Proper Sorting & Waste Prevention
The Importance of Proper Sorting
California regulations and strict import policies have impacted recycling markets worldwide. Contamination levels in the recycling and organics streams result in higher costs to collect and process materials and a decrease in marketability of the end product. Proper sorting does make a difference! Using the correct carts and/or bins to sort your waste results in:
- compliance with California regulations.
- better quality and marketability of materials.
- a reduction in the amount of material going to the landfill.
- a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Information on legislation related to solid waste in California is available on the CalRecycle website.
Avoid Contaminating & Wishcycling your Recyclables
Make sure everything you put into the Blue Recyclables cart/bin is recyclable.
Non-recyclable materials in the Blue Recyclables carts and bins result in:
- Contamination
- Damage to sorting machinery
- Recyclables in the landfill
SAY “NO” TO CONTAMINANTS! Garbage and Organics DO NOT belong in
the blue recyclables bin/cart.
KEEP AN EYE ON SIZE! Corrugated cardboard and paper boxes should be
flattened and large pieces cut to 2’ x 3’ or smaller. This creates more room in
the recycling bin/cart, prevents litter and keeps materials from getting stuck
in carts and blocking the hopper of the collection vehicles.
MAINTAIN A CLEAN STREAM! Make sure recyclable plastic, metal and glass
food containers are empty and clean before placing them in the blue
recyclables bin/cart.
Click here for a list of what belongs in each container.
HERE IS A LIST OF COMMON “WISHCYCLED” ITEMS THAT ARE NOT RECYCLABLE:
 | CEREAL BAGS/LINERS = LANDFILL Try buying cereal in bulk to avoid excessive packaging. |
 | ONLINE RETAILER SHIPPING BAGS = LANDFILL Reuse when possible! |
 | SNACK PACKAGING/WRAPPERS = LANDFILL |
 | STYROFOAM® = LANDFILL Contain multiple pieces in a single bag for collection. Avoid products with excessive and/or non-recyclable packaging. |
 | PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS/DIAPERS = LANDFILL |
 | PET WASTE = LANDFILL |
 | PLASTIC PLATES/CUPS/UTENSILS = LANDFILL Provide reusable options. Keep reusable cutlery with you to use when needed. |
 | CDS, DVDS & VHS TAPES = LANDFILL If undamaged, try donating to a resale shop or charity before disposing. |
 | DISHES, DRINKING GLASSES, MIRROR & WINDOW GLASS = LANDFILL |
 | FOOD-SOILED PAPER PLATES, NAPKINS, TOWELS & CUPS = COMPOST |
Keep the Green Clean
Please remember to only put things that were once alive in the Green Compost Organics collection containers. The material is taken to a facility to create compost.
Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 30 percent of what we throw away and could be composted instead. Making compost keeps these materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Mixing compost into your soil!
- adds valuable nutrients to your soil, acting as a natural slow – release fertilizer for plants and microbes.
- reduces the need for pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
- enriches soil and promotes healthy plant growth (more fruit and vegetables—tastier, too!)
- helps to regulate and neutralize the acid and alkaline levels in you soil.
- saves water: nutrient rich soil requires less irrigation.
- healthy root growth in you garden means less erosion.
- plants grown in compost-amended soil tend to be more resilient to diseases, pests, and fungi.
Do your part. Keep the green stream clean.
Only place items that were once alive into the Organics collection containers.
Food scraps and food-soiled paper belong in your ORGANICS containers. Click here for more food composting information.
AVOID CONTAMINATION. Plastic, metal, and glass do NOT belong in the green ORGANICS containers.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS!
Proper Sorting Makes a Difference!
Reduce, Reuse and Repair Before You Recycle
Small changes in your purchasing habits and daily routine can make a big impact in reducing waste.
REPAIR INSTEAD OF PURCHASE
Before you replace an item, see if it can be repaired.
If you do purchase something new, find the highest quality/longest lasting and most durable option possible.
OPT FOR USED PRODUCTS
Reuse what you already have.
Purchase a “gently used” item from a consignment or resale/thrift shop.
Browse resale/donation websites.
Share/trade items with friends and neighbors.
CHOOSE REUSABLES
Shop with reusable bags and totes (remember to wash your reusable bags occasionally)
Bring your travel mug to the coffee shop.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you.
PURCHASE PRODUCTS WITH MINIMAL PACKAGING
Choose items with sustainable, reusable and recyclable packaging.
Avoid single-serve and single-use items.
Reduce Paper Waste by Stopping Unwanted Mail.
Remove your address from direct mail registries at: www.directmail.com/mail_preference/.
Discontinue unwanted catalogs at: www.CatalogChoice.org.
Prevent automatic phonebook deliveries at: www.YellowPagesOptOut.com.
Be patient, you may have to send your information more than once.
Repurpose to Reduce Waste
Give new life to items destined for the garbage. Before you throw something away, consider using it for another purpose. Get creative!
HERE ARE A FEW FUN IDEAS.
A drawer from an unwanted or damaged dresser can double as storage under your bed.
Empty toilet paper tubes, paper towel tubes, and egg cartons make great seed starters.
Non-donatable t-shirts, socks, and linens can be used as cleaning rags.
Jars can be used for a variety of organization and storage solutions.
Chipped bowls, mugs, and teacups can be used as planters.
A stack of vintage suitcases can be used as an end table or nightstand and doubles as storage.
Glue wine corks together to use as coasters and trivets.
Browse social media and websites for more ideas and inspiration.