Where Does Old Outdoor Holiday Decor Go?

Twinkling lights and glowing yard inflatables spread cheer across San Diego County this time of year. But when those decorations burn out, deflate, or simply don’t make it to next season, the big question is: where should they go? 

If your first instinct is to toss them in the trash, hold that thought! Those tangled strings of lights and electric décor don’t belong in the landfill! 

Why You Shouldn’t Throw Them Away 

Electric holiday decorations are made from a mix of materials like metal wiring, plastic casing, bulbs, and sometimes small electronics. When sent to the landfill, these components can release harmful substances into the environment as they break down.  

What to Do with Burned-Out String Lights 

If your lights have lost their twinkle, you can recycle them, just not in your curbside bin! Many hardware stores and recycling centers accept string lights during the holiday season. To find a drop-off near you, visit WasteFreeSD.org, San Diego County’s one-stop recycling and disposal database. Just search “holiday lights,” enter your ZIP code, and you’ll see a list of nearby locations. 

 Deflated Yard Inflatables and Electric Decor 

Yard inflatables, illuminated reindeer, and other electric decor can also be tricky. These items typically contain mixed materials that can’t be recycled curbside. 

  • If they still work: Consider donating them to a local thrift store or community organization. 
  • If they’re broken beyond repair: Separate the fan and wiring from the plastic and check WasteFreeSD.org for e-waste collection sites that accept the fan and wiring! The inflatable plastic itself should go in the trash bin. 

Thoughtful Intentions for the Holiday Season 

San Diego’s curbside recycling and organics programs are helping our region divert waste daily, but it’s the small, thoughtful actions from residents like you that make the biggest difference! By keeping your old lights, cords, and electronic decorations out of the landfill, you’re helping to protect our environment and keep our holiday spirit waste-free. 

So as you unpack this year’s decorations, take a moment to give your old holiday favorites a responsible sendoff. Head to WasteFreeSD.org to find where they belong, because love for San Diego shines brightest when we care for our community and our planet! 

Tips for Composting your Holiday Food Waste

While many of us are about to sit down for a big meal, when the feast ends, the leftovers aren’t the only thing overflowing – so are the food scraps!” From turkey bones and potato peels to wilted herbs, not everything can be saved or eaten. While we always encourage getting creative with leftovers (like turkey sandwiches and soup!), some items just can’t be reused. That’s when your green bin becomes the real hero of the holidays. 

Why Composting Matters 

When food scraps end up in the landfill, they don’t break down the way we might think. Without oxygen, they release methane — a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Composting in your green bin, on the other hand, transforms those scraps into nutrient-rich compost and mulch right here in San Diego County! 

So when you compost your Thanksgiving leftovers, you’re giving back to the planet and closing the loop on the food cycle! 

Easy Ways to Compost Thanksgiving Leftovers 

Keeping your compost routine simple makes it easy to stick with year-round, especially during the holidays. Here are a few quick tips: 

  1. Double up paper bags for messy items. Use a paper bag (or two for strength) to collect turkey bones, meat scraps, or greasy napkins. When full, roll the bag closed and toss the whole thing in your green bin.  
  1.  Collect scraps as you cook. Keep a countertop container or paper bag nearby while prepping your meal. Potato peels, veggie trimmings, and eggshells can all go straight in your green bin. 
  1. Include food-soiled paper. Paper napkins, paper towels, and uncoated paper plates can all be composted. Just skip anything with plastic or wax coatings. 
  1. When in doubt, check WasteFreeSD.org. Unsure if something belongs in the green bin? The County of San Diego’s Recycling team can help! Email recycle@sdcounty.ca.gov 

 

Give Thanks — and Give Back 

This holiday season, as you savor every last bite and share time with loved ones, remember that even your food scraps can give back. 

Let’s keep San Diego clean, green, and grateful, one green bin at a time. 

 

Check out our info video about this here!

 

New ‘LOVE SD’ Campaign Inspires San Diegans to Take Action and Volunteer for a Cleaner, Greener Community

A countywide movement led by a new coalition rallies thousands of San Diegans to take action and pledge to ‘Recycle. Compost. Reduce Litter. Every Day.

