Our Favorite Indoor Plants

Did you know there are many benefits to having indoor plants? Aside from adding a touch of color to your home, research has shown that having plants at home can help purify oxygen and may enhance your mood. 


Here are are some of our favorite indoor plants that are easy to begin your plant journey:

Bunny Ear Cactus – As cute as its name! This cactus originally from Northern Mexico likes to be in direct sunlight and will add some life in your workspace. Water your plant when the top inch of the potting soil is dry.

Golden Pothos

 Long lasting plant and a favorite for many to begin their plant journey.  Easy to take care of and adapts to most lighting situations except direct sunlight. Place it on a hanging pot and watch its vines cascade over time. Water once every 1-2 weeks.

Aloe Vera

These sun-loving succulents clear the air and offer a gel inside their leaves that help cure burns and cuts if properly applied.

 Bamboo Palm

Hardy and effective air purifiers that love to be in the sun or under bright light. Grows vertically and does not occupy much floor space.

Spider Plant

Resilient plant that sprouts tiny white flowers and doesn’t require much watering. Will make your home feel like a jungle!

 

Different plants will require different care. Begin your plant journey with one of the species listed above and watch the benefits unfold in front of your eyes. 

Already in the gardening groove? Remember to throw away your plant trims in the appropriate green waste bin. Visit WasteFreeSD.org and search for “Green Waste/Yard Trimmings” to find a compost facility near you!

Zero-Waste Tips When Dining Out

Going out for a meal is an experience we all enjoy. In this blog, we have compiled 6 easy tips to ditch waste and reduce our environmental impact when dining out. Start by applying just one of the tips below during your next food journey and, over time, the more you repeat the tip the more it will become a habit. You got this and Bon Appetit! 

1. Bring your reusable food containers from home for your leftovers.

Did you know that you are allowed to bring your home containers to restaurants? 
The CA Retail Food Code, section 114121 (b) states that consumers are allowed to take a personal container as long as an employee fills it and there is no cross-contamination with the utensil that is being used to serve the food. The law states that “consumer-owned containers returned to the food facility for refilling may be refilled and returned to the same consumer if the container is refilled by an employee of the food facility or the owner of the container if the dispensing system includes a contamination-free transfer process that cannot be bypassed by the container owner. © Consumer-owned containers that are not food-specific may be filled at a water vending machine or system.”

We recommend storing containers in your car so you can be ready next time you need to pack up some leftovers. Check out these affordable 3 piece stainless steel tupperware!
Bonus Tip: Repurpose jam or yogurt containers and bring them along to hold sauces like salsa and ketchup!

2. Ask for no straws or bring your own reusable straw from home.

Straws are a single-use plastic with little to no utility. Based on the Association of Zoos & Aquariums “Five hundred million straws are used each day by people in the United States alone.” Most plastic straws are not biodegradable and end up in our waterways which ultimately pollute animals, plants, people, and the environment.

If you or any of your family members have to use a straw for medical reasons, or if you just prefer to use one in your daily use, we recommend buying a reusable or biodegradable straw. Check out these silicon and stainless-steel foldable straws by FinalStraw that are easy to clean and keep around! 

3. Following our previous tip, we encourage you to bring your own set of silverware or chopsticks instead of single-use plastic utensils to avoid creating unnecessary waste!

Set the example with reusable utensils to avoid creating waste. Check out this all-in-one bamboo silverware set from Brut Essentials!

4. Don’t ask for a water cup unless you really need it!

Zero-waste tries to eliminate single-use items. Restaurants are now only giving out water cups on request to help minimize water and plastic cup waste. Ideally, bringing a reusable water bottle would be a great strategy to contribute to the change. You are bound to drink some water after a big meal. Pack your water bottle and bring it to your next meal out to avoid using single-use water bottles or cups. Every habit makes a difference. 

5. Order only as much as you will eat

According to a report by the National Restaurant Association, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and the Food Marketing Institute, half a pound of food waste is generated on average for each meal ordered in restaurants, either from what’s leftover on the plate or when cooking in the kitchen. If we consciously order meals based on our capacity to consume, we can avoid unnecessary waste to be created from our meals.

6. Give the restaurant feedback!

Most restaurant managers would love to hear your positive comments or feedback on their recycling and composting practices! With the new Organics Law SB1838 becoming active in the state of California, citizens can play a leading role in educating more public restaurants about the changes needed to be implemented to take better care of our environment and properly recycle organic waste. 

