Recycling: Top 10 Most Asked About Items in San Diego County 2020

WasteFreeSD Top 10 Recycling Chart

Recycling and the Top 10 Most Asked About Items in San Diego County

WasteFreeSD.org provides solutions for residents looking to recycle, reuse, donate or properly dispose of just about anything.

Did you know the team at WasteFreeSD.org (WFSD) assisted nearly 30,000 San Diego County residents in 2020 through its online waste diversion database and free hotline? And, each year, the number of people looking for advice on how to recycle, reuse, donate or properly dispose of unwanted household goods grows. This resource powered by environmental nonprofit I Love A Clean San Diego, in partnership with the County of San Diego, is a unique regional solution dedicated to recycling and preventing hazardous waste and many common household items from entering the landfill and the environment.

In 2020, resident inquiries increased 56 percent when compared to 2019. I Love A Clean San Diego assumes more people had time at home during the pandemic to clean out their homes, resulting in more questions about appropriate disposal of common household items. More importantly, it appears more county residents are looking for ways to keep waste out of the landfill.

The top ten list of inquiries from residents in the past year provides insight into the types of materials our region has questions about and helps others know there are solutions to their questions.

WasteFreeSD.org Top 10 Inquiries 2020

WasteFreeSD Top 10 Recycling Chart
Pie chart of the top ten most asked about items from WasteFreeSD.org database and hotline in 2020. Credit: I Love A Clean San Diego County.

“Judging by the increasing number of phone calls and hits to our database, we know residents care about doing the right thing for the environment. However, there are still many more who don’t know where to go for information,” said Len Hering Executive Director of I Love A Clean San Diego. “We want all San Diegans to know there are answers to their questions about what should be done with the toaster that no longer works, half-full paint cans, batteries and electronics, broken appliances and that couch that is no longer wanted or in need of repair.”

Some of the Top 10 items like household appliances, electronics (e-waste), household goods and textiles, cannot be placed in the recycle bin, but can still be recycled. WFSD can help point to donation and recycling options for these materials and others.

WFSD is also a great resource for upcycling or repurposing used items. For example, an old mobile phone may no longer work but companies like Apple and Best Buy offer takeback programs where the phones and other e-waste are recycled, dismantled for parts, and then upcycled into new phones or other products.

Unwanted items may also be classified as hazardous waste.

According to the EPA, household hazardous waste or HHWs are products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances. These products, such as paints, household cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides come with warning labels. Products that contain corrosive, toxic, or flammable ingredients require special care.

Questions about warning labels and other HHW can be answered quickly and WFSD can assist in finding facilities and appointments to help people dispose of the items properly.

The WasteFreeSD.org team is eager to help inform more of the region’s communities and continuously researches resources to keep up to date on the latest low waste resources in the region. The R1-EARTH (1-877-713-2784) hotline staff offer friendly customer service and are open to assist with live consultations between 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday (except Holidays)

Household Cleaners Resource

Household Cleaners Resource

Household Cleaners

An average of 120 different household cleaners are commonly found and used in and around the household. An average American household spends on average $638 per year on household cleaners alone on products such as bathroom cleaners and kitchen cleaners. The improper disposal of household cleaners creates a very real threat to individuals and the environment. Disposing of household cleaners in the trash can cause hazardous fumes that can injure your family or your local trash collector. Plus, it is illegal to discard of household hazardous waste in the regular trash!

Defining Household Cleaners

Household cleaners are consumer goods designed to assist in cleaning, pest control and general hygiene purposes for at home use. Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be household hazardous waste. Household cleaners include:

  • Auto detail products
  • Oven cleaners
  • Drain cleaners
  • Toilet cleaners
  • Bleach
  • Pool chemicals
  • Electronic cleaners
  • All-purpose cleaners
  • Paint thinner
  • Nail polish remover
  • Turpentine
  • Carpet stain removers
  • Detergents
  • Disinfectants

Empty Household Cleaner Containers

Empty household cleaner containers can be placed in your recycling bin. Make sure to dry out small amounts of residue and leave the cap on for all containers.

