The Solid Waste Management Division (SWM) is charged with protecting the environment and safeguarding the public health by collecting municipal solid waste (refuse) and recycling, providing street sweeping and cleaning services, and waste transfer and transport services.

SWM is a recycling leader in offering comprehensive recycling services for all residents, institutions, and many businesses, including the creation of an exemplary and successful multi-family housing collection program. SWM has offered a comprehensive, no- sort recycling program for all Santa Monica schools, public and private, for over a decade. SWM implements City Council-approved recycling and source reduction policies, the construction and demolition waste ordinance, and manages state recycling requirements. SWM maintains a clean-air fleet and serves with distinction as a leader in the "zero waste" movement.