SAN DIEGO – Sept. 17, 2025 – Local nonprofit I Love A Clean San Diego, in collaboration with Niagara Cares, launched its new eight-month “LOVE SD” campaign to create a sustainable future for our community. The two organizations, along with coalition partners, hosted a beach cleanup at Belmont Park and the surrounding Mission Beach community on Tuesday, Sept. 2 to mark the launch. The event brought together local residents and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who joined volunteers to pick up trash and support the cause.

Over 120 volunteers came together, combing the beach and surrounding areas to pick up litter. Post-holiday cleanups bring neighbors together to restore our beach communities after the festivities, ensuring these shared spaces remain safe, welcoming, and beautiful for everyone to enjoy while protecting San Diego’s vibrant coastline and watershed. Approximately 120 pounds of litter was collected during the two-hour cleanup event.

The “LOVE SD” campaign was founded by Niagara Cares, the charitable division of Niagara Bottling, the family-run beverage company that has hydrated America since 1963. Niagara Cares brought together a coalition of other nonprofit partners to support the campaign, including Keep America Beautiful®, DoSomething.org and The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Together, the coalition aims to mobilize thousands of local volunteers from all generations to protect San Diego’s ecosystem.

“We’re excited to launch our ‘LOVE SD’ initiative in collaboration with our coalition partners who are also working to better and strengthen our community,” says Steve Morris, executive director, I Love A Clean San Diego. “Through this eight-month campaign, we want to remind San Diegans everywhere, from the coast to the desert to the mountains, to show love for our region through simple acts like recycling, composting, and picking up litter. No action is too small to keep trash off our streets and out of our ocean. San Diegans, regardless of age, cherish our natural environment and spaces, and this campaign will amplify that appreciation while inspiring action.”

Protecting San Diego’s natural beauty for generations to come

“LOVE SD” is a countywide movement that inspires San Diegans of all ages, local businesses, and organizations to care for their communities through environmental action, and to take a simple but powerful pledge through Earth Month in April 2026: Recycle. Compost. Reduce Litter. Every Day. The campaign also hopes to raise San Diego’s recycling rate. While the city’s 67% rate is higher than the state average (40%), 76% of what ends up in San Diego’s landfill is recyclable.

The campaign is designed to celebrate and protect San Diego’s vibrant environment, while inspiring locals to take daily actions to make a lasting difference in the health and beauty of their community. To educate and inspire action in our community, I Love A Clean San Diego and their coalition partners will host events across the county and large-scale cleanups. In addition to events, the eight-month program will be promoted through bus shelter ads, trolley wraps, radio advertisements, and digital ads.

“LOVE SD” is the expansion of the LOVE YOUR HAPPY PLACE Campaign, launched by Niagara Cares as part of their commitment to providing access, infrastructure, and education on recycling to local communities. The LOVE YOUR HAPPY PLACE Campaign launched last year with LOVE ATX in Austin, Texas, increasing local recycling rates at home from 22% to 32%. Upcoming cities for the LOVE YOUR HAPPY PLACE Campaign include Los Angeles, Oakland, and Denver, among others. Through this collaboration, Niagara Cares continues its mission to support initiatives that foster community wellness, innovation, and stewardship.

“LOVE SD” unites San Diegans around the shared goal of keeping our home clean, green, and thriving. “Love requires action, and true love for San Diego is shown in how we care for and protect our home,” says Morris. “From picking up litter to recycling, composting, and conserving resources, every action counts. Whether you’re a visitor, a newcomer, or a lifelong resident, we can all make a difference together.”

To get involved with the “LOVE SD” campaign and I Love A Clean San Diego, visit cleansd.org to explore events and activities across the region.

 

ABOUT THE “LOVE SD” COALITION PARTNERS

Niagara Cares is the heart of what we do and who we are at Niagara Bottling. For more than 60 years, we have been making a difference for our Team Members, consumers and communities through philanthropic giving, volunteering, water donations and disaster relief. As a family-owned business, we are committed to creating meaningful change for our communities through a spirit of giving back both big and small. For more information, visit niagarawater.com/niagara-cares. 