Leftover Household Cleaners

Unused or leftover household cleaner containers must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility to be disposed of. Residents are allowed to take up to 15 gallons or 125 pounds total volume of household hazardous waste per household per drop-off. Visit wastefreesd.org to find out which facility you can take it to.

Eco-Friendly Cleaners

Instead of buying conventional household cleaners that are full of chemicals, consider purchasing eco-friendly products that use recyclable packaging and natural ingredients.

Blueland

Blueland is a company that is both Climate Neutral Certified and Cradle to Cradle Certified. Their ingredients are all sustainably sourced and they use packaging that is plastic free, recyclable and compostable. Blueland products are all made without water – just purchase their tablets and drop them in a Forever Bottle filled with water and start cleaning in minutes.

Cleancult 

All Cleancult products are created using natural, powerful formulas. Their bottles are made with reusable, shatter-resistant glass which can be consistently refilled whenever you run out. Their refillable containers are all made out of recyclable milk cartons to reduce waste and plastic.

Supernatural 

Supernatural products are all-natural and sustainably sourced, with the goal of having the lowest carbon footprint possible. Their bottles are designed to look aesthetically pleasing while lasting a very long time. Essential oils are also added to their all their products to make them smell amazing.

Grove Collaborative 

Grove Collaborative is a subscription-service company that is committed to zero-waste and provides carbon neutral shipping. A few examples of clean brands they carry are Meyer’s, Burt’s Bees and Method. All products in their subscription box are non-toxic and created using plant-based formulas.

 

Paint Recycling Guide

Recycling Paint

Paint Recycling Guide

Disposing of paint in the trash or sink causes toxic chemicals to seep into the soil and water, thus creating a very real threat to individuals and the environment, not to mention it is illegal. Leftover paint is considered household hazardous waste. Household hazardous waste products, such as paints, contain potentially hazardous metals that require special care when you dispose of them.

Where To Recycle Paint 

There are about 50 paint retailers in San Diego that currently participate in the PaintCare program. PaintCare is a paint stewardship program on behalf of paint manufacturers in California that have passed paint stewardship laws in order to keep harmful chemicals out of the environment. The program allows participating paint retailers to take back paint from residents to recycle it properly. Examples of participating paint retailers include Sherwin Williams and Dunn Edwards. Visit wastefreesd.org and search “Paint” to find the closest PaintCare location near you.

Types Of Paint Accepted At PaintCare Locations 

  • Interior and exterior architectural paints: latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, oil-based, enamel (including textured coatings)
  • Deck coatings, floor paints (including elastomeric)
  • Primers, sealers, undercoaters
  • Stains
  • Shellacs, lacquers, varnishes, urethanes (single component)
  • Waterproofing concrete/masonry/wood sealers and repellents (not tar or bitumen-based)
  • Metal coatings, rust preventatives
  • Field and lawn paints

Paint Recycling Checklist

  • Paint must be in its original container
  • Container must be labeled and legible
  • Container must be in good condition, not leaking
  • Container must be 5 gallons in size or smaller
  • Check with the site if you have more than 5 gallons

What To Do If Labels Are Missing And Paint Cans Are Rusting

Paint cans that are leaking, unlabeled, rusting or empty are not accepted at PaintCare drop-off sites. Paint retailers also do not accept aerosol, industrial, original equipment or specialty coatings. These items should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. Visit wastefreesd.org to find the closest facility near you.

What To Do With Paint Cans That Are Empty

Paint cans that are completely empty or all dried up can be placed in your recycling bin.  Just remove the lid before placing in your recycling bin.

 

 

Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Tubes Recycling

Fluorescent tube Recycling

Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Tubes Recycling

Fluorescent light bulbs and light tubes are considered hazardous waste items because they contain a small amount of mercury which poses a danger if released into open air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) on average contain only about four milligrams of mercury, which might seem insignificant compared to 500 milligrams of mercury in older thermometers. However, they should still be disposed of properly in order to prevent any adverse effects on the environment and human health. Recycling of fluorescent light bulbs/tubes can also ensure that other materials of the bulb such as glass and metals are all reused.

