Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center on the UCSB campus. Small household batteries can also be collected curbside by Marborg by following a few simple steps. Other items like sharps and medications have their own collection programs.
- E-Waste
- Hazardous Waste Collection Center
- Batteries
- Medications
- Sharps
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Bulky Items
- Every Wednesday bulky items like unwanted furniture and appliances are picked up at the curb by MarBorg Industries. Items should be put out Tuesday night but no earlier than Tuesday afternoon. MarBorg also offers bulky item pick-up every day during the annual move-out period. Move-out begins the Wednesday before graduation and lasts for two weeks. You can put out any bulky items at any time during this period. Remember: Depositing litter on private, open, or vacant property is a violation of Santa Barbara County Code and California Penal Code. Find more information on our Illegal Dumping page.
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Textile Recycling
- Textiles that are to worn to be donated can be dropped off for recycling at different locations throughout the county. Find more information on textile recycling here.
- Extend the life of your items by donating them. Used clothes, home goods, and furniture can be used over and over again before being sent to the landfill. Organizations like GIVE, will accept donations of home goods to be used by new Isla Vista Residents. Clothing can be donated to Showers of Blessings or the Isla Vista Free Clothes Box.
Important Contacts
Business Food Scraps Collection:
Mackie Forgey
IV Business Food Donation:
Kaitlyn Haberlin
IV Code Enforcement:
Carlyle Johnston
Residential Collection Information:
MarBorg
Useful Websites
If you're interested in joining or starting an eco-conscious club or group, connect with other folks who share the same interests through these local sites:
- UCSB Sustainability
- Associated Students Pardall Center
- UCSB Office of Student Life
- UCSB Environmental Studies Departmental Website
Click here for a list of County staff.
For more information on Isla Vista waste management programs, please call (805) 882-3600.
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