Niagara Bottling, LLC has been family owned and operated since 1963. Headquartered in Diamond Bar, Calif., Niagara operates bottling facilities throughout the U.S. and Mexico. As a leading U.S. beverage manufacturer, Niagara Bottling works closely with some of the largest retailers, grocers, club and convenience stores throughout the country. Niagara produces a variety of beverages including bottled water, sparkling, vitamin and flavored water, teas, sports drinks, ready-to-drink coffee, protein drinks and non-dairy milk products. For more information, visit www.niagarawater.com.

I Love A Clean San Diego is an environmental nonprofit that has supported residents and businesses of San Diego County through youth and adult education, and local action through impactful volunteer events and workshops since 1954. As San Diego’s most influential advocate for sustainability, I Love A Clean San Diego’s programs are an environmental catalyst, awakening passion and inspiring action to empower everyone to be leaders in conservation and waste-free living. Our community is passion in action to maintain and improve the health of the home we love. For more information, to volunteer or donate, visit cleansd.org or call (619) 291-0103.

Keep America Beautiful® is the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful® strives to End Littering, Improve Recycling, and Beautify America’s Communities. We believe everyone has a right to live in a clean, green, and beautiful community, and shares a responsibility to contribute to that vision. The organization is driven by the work and passion of 700 Keep America Beautiful® affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the collaborative support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

DoSomething.org is the leading digital hub for youth-centered impact and service with over 1 million active members and a 32-year legacy of activating over 8 million young people in every U.S. area code and 189 countries to take action. We fuel young people to change the world. We specialize in transforming civically curious young people into civically committed leaders. Our actions and programs educate and equip young people, ages 13 to 25, to build solutions to the issues that matter most to them. DoSomething has registered 425,000 young people to vote since 2018 and awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to young people committed to doing good in their communities since 2010.

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, environmental resilience and health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.

 

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Hidden Hazards: A Story of Illegal Dumping in San Diego

It starts with a pile of trash on a quiet San Diego street. A neighbor drives by and at first glance, nothing unusual. But up close, it’s more concerning: old electronics, discarded batteries, used motor oil containers, and even a refrigerator lying on its side. The worst part? One item slowly sets a precedent for others, and before you know it the discarded items pile up. This isn’t just litter; it’s illegal dumping, a hidden threat to our environment, public health, and neighborhoods. 

More Than Just Trash 

Illegal dumping often involves hazardous or bulky waste that can leach toxins and pollute waterways. Batteries contain lithium, lead, and mercury. Electronic waste (e-waste) like computers, TVs, and phones carry heavy metals and flame retardants. Large appliances may contain refrigerants that are harmful to the environment. Even used motor oil, when poured into storm drains or on the ground, can devastate aquatic life. 

These hazards don’t just harm wildlife or ecosystems, they impact neighborhoods, reducing property values and costing the County of San Diego thousands in cleanup efforts. Stormwater can wash discarded items into rivers and oceans, spreading pollution far beyond the original dump site. 

The Scale of the Problem 

So far in 2025 (as of September 22, 2025), volunteers at I Love A Clean San Diego sponsored cleanups have collected approximately 400 pounds of illegally dumped waste, including batteries and e-waste, as well as appliances and oil containers. Illegal dumping is not an isolated issue; it’s a widespread problem that affects communities and natural spaces alike. 

Why People Dump 

Several factors contribute to illegal dumping: 

  • Inconvenience: Many residents don’t know where to take old electronics, batteries, or oil filters. 
  • Cost concerns: Some people assume disposal is expensive or complicated. 
  • Lack of awareness: People may not realize the environmental and health impacts of their actions. 

These barriers often make illegal dumping seem like the easiest option, even though it carries serious consequences. 