Batteries Plus Bulbs 

Recycling your fluorescent light bulbs/tubes, batteries and electronics at Batteries Plus Bulbs is easy and convenient. Bring your items to the nearest store and they will then pass the items along to their recycling partners to repurpose salvageable materials. Be aware that fees may apply, so feel free to contact the store before you go to inquire about pricing.

EnviroGreen Electronic Recycling Services 

EnviroGreen accepts fluorescent light bulbs for recycling at a price of $1/bulb. They also accept batteries and appliances for a small fee, and electronics free of charge. EnviroGreen has a residential pickup service starting at $35 and a business pickup service starting at $65.

Universal Waste Disposal Company

Universal Waste Disposal Company offers fluorescent light bulb, batteries and electronics recycling services. Visit their website to get a free quote.

Home Depot

Certain Home Depots accept fluorescent light bulbs for recycling in store. Call your local Home Depot before you go to make sure they are currently accepting the CFLs.

Lowe’s 

Most Lowe’s stores offer a recycling center that accepts fluorescent light bulbs near the entrance. Call your local Lowe’s before you go to make sure they are currently accepting the CFLs.

Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities

If your fluorescent light bulb or light tube is broken, the only place that you would be able to take it to would be your local hazardous waste collection facility. Make sure you safely place the broken bulb/tube in a tightly sealed container. Visit WasteFreeSD.org to find the location of your closest hazardous waste collection facility.

Bulbcycle 

Bulbcycle has a free mail-in program for businesses to recycle fluorescent light bulbs/tubes, batteries and electronics. Businesses can fill up different sized containers at their own pace and return the container to Bulbcycle within a year. This will not only help keep hazardous materials out of the landfill, but will also earn your company LEED points as well.

TechWaste Recycling

TechWaste Recycling offers nationwide business pickups for fluorescent light bulbs, fluorescent light tubes, batteries and electronics. Visit their website or call them to schedule a pickup.

Student and Youth Engagement in Environmental Stewardship

Youth Environmental Stewardship

Student and Youth Engagement in Environmental Stewardship

How small actions taken by youth can lead to some big changes.

San Diego County is home to many unique species of plants and animals that all contribute to its biodiversity. However, this special attribute that makes our region a wonderful place to live and visit is at risk.

Did you know San Diego County is located within a biodiversity hotspot?

A biodiversity hotspot is an area with globally unique animals and plants but has suffered massive habitat loss and is now an area of high concern. San Diego County’s youth have a unique opportunity to participate in environmental stewardship opportunities and help mitigate these negative changes. Environmental stewardship is the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. Volunteering for environmental stewardship projects has many benefits including acquiring community service hours that can be applied for graduation, psychological benefits, and developing a “sense of place.”

Community Service Hours

In many cases, students must complete a number of community service hours to graduate high school. The specific number of hours is determined by individual districts. If you or a student of yours is looking to earn community service by participating in an environmental stewardship project, here are a few things to make sure you have ready:

  • Locate a project location that works for you.
  • Check if there are any age or equipment requirements.
  • On the day of the event, bring a paper from your school for the person in charge to sign (usually can be obtained from the school’s counseling department).
  • Take pictures of the event and have a good time!

Psychological Benefits

You may be familiar with the benefits of being outdoors, but volunteering outside has even more! Here are some of the many psychological and social benefits to volunteering:

Sense of Place

Volunteering increases a person’s sense of place which is the feeling of being connected to your community. Developing a “sense of place” is important for everyone but is also very beneficial for youth. Students who increase their “sense of place” have increased self-efficacy, increased awareness of climate change, and have more pro-environmental behaviors.

Other Types of Environmental Stewardship

There are many types of environmental stewardship and ways that anyone can become involved. Simple everyday choices that reduce our carbon footprint can make a big difference. Examples include:

  • Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Upcycle (also known as the 4 Rs of waste hierarchy)
  • Composting
  • Walk or take public transportation
  • Carry a reusable straw, shopping bag or water bottle

Where Do I Go to Volunteer?