If you want to learn more about eco-friendly restaurants, guidelines, and utensils check-out these resources below:

  • Green Restaurant Association – Earn a Green Employee Accreditation

Do you work in the restaurant industry? Help our planet today by educating yourself on restaurant sustainability facts in six environmental categories. After you go through the Green Restaurant Association Education Section, you can take a test to become a Green Restaurant Accredited Employee (GRAE

 http://www.dinegreen.com 

  • Surfrider Foundation – Ocean Friendly Restaurants

We’re building an inclusive community of eco-conscious restaurants, activists, and patrons that support a healthy lifestyle for ourselves and our planet to find more joy and peace in our everyday lives.

https://sandiego.surfrider.org/ofr

Zero Waste Holiday Gatherings

This is the season for celebrations and many of us will either be hosting or attending dinner parties, festive celebrations, and family gatherings. Here are seven tips on how to plan a festive zero-waste gathering that you, your loved ones, and the environment will love:

1. Smart Shopping

  • Buy local – There are many farmers markets around San Diego that sell homegrown veggies and goods. Visit a food market near you or explore a new one to find ethically grown ingredients! 
  • Buy Bulk – As recommended in our previous blog Zero Waste Thanksgiving, bulk buying some of your products to reduce plastic packaging and save some money! Bulk buying doesn’t mean you need to buy family-sized bags of produce, you can just bring your own containers to designated stores and fill them based on your needs.

2. Don’t feel like cooking? Find a sustainable restaurant to cater.

Save yourself some time and cater food from local businesses that align with your socio-environmental values. Some factors to consider when looking for places to cater are:

  • Is this restaurant locally owned?
  • Do they use seasonal ingredients to make their plates? Are there vegan options?
  • How are the packaging for the food deliveries and can I offer my own kitchen utensils as an alternative?

A great catering option in San Diego worth considering ordering from is Make Cafe. The outdoor garden restaurant and catering company is a job-training social enterprise that provides hands-on work experience to refugee and immigrant women. Their food is prepared from scratch with multiple vegetarian and vegan options. 

“Every time you are spending money you are casting a vote for the world you want” – Anne Lape’

3. Get creative with your parties and eliminate the need for dishware. 

Consider making finger food options, like crispy roasted potatoes or a delicious flatbread, for your party! This will not only save you time cooking but also reduce the amount of utensils and dishes you need to clean at the end of the night! 

4. Choose eco-conscious dishware

When possible, utilize reusable dishes, utensils, and cloth napkins. If you do choose to go with single use items, try to use more environmentally conscious options like compostable plates and paper plates made from recycled material. Check out the following link to learn about Verterra, a compostable plate brand made from fallen leaves in this following link.

5. Go natural with your decorations

Did you know that plants can reduce stress and enhance your mood? A study published in 2015 by the National Library of Medicine proved that interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress and boost mood and productivity.

Next time you are hosting a party try using plants as a form of decoration and psychological enhancer. Find greenery and flowers from your yard to create natural centerpieces. Pinecones are a great option too! Get inspired and check out these centerpiece ideas!

6. Help your guests be eco-friendly 

Many times all it takes to create change is to communicate. Put up signs to indicate which waste bins are trash, recycling, or composting, along with examples of what should go in each for your guests to know how to handle waste properly.  

7. After the party 

Who doesn’t love leftovers? Save the jam jars and mason jars to store or send leftover food for your or your guests. You can also repurpose empty glass beverage bottles into vases and centerpieces for your next event.

 

We hope this article inspires you to get creative with zero waste practices when hosting a party. Enjoy your night and don’t forget to take care of the environment! 

Zero Waste Thanksgiving

Zero Waste Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for family, being grateful, and… lots of food! If you are starting to plan your Thanksgiving meals for the holiday, consider these zero-waste tips to keep our landfills from getting stuffed!

Buy Local

Visit your local farmer’s market or grocery store instead of big chain supermarkets to buy the produce and poultry you need for your Thanksgiving meal. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but supports local farmers and agriculture. The money you spend will be put back into the local economy and used to invest in better farming equipment and practices, resulting in better yield and fresher foods.

Buy in Bulk

Consider bulk buying some of your products to reduce plastic packaging and save some money! Bulk buying doesn’t mean you need to buy family-sized bags of produce, you can just bring your own containers to designated stores and fill them based on your needs. For Thanksgiving, items to bulk buy include rice, potatoes, pasta, honey, spices, herbs, and vegetables. Check out this resource on How to Bulk Buy for more tips or type in “refill stores” on wastefreesd.org to find a bulk store near you! 