A Solution: WasteFreeSD.org 

WasteFreeSD.org is San Diego County’s one-stop resource for proper disposal of hazardous and bulky waste. Residents can: 

  • Find local drop-off centers and collection events to assist in the recycling of batteries, e-waste, appliances, and motor oil. 
  • Access step-by-step instructions for safe disposal. 
  • Take advantage of free or low-cost recycling programs. (wastefreesd.org) 

By using these resources, residents protect their neighborhoods, local wildlife, and waterways—while making illegal dumping less appealing. 

How Communities Can Help 

Addressing illegal dumping is a community effort: 

  • Report illegal dumping when you see it 
  • Participate in neighborhood or county cleanups. 
  • Support local initiatives to improve access to proper disposal and recycling.  

Check out our video about illegal dumping here.

Preliminary Results Show Over 55,000 Pounds of Litter & Debris Removed at San Diego’s Coastal Cleanup Day

SAN DIEGO — This morning, more than 3,000 San Diegans joined I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) at 101 cleanup sites across the county for the 41st annual Coastal Cleanup Day.

Volunteers across the county restored, beautified, and protected the health of San Diego’s beloved beaches, canyons, rivers, and parks. As of 2:00 p.m., with 70% of sites reporting totals, an estimated 55,000 pounds of litter and debris were removed from San Diego communities and diverted from polluting local waterways and the Pacific Ocean. Final cleanup totals will be confirmed in the coming days.

Mayor Todd Gloria addressed more than 160 volunteers gathered at the kickoff site at Robb Field in Ocean Beach to thank them for their support and speak to the importance of keeping San Diego clean. The site also featured educational booths, waste-sorting stations, and more.

Volunteers logged what they were finding in an app that feeds into the largest marine database in the world. This information is then used to inform environmental priorities.

Cigarette butts, plastic bottle caps, and food wrappers are the most commonly found items. Other items found today include a bicylce wheel, a couch cushion, remnants of fireworks, and more.

ILACSD has been the official organizer of Coastal Cleanup Day in San Diego County since its inception in 1985. Over the last 41 years, more than 270,000 volunteers have removed over 5 million pounds of litter across San Diego County on Coastal Cleanup Day. The event is part of the global International Coastal Cleanup, which unites millions of volunteers across more than 150 countries each year to tackle plastic pollution and protect the health of our oceans.

Coastal Cleanup Day is supported locally by presenting sponsors Niagara Cares and Think Blue San Diego as well as our Gold Sponsors: Bank of America, The County of San Diego, Cox Communications, PNC Bank, Northrop Grumman, SDGE, Project Clean Water, and Wells Fargo.

Get Involved Year-Round

Coastal Cleanup Day may be over, but the work continues. I Love A Clean San Diego hosts community cleanups, zero waste workshops, clothing swaps, and other volunteer opportunities throughout the year. San Diegans can sign up for upcoming events at CleanSD.org to keep making a difference in their communities.

What is Coastal Cleanup Day?

Coastal Cleanup Day is more than just picking up litter, it’s about protecting the places we love. Each piece of trash removed is one less threat to our wildlife, waterways, and communities. With plastic pollution on track to outweigh fish in the ocean by 2050, this global day of action unites thousands of San Diegans with volunteers across the world to stop pollution at its source and safeguard our environment for future generations.

Since its founding in 1985, Coastal Cleanup Day has mobilized over 269,000 volunteers in San Diego County, removing more than 5 million pounds of litter and debris. The event is part of International Coastal Cleanup, organized globally by The Ocean Conservancy and statewide by the California Coastal Commission. Data collected from each site contributes to the world’s largest marine debris database.

About I Love A Clean San Diego

I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is an environmental nonprofit that has supported residents and businesses of San Diego County through youth and adult education, and local action through impactful volunteer events and workshops since 1954. As San Diego’s most influential advocate for sustainability, I Love A Clean San Diego’s programs are an environmental catalyst, awakening passion and inspiring action to empower everyone to be leaders in conservation and waste-free living. Our community is passion in action to maintain and improve the health of the home we love. For more information, to volunteer or donate, visit cleansd.org or call (619) 291-0103.

 

 

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What San Diego Students Can Teach Us About Waste Sorting

San Diego students are setting an impressive waste sorting example, one tray at a time! 