You can always check I Love a Clean San Diego County’s volunteer page to see what events are happening.

Want to help I Love A Clean San Diego remove 30,000 pounds of litter in one day? If so, please join us during Earth Week on April 24th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for the Creek to Bay Clean Up.
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Jessica Ullyott is a graduate student with the Miami University, OH in partnership with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. She is working to complete her master’s degree in biology with an emphasis in teaching. Her mission statement is: “Work to foster environmental stewardship in students through inquiry-based education and active participation because we all play a role in habitat conservation.”

Celebrate Sustainability with the City of Carlsbad This Earth Month

Celebrate Sustainability

Celebrate Sustainability with the City of Carlsbad This Earth Month

The 51st anniversary of Earth Day is April 22, 2021 and the City of Carlsbad’s Sustainable Materials Management Division is celebrating all month long with events and resources to help residents celebrate sustainability by making every day Earth Day.

April is upon us and that means Earth Month is too! In honor of Earth Day, the City of Carlsbad is celebrating all month long and invites residents to join their community’s road to sustainability through numerous Earth Month events.

Carlsbad’s Sustainable Materials Management Division maintains the Household Hazardous Waste program, promotes recycling and composting, provides technical assistance to businesses and multifamily complexes, and is the city’s liaison with Waste Management, the city’s waste hauler.

Follow along as the City of Carlsbad’s Sustainable Materials Management Division partners with I Love A Clean San Diego to give you a teaser of what you can expect this Earth Month!

Earth Month Events

Here are some COVID-safe ways for Carlsbad residents to participate in a month full of activities and celebrate Earth Day’s 51st Anniversary. Visit the City’s Earth Month webpage for all the details.

10 Ways to Live a Sustainable Life Virtual Workshop
Saturday, April 10th
Join the City of Carlsbad for a FREE virtual workshop, focusing on how to put your passion for sustainability into action! Learn practical tips on how reduce ‘disposable’ waste and make sustainable choices part of your everyday life.

Composting Virtual Workshop
Saturday, April 17th
Learn about all the ins and outs of home composting. Learn what system is best for you, how to manage it successfully and how to use the resulting compost. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with the instructor and ask questions on the spot.

Virtual Lunch and Learns
April 19th – April 22nd
Celebrate Earth Day’s 51st Anniversary by participating in a weeklong series of lunch ‘n learns to raise awareness about citywide sustainability initiatives. Join the Environmental Management Department including the Climate Action Plan Division, Watershed Protection Division and Habitat Management Division while enjoying lunch from the comfort of your own home or workspace!

Live Virtual Q&A with Waste Reduction Videos
Thursday, April 22nd
Join the City of Carlsbad for an interactive live Q&A session on Earth Day! The session will include introductions to the City of Carlsbad’s Sustainable Materials Management Division waste reduction video series, time for question and answers, and raffles of Earth Day themed waste reduction, compost or garden related gifts.

I Love A Clean San Diego’s 19th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup
Saturday, April 24th
Join the largest environmental cleanup in San Diego County during Earth Week! Volunteer for the 19th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup and help remove polluting litter from your community. Get outside, stay close to your home, socially distance and collect litter throughout the streets of your neighborhood. Help us remove 30,000 pounds of litter in a single day!

To learn more and sign up for these events, visit the City of Carlsbad’s Earth Month webpage.

Don’t forget to follow I Love A Clean San Diego on Facebook throughout April to get the latest updates and news, as well as specialized content, regarding the City of Carlsbad’s Celebrate Sustainability and Earth’s Day 51st Anniversary events!

But WAIT, There’s more!

Our earth minded efforts don’t have to stop at the end of Earth Month. Through existing waste reduction programs, Carlsbad residents have multiple ways to engage throughout the year! The City’s Residential Recycling and Trash Guide conveniently houses many of the City’s residential sustainability resources and is a great place to begin your search.

