Recycle
Did you know it could take one million years for a glass bottle to break down in a landfill? You are the solution to excessive waste ... recycle, reduce and rethink.
According to the California Department of Conservation, Californians bought more than 20.2 billion carbonated and non-carbonated drinks in aluminum, glass, plastic and bi-metal containers last year. And they recycled more than 12 billion of those containers - the highest amount ever in the state - which saves natural resources, conserves energy and extends the life of our landfills.
Recycling is easy! Take a look at all of the things that can be recycled through your curbside recycling program or by taking materials to a recycling center:
- Plastic beverage containers
- Aluminum beverage containers
- Aluminum/tin cans (such as vegetable cans)
- Empty aerosol cans
- Pie tins
- Empty egg cartons
- Printer and notebook paper
- Plastic milk and juice bottles/jugs
- Plastic butter, margarine or yogurt tubs
- Newspapers and inserts
- Cardboard boxes
- Frozen food boxes
- Cereal boxes (lining removed)
- Tissue boxes/empty paper towel rolls/empty bath tissue rolls
- Glass bottles and jars
- Laundry detergent boxes and bottles
- Shampoo bottles
- Junk mail/catalogs
- Magazines
- Phone books
To help the process along, please rinse food residue from containers and flatten cardboard boxes.
The following should not be put into your recyclables cart:
- Styrofoam
- Oil cans
- Paint Cans
- Ceramics
- Drinking glasses
- Window glass
- Auto glass
- Disposable diapers
- Pet-soiled paper
- Clothing
- Foam padding
- Carpeting
- Mirrors
- Rubber/latex items
- Toys
- Steel items
If you have a greenwaste program, you can also recycle the following in your greenwaste cart (please don't place these items in plastic bags):
- Lawn clippings
- Leaves and weeds
- Tree branches and shrubs
- Garden trimmings
- Sawdust
Make recycling easier by considering the following tips:
- Utilize your recycling container if you have curbside recycling service - recyclables do not need to be separated and can be placed in the one cart together.
- Keep a separate container just for recyclables in a convenient place, such as the kitchen or laundry room.
- When entertaining, be sure to provide a convenient receptacle for your guests to place their plastic, glass or aluminum containers.
- If your office, apartment complex or school does not have a recycling program, consider starting one. Speak to the solid waste hauler that services the facility to see what recycling program options are available.
Local Recycling Centers
If you don't receive curbside recycling service at your residence or apartment, visit the California Department of Conservation's bottlesandcans.com to search for recycling centers near your home or workplace.
Useful Facts about Recycling
Ever wonder how much energy is saved by recycling one ton of aluminum? Or what those little codes on your plastic bottles and containers mean? Read through our useful facts about recycling to find out the answers to these questions and much more!
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