Dinnerware

Avoid using single-use plastic. Instead, use plates, bowls, and cutlery already at home. If you don’t have enough, ask a friend or family member to bring their own. For larger parties, consider purchasing compostable dinnerware made from natural plant-based materials, which are biodegradable and a more sustainable option.

Make Turkey Broth

Did you know that turkey broth is beneficial for the bones and digestive system, and contains nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals essential to the body? Instead of throwing out the carcass and innards as you would normally, add them all into a large pot along with some onions, carrots, and celery, then cover everything with water and let it simmer for 4-6 hours. You can also find other recipes and ideas here on how to use the entire turkey and not waste a single part.

Leftovers

No matter how carefully you plan, you’re bound to have some leftovers. Make sure you make space in the fridge beforehand and use a vacuum sealer so the food stays fresher for longer periods of time. You can also use leftovers to make new recipes such as Thanksgiving leftover casserole using mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. Discover more delicious recipes here.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and are able to put into practice at least some of our Zero Waste Thanksgiving tips! For tips and tricks on sustainability visit our blog at WasteFreeSD 

4 Steps to Zero Waste Pumpkin Carving

4 Steps to a Zero Waste Pumpkin Carving For Halloween

Carving pumpkins for Halloween? With all of the goodness that usually gets tossed into the trash during this holiday activity, learn how to make this tradition more sustainable. Check out these 4 steps to make your carving completely zero waste this year!

But First! Cut Your Pumpkin

Start with a sharp knife, metal spoon, and two bowls – one for flesh and one for seeds. Cut open the pumpkin by carving a circle into the top (or bottom) of the pumpkin.

Scoop out seeds & strings (aka “guts”) into one bowl, and then for the other bowl use a strong spoon to scrape the walls for the “flesh” that can be used to make pie! 

Then, carve your design as desired!

 

1. Roast the Pumpkin Seeds for a Tasty Snack

Ingredients: Raw Seeds, Water, Olive Oil or Butter, Salt

  • Rinse seeds & separate guts
  • Preheat oven to 400°F
  • Coat bottom of baking pan with olive oil or butter
  • Spread seeds on a pan and in a single layer – toss them to coat with the oil & add salt (can also add chili flakes or other seasoning!)
  • Bake on the top rack until seeds begin to brown, ~ 20 minutes. When lightly browned, remove & let cool.

Store in a jar and use as a snack or an addition to soups, salads, granola bars, oatmeal bowls and more!

2. Make Some Purée!

  • Bring water to boil in bottom of steamer or in a pan
  • Remove skin from pumpkin meat & slice into similarly sized chunks
  • Place chunks in a steamer (or metal colander in pan with lid on) for approx. 50 minutes or until soft & mushy
  • Squash with fork or potato masher to make purée, or use a blender

Leave to cool and use it for other recipes – like pie, face masks, or soup! Freeze leftovers for later use.

3. Revitalize your skin with a DIY pumpkin face mask.

Nourish your skin and use the extra remains of pumpkin puree to make a face mask at home!  For an exfoliating facial scrub mix ½ cup of pumpkin purée with 1 tbsp of organic honey and ½ of finely ground oatmeal. For a quick and vitamin-C filled face mask, mix 1 tbsp.of pumpkin puree and 1 tsp. of plain yogurt. For more inspiration, try one of the face mask recipes from Hello Glow.

4.  Repurpose carved pumpkins and turn them into bird feeders!

Cut your carved pumpkins in half and fill the bottom with bird seed. Then, watch as feathered friends flock to your yard! Afterwards, be sure to compost the remainder. Just don’t forget to scrape off any wax from the pumpkin so it doesn’t get eaten!

After you’ve used up all the pumpkin that you can, take a moment to be proud of yourself and appreciate your ability to use up every part of the pumpkin! Be sure to share your knowledge with your friends, family, and neighbors! Happy Halloween!

Want to find the nearest location where you can compost your pumpkins and any other organic food waste? Visit our website www.wastefreesd.org and find the closest recycling, repair, donation or disposal centers near you!

4 Ways to Eliminate Textile Waste

According to the County of San Diego, Americans generated 32 billion pounds of textile discards in 2015. Textiles make up around 6% of all municipal solid waste generated in the U.S. Tossing textiles in the trash unnecessarily fills our local landfills and wastes the resources that went into making them including vast amounts of water, energy, land and other resources.