Recycling & Trash Services

Start by learning more about your recycling and trash services with information on weekly collection, billing and cart exchanges.

An overview of what goes in each cart follows, with in-depth descriptions highlighting tips and best practices. *Take a look at the guide for a detailed breakdown and pictures showing what is acceptable in each bin.
• Recycle: Aim for Empty, Clean, and Dry and “Free your Recyclables” – no bagged recyclables.
• Green Waste: Recycle yard waste into mulch and compost.
• Trash: Trash is not sorted and goes directly into the landfill.

City of Carlsbad Waste Diversion Programs

To help residents dispose of their waste in a way that helps protect the environment, the guide also includes information on a few other City of Carlsbad diversion programs available.

Household Hazardous Waste
Drop off household hazardous waste including old motor oil, paint, chemicals, batteries, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs and electronics for free. This drop-off service is free with proof of residency. (No appointment necessary)
CleanEarth Collection Facility
Location: 1145 E. Taylor St., Vista CA 92084 (800) 714-1195
Hours: Saturdays 9am – 3pm
*The City of Carlsbad also provides a service through CleanEarth to collect household hazardous waste material from the front door of residents’ homes for a $10 fee.
Click here to learn more!

Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Many electronic products can be reused, refurbished or recycled. Help divert waste away from the landfill by properly disposing of electronic waste (e-waste). This drop-off service is free with proof of residency. (No appointment necessary)
Waste Management Buyback Center
Location: 5960 El Camino Real, Carlsbad CA 92008 (at Palomar Transfer Station)
Hours: Saturdays 8am – 4pm (closed for lunch between 12pm – 12:40pm).

Residential Battery Recycling Program
Residents of the City of Carlsbad have a great opportunity for battery recycling! First, collect used household batteries. Second, place them in a clear zipper bag, one quart or smaller. Third, place on top of your blue recycling cart lid. Do NOT place inside of cart. Batteries will be collected by Waste Management on your day of service.

Pharmaceuticals
The current accepted practice for disposing of medications is through free drop-off programs. Pharmaceuticals or medications do not belong in trash or recycling containers.
They can be dropped off at the San Diego Sheriff’s Encinitas station, the City of Carlsbad Safety Center or the CVS store off of El Camino Real in Carlsbad. Click here to learn more!

Sharps and Needles
Residents may properly dispose of their sharps and needles at Waste Management’s buyback center. A free mail-back kit can also be obtained at the same location. *Each household will be limited to one mail-back kit per year.

Curbside Item Collections

E-Waste: Free collection of up to five items such as computers, printers, fax machines, microwave ovens, TV’s, DVD/CD players, VCR’s, stereos and cell phones from your home three (3) times annually. Call Waste Management to schedule an appointment.

Bulky Items: Free collection of up to five large items such as furniture, including mattresses or appliances from your home three (3) times annually. Call Waste Management to schedule an appointment.
Click here to learn more!

Holiday Trees: Collected for the first two weeks following Christmas on your regular collection day. Place trees next to your green waste cart. Drop-off locations are also provided around the City.

Take a moment to find the Residential Guide for Recycling and Trash Services online and visit the City of Carlsbad’s Sustainable Materials Management website to learn more.

To keep up to date on community cleanups and zero waste resources and continue on the road to sustainability, visit and like I Love A Clean San Diego on social media. Use our handle @iloveacleansd.

The Right Way to Recycle Curbside

Recycle Curbside

The Right Way to Recycle Curbside

Recycling Curbside

What you can recycle curbside is subject to your residential location. Each jurisdiction might have different rules according to the hauler responsible, which can be either EDCO, Waste Management, Republic or City of San Diego Environmental Services Department.

If you live in the Unincorporated County of San Diego, please refer to the Recycle Right campaign for general directions on what can be recycled in your blue bin, and contact your respective waste haulers for items that you are unsure of.

Recycling Right means your items are:

  • EMPTY. No or very little food residue remaining.
  • DRY. No liquids remaining. Liquids can ruin paper, cardboard and other materials in the recycle bin, making them unrecyclable.
  • LOOSE. Do not bag your recyclables; place them loose in the recycling bin.