Schools across the unincorporated county are embracing recycling and sustainability in powerful ways by participating in our education programs in partnership with the County of San Diego. From lunchtime sorting stations to campus-wide green teams, students are learning and leading when it comes to proper waste disposal. 

Lunchtime Lessons That Last 

 For many students, the journey starts in the cafeteria, where they learn to not just toss everything into the nearest bin. Instead, they pause, consider what’s on their tray, and sort each item into the correct container: organic waste, recycling or landfill. This daily routine helps reinforce the importance of sorting correctly and builds lifelong habits. 

By making waste sorting a part of the school day, students develop a deeper understanding of what happens to their waste and how their actions impact the environment. They learn why a greasy plate doesn’t belong in the recycling bin or how an apple core or leftover bread crusts can be turned into nutrient-rich compost instead of landfill waste. 

Green Teams in Action 

In partnership with the County, we help schools take it a step further with student-led Green Teams: groups of dedicated students who serve as waste warriors on campus. These students model proper sorting behavior, help educate peers, and even assist with lunchtime waste sorting to improve their school’s overall sustainability. 

It’s more than just sorting, it’s empowerment. Green Team members become advocates for a cleaner community, influencing not just their classmates, but teachers, staff, and even their families at home. 

Why It Matters 

Teaching waste sorting in schools does more than keep campuses clean. It nurtures a new generation of environmentally conscious, engaged citizens who understand that small actions can create big change. By instilling these habits early, we’re helping shape a future where recycling and composting are second nature. 

And the results speak for themselves, less contamination, more compost, and smarter recycling practices that ripple out far beyond the schoolyard. 

How Can I get Involved at Home? 

If you ever find yourself staring at your bins at home, wondering where something goes, we can help! Visit www.wastefreesd.org to search for items and find out how to dispose of them properly. Let’s follow our students’ lead and make San Diego a cleaner, greener place for everyone. 

Green Bin Tips for the Summer

Did you know: Composting food scraps through your curbside green organics bin is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and help the environment.

But if you’ve ever dealt with the smells, mess, or fruit flies that can come with it, you’re not alone. Thankfully, a few simple habits can make a big difference in keeping your bin fresh and hassle-free.

Your compost sidekick

Start by using a kitchen caddy to collect food scraps throughout the day. Many retailers offer caddies with charcoal filters built into the lid, which help absorb smells before they escape. Find one that fits your kitchen space and empty it regularly, especially during warmer weather.

Clean bin, happy bin

To make cleanup easier, line your caddy. Brown, kraft paper from favorite online retailer is ideal., A few sheets of newspaper, a paper bag, or paper towel also work well. They help prevent “gunk” at the bottom and absorb excess moisture.

Speaking of moisture, adding food-soiled paper like napkins, paper towels, and greasy pizza boxes can make a big difference. These items help soak up juices from wet scraps and keep your bin from getting soggy.

Keep it cool to stay fresh

To tackle possible odors, try freezing your food scraps  until bin day. You can also sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom of your bin to tackle smells before they begin. Citrus peels do double duty, adding a pleasant scent while breaking down easily with the rest of the waste.

Shoo fly, don’t bother me

If flies are an issue inside your kitchen, it usually means the scraps have been sitting too long or the lid isn’t sealing properly. Keep your caddy closed, empty it every couple of days, and give it a quick clean each week with vinegar or soap and water.

If you are getting flies and bugs in your curbside green bin, try this simple but effective DIY fruit fly trap- set out a small dish of vinegar with a drop of dish soap nearby. Adding your food scraps on top of yard trimmings already in your green bin will help soak up excess moisture and limit pests.

Unsure if an item belongs in the green bin? Check with your local waste hauler or visit WastefreeSD.org to search places you can donate non-perishable items!

5 ways San Diegans can Reduce their Environmental Impact as Summer Sales Begin 

WasteFreeSD.org connects you to everywhere you can donate or recycle textiles in San Diego County — from clothes in good condition, to old socks, to sleeping bags 

SAN DIEGO — Summer sales are launching this week, and as you think about shopping and cleaning out your closet for new items, there are steps you can take to reduce your environmental impact. 