What is a textile? Textiles can be items of clothing, homegoods, or fabrics that are made from woven material or fibers.

1. REDUCE – Become a minimalist

  • Reduce your consumption of textiles, new clothes, and accessories by reducing what you purchase! The less we purchase the less we have to manage as waste at the end of that product’s useful life. Read more about the benefits of becoming a minimalist here
  • Check out this practical guide to owning fewer clothes

2. REPAIR – Repair as much as possible

  • Did your favorite shirt loose a button? Consider learning how to sew a button back onto that top rather than buying a new piece of clothing to replace it
  • Not sure how to mend, sew, or repair textiles? Visit one of I Love a Clean San Diego’s upcoming FIX-IT! Repair & Reuse Workshops

3. REUSE – Upcycle, Thrift, or Swap

4. RECYCLE – Donating can lead to recycling

  • Turn all your hangers in your closet backwards. When you wear something, turn the hanger the correct way. After a year, if anything is still hanging backwards, donate it. Donate to a local organization and support a cause; search “Textiles/Clothing” on WasteFreeSD.org for locations
  • If your item of clothing is unusable, consider sending them to a textile-recycling program
  • Check out this donation bin field guide to learn the difference between a donation bin versus a for-profit bin
  • Some retailers will recycle for you H&M, Patagonia, Nike, Madewell, The North Face, Levi’s + more!

Visit WasteFreeSD.org to learn more about reduce, reuse, recycling centers, events, and resources in your area.

What to do with all those old batteries?

Keep Batteries Out of Bins!

Batteries and products that contain batteries cannot be disposed of in trash or recycling bins. Batteries that enter are waste stream pose a significant safety threat because they are responsible for rising occurrences of fires and environmental contamination. 

Batteries are considered as hazardous wastes under the category of universal wastes in California because of the materials they are made from. Acids, lead, nickel, lithium and mercury to name a few are dangerous and toxic. When batteries are subjected to the heat, pressure, an machinery of a garbage or recycling truck or become punctured or pierced by waste sorting machinery, they can spark and ignite a fire. 

Additionally, the dangerous and toxic components of batteries will leach into the environment when not disposed of properly. This not only contaminates the soil and water systems, but have the potential to affect our health and well-being through accumulation in wildlife and the food we eat.

TYPES OF BATTERIES 

AAA, AA, C, D, button cell, 9-volt, rechargeable batteries, single batteries, car batteries, motorcycle batteries, scooter batteries, e-cigarette and vape batteries.

RECYCLING BATTERIES

Battery Recycling is becoming increasingly more safe, convenient and accessible. On September 19, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law the Responsible Battery Recycle Act of 2022 and Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003: covered battery-embedded products. When in effect, these two laws will increase the number of battery collection sites throughout California. 

Here’s where you can recycle batteries in San Diego: 

  • Libraries: 14 county libraries in San Diego accept standard alkaline batteries, drop them off in the drop-off bin inside
  • O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Store: Most O’Reilly’s recycle household batteries as well as lead acid automotive batteries. Remember to call before you go to make sure your local O’Reilly’s are accepting batteries for recycling
  • Many electronic stores in San Diego can take batteries for recycling. Visit WasteFreeSD.org to find a store near you
  • Household Hazardous Waste Facilities: Hazardous waste facilities accept all types of batteries. Always bring damaged batteries to HHW facilities. Visit WasteFreeSD.org to find out which facility you can go to
  • The Big Green Box: An easy and convenient 3-step process to dispose of all types of batteries (excluding automotive batteries) – purchase a box, fill the box, ship the box. The company Retriev Technologies then uses a diverse array of technologies to ensure each battery component is recovered in the most environmentally sound way possible
  • Battery Solutions: Similar to The Big Green Box – purchase a box, fill the box, ship the box. They offer different container sizes to suit the needs of not only regular households but industries as well

TO FIND A BATTERY COLLECTION SITE NEAR YOU, VISIT WasteFreeSD.Org

BATTERY STORAGE 

  • Store household batteries in their original packaging so they are out of contact with other batteries. 
  • Make sure the batteries are stored with all the positive ends facing the same direction. 
  • Avoid storing batteries with metal objects because contact can cause batteries to short circuit and lead to leakage. 
  • Do not ever mix damaged batteries with other batteries. This again could result in short circuiting and cause fires or worse explosions. 
  • If batteries are leaking, handle them with care by wearing gloves, then place them in a clear plastic bag to be transported to your local hazardous waste collection facility. 
  • For  extra step safety, you could place the bag in non-flammable material such as sand or kitty litter.