  1. Pause. When you see something you like, try waiting 30 days before buying. Avoiding impulse purchases helps ensure you are only buying items you will love and use. 
  2. Repair. Before you replace a worn item, consider patching, embroidering, or dyeing it to give it a new life.
  3. Swap. If you’re cleaning out your closet to make room for new items, try getting your clothes straight into the hands of someone else on sites like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, a local Buy Nothing group or an in-person clothing swap.
  4. Donate. Use WasteFreeSD.org to find a thrift store or local charity that accepts donations of clothes in good condition.
  5. Recycle. If your clothing or textiles are beyond repair, use WasteFreeSD.org to find a facility that will recycle them into something new like insulation, carpet or even new thread. 

  Textile waste is a significant environmental issue, with the UN Environment Programme reporting that: 

  • Each year, 92 million tons of textile waste is produced globally. 
  • Textile production doubled from 2000 to 2015, while the duration of garment use decreased by 36 percent. 
  • Clothing and textiles make up 11 percent of all plastic waste. 
  • In 2023, only 8 percent of textile fibers were made from recycled sources. 

San Diegans can protect our community and planet by reducing consumption and making sure they handle old textiles responsibly. 

“We recognize that donating and recycling textiles keeps valuable materials out of our landfills and conserves resources for future generations,” says Steve Weihe, Recycling Specialist at the County. “Together with our community, we can turn unwanted clothing into opportunities for both people and the planet.” 

WasteFreeSD.org is a one-stop resource that offers information on how to keep household items, recyclables and household hazardous waste out of our crowded landfills. I Love A Clean San Diego maintains information on over 1,700 centers to help residents and businesses find hassle-free solutions. 

In 2024, the Waste Free SD website and hotline received nearly 50,000 web searches and calls from San Diegans looking to dispose of their waste responsibly.  

San Diegans can go to WasteFreeSD.org or call the bilingual hotline from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday to get connected to local resources that reduce waste. 

Hotline 

Incorporated San Diego residents: 1-800-237-BLUE (1-800-237-2583) 

Unincorporated San Diego County residents: 1-877-R-1-EARTH (1-877-713-2784) 

About I Love A Clean San Diego 

I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is an environmental nonprofit supporting residents and businesses of San Diego County. ILACSD was founded in 1954 as the San Diego War Against Litter Committee (WALC), in the 1970s, “I Love A Clean San Diego” became the slogan for the organization’s anti-litter campaign, and in 1980, it became the organization’s name. Over the last seven decades, ILACSD has since evolved into the nonprofit it is today, providing programs that go far beyond litter cleanups and serve as environmental catalysts. Our programs inspire and empower San Diegans to be environmental and waste-free living leaders in their communities. For more information or to volunteer, visit CleanSD.org or call (619) 291-0103. 

Easy Fourth of July Swaps for a Low-Waste BBQ  

The Fourth of July is one of America’s most celebrated holidays. It’s full of fireworks, BBQs, and all things red, white, and blue. But unfortunately, it’s also a holiday known for single-use waste, from plastic utensils to fast fashion flag tees that get worn once and tossed. 

The good news? You can host a fun, festive, and patriotic celebration without filling your trash can. Here are some easy, low-waste swaps that help you enjoy the day while caring for the planet: 

  1. Ditch the Disposable Partyware

The problem: Themed paper plates, plastic forks, and red plastic cups are convenient, but most end up in the landfill (and can’t be recycled due to food residue or mixed materials). 

Sustainable swap:
Use your everyday dishes or check thrift stores for affordable, reusable plates and silverware. Mismatched sets can be charming and create a casual, vintage picnic vibe. For drinks, use mason jars or washable cups label them with chalk markers so guests don’t lose track of theirs. 

Hosting a big group? Ask guests to bring their own reusable plate and fork, just like a potluck. 

If you must buy disposable partyware, go for compostable options like bamboo cutlery, unlined fiber-based paper plates, and plain paper napkins. These can go in your organic waste bin. Just make sure they’re free of plastic coatings or glitter. 

  1. Reuse (or Thrift) Your Decor

The problem: Plastic tablecloths, streamers, and cheap flags are often used once and tossed, ending up in landfills or as litter. 

Sustainable swap:
Get festive with reusable fabric napkins and tablecloths. You can find these at thrift stores in patriotic colors or patterns. Repurpose red, white, and blue blankets, tea towels, or scarves for décor. 

Add ambiance with string lights, fresh flowers, or potted plants. Skip the plastic and use what you already have or make your own reusable decorations like paper stars from scrap paper. 

  1. 3. Focus on Food Without the Trash

The problem: Convenience often leads to waste…prepackaged snacks, individually wrapped condiments, disposable trays, and more. 

Sustainable swap:
Serve food in bulk or homemade portions using reusable serving ware. Skip the single-serve ketchup packets in favor of bottles or small bowls. Cover leftovers with beeswax wraps or reusable containers to reduce food waste and plastic use.  

Don’t forget to plan for leftovers. Encourage guests to bring their own containers so everyone can take some food home. And when cleaning up, be sure to place any food scraps like fruit rinds, corn cobs, and veggie peels in your organic waste bin, not the trash. 

  1. Handle Propane Tanks Safely

The problem: After the grilling is done, leftover propane tanks are often tossed in the trash or recycling. This is unsafe and harmful to the environment. 

Sustainable swap:
Propane tanks are considered hazardous household waste (HHW) and must be disposed of properly to prevent fire risks and environmental damage. Never place them in curbside bins. 

Instead, take them to a certified HHW collection facility. Not sure where to go? WASTEFREESD.org can help you find a safe drop-off location near you. 

The Bottom Line: Freedom to Celebrate Differently 

Being patriotic doesn’t require disposable stuff. By making a few intentional swaps, you can create less waste, save money, and build traditions that are good for your family and the planet. 

So this Fourth of July, wear your red-white-and-blue proudly…just maybe not on a brand-new T-shirt you’ll never wear again. 

Curious where to recycle something after the festivities? Visit WASTEFREESD.org to find recycler that take everything from old flags to used décor. 

The Journey of a Tire

Every tire begins its life in a factory, where oil, natural rubber, steel, and carbon black are combined through an energy-intensive process. It takes about 7 gallons of oil to make just one tire — a small part of the millions produced annually to keep us moving.

Once on the road, the tire does its job: gripping pavement, carrying heavy loads, enduring sun and storms. But eventually, tread wears thin, and it’s time for retirement. That’s when the trouble can start.

Abandoned tires don’t just sit quietly. They leach chemicals into the earth that can travel to our waterways, and if ignited, burn with toxic smoke for days. Worse still, they don’t decompose for centuries.

But the story doesn’t have to end there.

When properly recycled, tires are reborn. Ground-up rubber becomes a variety of things including bike paths, or rubberized asphalt for smoother, quieter roads. Shredded tires can even be used as a construction material, turning trash into tools for the future.

Recycling a tire keeps it out of the environment and gives it a second life with a purpose.

But where can I recycle my tires in San Diego County?

WasteFreeSD.org  allows residents to quickly find verified recycling and proper disposal locations tailored to their zip code and specific needs. This means:

  • No guesswork — You’ll avoid places that don’t accept tires or charge surprise fees.
  • Up-to-date information — The site is constantly updated with current hours, contact info, and disposal guidelines.
  • Peace of mind — Listings are vetted to ensure compliance with California’s recycling standards, so you know your tires won’t end up in a landfill or worse.

Instead of searching blindly or risking improper disposal, a quick visit to WasteFreeSD.org  ensures you’re choosing the most eco-friendly option near you. Whether you’re a homeowner cleaning out a garage or a contractor with a pile of used tires, this site connects you with the right solution — fast.

By using WasteFreeSD.org , you’re not only clearing space — you’re helping to protect San Diego’s environment, waterways, and wildlife from tire-related pollution.