Gleaning in San Diego

40% of what we discard in our landfills is organic waste including green waste from our gardens and wasted food and kitchen scraps. Food is wasted and discarded of in large quantities, and yet 1 in 3 people in San Diego County is nutrition insecure (1). Food insecurity in San Diego county has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic leading to 28% of San Diegan experiencing food insecurity were newly nutrition insecure and 72% were already facing challenges prior to the pandemic (1).

Many people are unfamiliar with gleaning, but it has actually existed as a form of community aide for more than 2,000 years. Gleaning is defined gathering leftover grain or produce after a harvest. Since the 18th century, gleaning was an essential part of food security for community members in need. In the present day, it is now used as a food waste recovery practice in order to prevent crops and produce from rotting in fields or going to waste.

Whether it is donating your excess produce for picking or volunteering as a gleaner, there are many gleaning organizations that you can join in San Diego in order to contribute towards food sustainability and increased food security. See below for a list of gleaning organizations, you can also find more information on WasteFreeSD.org!

Backyard Produce Project
Whether it is donating your excess produce for picking or volunteering as a gleaner, there are many gleaning organizations that you can join in San Diego in order to contribute towards food sustainability and increased food security. See below for a list of gleaning organizations, you can also find more information on WasteFreeSD.org!

Harvest San Diego
A local food program that connects fruit tree owners in central San Diego with volunteer gleaners and donate the produce to those in need.

Produce Good
Produce Good is a non-profit organization that was created to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate hunger and repurpose waste. Its flagship program is CropSwap, where i t provides different types of backyard and small farm harvesting activities for people to participate in. Examples include Big Picks, Quick Picks, First Pick and Bumper Crop Small Farm Harvesting.

Senior Gleaners
Senior gleaners are volunteers above the age of 55 who harvest excess food from fields, backyards and stores. They then donate the food to local agencies that feed the hungry and poor
if you see a need in your neighborhood and want to take action or want to learn more about gleaning check out the USDA’s toolkit to help.

International Coastal Cleanup Day 2022: San Diego County’s Largest Environmental Cleanup Returns In-Person on September 17

International Coastal Cleanup Day 2022: San Diego County’s Largest Environmental Cleanup Returns In-Person on September 17

Online volunteer registration with cleanup sites across the county opens September 1, 2022 at CleanupDay.org.  

SAN DIEGO COUNTY (September 1, 2022) – International Coastal Cleanup Day returns to San Diego County for its 38th edition on Saturday, September 17, 2022. I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is the San Diego host for the international coastal cleanup and will be joining many U.S. states, territories, and more than 90 countries across the world. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., San Diego County volunteers will join nearly one million volunteers worldwide in the removal of pollution from our connected ecosystems. Volunteers of all ages and across the region are invited to register beginning on September 1. Learn more at the official San Diego Coastal Cleanup Day website CleanupDay.org.

This year’s edition of Coastal Cleanup Day will include close to 70 cleanup sites located throughout the county at both inland and coastal areas. Inland community participation is especially encouraged as nearly 80 percent of all marine debris originates in these areas. Last year, over 2,470 volunteers came together at over 100 sites throughout the region.

“This is easily the biggest coastal cleanup of the year with thousands of San Diego County residents working collaboratively to help preserve and protect the place we all call home,” said Steve Morris, Executive Director at I Love A Clean San Diego. “By proactively removing trash and other debris through major cleanups like this, we can prevent pollution from entering our storm water systems and flowing untreated into local waterways and the ocean.”

Produced by I Love A Clean San Diego for the region, and in cooperation with the California Coastal Commission, Ocean Conservancy, and Think Blue, the event has hosted over 269,000 volunteers countywide who have removed over 5.4 million pounds of litter and debris from local communities since its inception in 1985. In addition to removing litter, volunteers will compile litter totals from their site to capture the impact in San Diego and contribute to the worldwide total.

Think Blue San Diego is a longtime partner of I Love A Clean San Diego and presenting sponsor of Coastal Cleanup Day in San Diego. As the public outreach and educational arm of the city of San Diego’s Stormwater Department, Think Blue’s mission is directly aligned with Coastal Cleanup Day to protect the city’s waterways from litter and pollution, and ensure clean water and clean beaches.

“San Diego is defined by the natural beauty of its beaches and coastal waters, and keeping those precious resources clean, safe and healthy is a passion that Think Blue and I Love A Clean San Diego share,” said Bethany Bezak, Interim Director of the City of San Diego’s Stormwater Department. “Collaborative cleanups like this help beautify our region, and they also serve as a reminder that we can all ‘Think Blue’ by taking simple actions every day – from picking up pet waste to not overwatering lawns – that will improve the quality of life for everyone around us.”

To help expand the countywide experience, volunteers are encouraged to contribute to the cleanup’s impact through Facebook and Instagram by sharing images and videos showing themselves in action as they beautify their community. #ILoveACleanSD @ILoveACleanSD #CCD2022

Top 10 Items Collected Around the World on Coastal Cleanup Day 2021

  1. Cigarette Butts 964,521
  2. Plastic Beverage Bottles 627,014
  3. Food Wrappers (candy, chips, etc.) 573,534
  4. Clean Swell (clothing, metal pieces, etc.) 519,438
  5. Plastic Bottle Caps 409,855
  6. Plastic Grocery Bags 272,399
  7. Straws, Stirrers 224,170
  8. Plastic Take Out/Away Containers 222,289
  9. Beverage Cans 162,750
  10. Glass Beverage Bottles 146,255

Source: OceanConservancy.org

Supporting partners of Coastal Cleanup Day
Think Blue, County of San Diego and its Watershed Protection Program, San Diego Gas & Electric, Bank of America, Cox Communications, Northrop Grumman, The Bumble Bee Seafood Company, 22nd District Agricultural Association, Illumina, Project Clean Water, Sempra, Wells Fargo, Wheelhouse Credit Union,  CBS News 8, City of La Mesa, City of Imperial Beach, San Diego Regional Airport Authority, Sycuan, California Coastal Commission, and Ocean Conservancy.

About Coastal Cleanup Day
I Love A Clean San Diego has been the official organizer of Coastal Cleanup Day in San Diego County since it was founded in 1985. The event is a major part of International Coastal Cleanup Day and includes many U.S. states and territories, and over 90 countries. Each year the event attracts nearly one million volunteers globally and about 6,000 throughout San Diego County who prevent ocean pollution from our connected ecosystems. International Coastal Cleanup was founded by the Ocean Conservancy and is coordinated in California by the California Coastal Commission.

About I Love A Clean San Diego County
Founded in 1954, I Love A Clean San Diego is an environmental nonprofit supporting residents and businesses of San Diego County through youth and adult education, and local action through impactful volunteer events and workshops. 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. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn

Properly Recycle, Dispose or Donate Bulky Items

Have you ever had a stained couch that you wanted to get rid of? Or a worn-down dishwasher that doesn’t seem to work properly? 

Bulky items are large household appliances, furniture, mattresses such as, fridges and ovens that are large in size and heavy of weight. Depending on the quality and nature of the product, bulky items generally last years! However, over time, it is common for them to begin to malfunction.

In this article we’ll share the proper way to manage, recycle, or dispose of your bulky items in a way that is sustainable for the environment and convenient for your time!

Are you thinking of replacing a bulky item? Consider repairing first! A couch has some stains? It could be a fun project to upholster the cushions and spice up your living room with a new textile color! Dishwasher not working properly? Might be time to call a technician for a checkup! Landfills are beginning to overfill with items that could have lived a longer life. Consider repairing as an initial option.

If you are looking to donate, recycle, or dispose of a bulky item at home, fear no more. I Love A Clean San Diego runs the WasteFreeSD database and hotline that can help you find pick-up and drop off centers around the county of San Diego that accept a variety of bulky items and other objects.

All you have to do is:

  1. Visit www.wastefreesd.org
  2. Search the item, zip code, community and need you are inquiring about.
  3. Find the best drop-off or pick-up location that best fit your needs
  4. Call the center to verify information – appointments may be required by some centers and some fees may apply

 

WasteFreeSD will give you options to recycle, repair or donate an item. We encourage all web users to first look at the repair options, then the recycle, and finally the donation or disposal options (such as a local thrift shop). We are trying to avoid unnecessary waste from entering the landfills. If you can not fix-it, give an appliance a second home. Thanks for reading and we hope our website is of help!