Once you find out who your hauler is, click on the company name and you will be able to find their respective recyclability guidelines and what you can put in your blue bin:

EDCO Recycle GuideEDCO Recycle Curbside

 Waste Management Recycle Guide

Recycle Curbside Waste Management

 Republic Services Recycle Guide

Recycle Curbside Republic Services

City of San Diego Environmental Services Department Recycle Guide

Recycle Curbside ESD

Unacceptable Items

Regardless of where you reside or who your hauler is, remember to keep these items OUT of your blue bin:

  • Plastic bags/film (do not bag your recyclables)
    • Click here to find out more about plastic bag/film recycling or visit WasteFreeSD.org
  • Mixed material packaging such as chip bags or juice pouches
  • Polystyrene packing peanuts
  • Tangling items such as garden hoses, chains, clothing hangers and rope
  • Universal wastes such as batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and electronics
    • Click here to find out where you can recycle your batteries or visit WasteFreeSD.org
  • Hazardous wastes such as automotive fluids, cleaners and paint
    • Visit WasteFreeSD.org to find out where you can take your hazardous wastes

Recycling and Buyback Centers

Many items can still be recycled, even if they don’t go in your curbside Blue Bin. Examples include packing peanuts, metal scrap and Universal Waste. To find out where your closest recycling and buyback center is located, look up your item on WasteFreeSD.org.

Love Fore San Diego Zero Waste Golf Tournament June 25, 2021

Love Fore San Diego

I Love A Clean San Diego to Bring Zero Waste Golf Tournament to San Diego County on June 25, 2021

A party on the course or the love of the game for the love of a cleaner San Diego. Online registration and corporate partnership opportunities are now available at cleansd.org.

San Diego County’s longest running nonprofit dedicated to clean communities and zero waste today announces it will host the first zero waste golf tournament in San Diego County at Riverwalk Golf Club on Friday, June 25, 2021. Titled the Love Fore San Diego Zero Waste Golf Tournament, the event is now open for online golfer registration and corporate partnership opportunities available at CleanSD.org.

More Than a Fundraiser

The Love Fore San Diego Zero Waste Golf Tournament is more than a fundraiser for I Love A Clean San Diego County (501c3), it is a move by the organization to demonstrate how zero waste events can be produced without leaving a trace on the environment, while making events fun and educational. 

“People come from around the world to visit our region and play on its many outstanding golf courses, so we’re excited to create this unique opportunity for local players and those who are visiting,” said Keith Riggio, board member and tournament chairperson for I Love A Clean San Diego. “We want people to come enjoy and see that the zero waste effort supporting the tournament enhances their experience. We can all be part of the solution on and off the green.”

Inspired Nationally, Planned Locally

When planning for its event, organizers were inspired by the zero waste efforts of the PGA’s Phoenix Open. I Love A Clean San Diego’s board decided its mission would directly influence a regional golf tournament for the recreational player.

“Refuse, Reduce, and Recycle are the elements we will incorporate through our expertise to ensure nothing goes to the landfill,” said Len Hering, executive director of I Love A Clean San Diego. “In addition, the event and every participant’s carbon footprint will be offset through a certified carbon offset program.”

Sign up and Support

Online registration and corporate partnership opportunities are now available at event website. Most sponsorships include a foursome, but players can sign up now as singles, twosomes and foursomes.

In the coming years, I Love A Clean San Diego plans to host the tournament at other venues throughout the county to demonstrate the zero-waste event model can be done anywhere and showcase the region’s best championship golf courses for players of all skill levels.

Since 1954, I Love A Clean San Diego and its volunteer corps have been responsible for cleaning over 8.5 million pounds of litter from San Diego County’s streets, parks, canyons, beaches and other open spaces. Through education, it has also helped tens of thousands of people reduce their impact on the environment. Now entering its 67th year, the organization is doubling down on its commitment to zero waste engagement and education.

Contact for Corporate Partnerships

Please contact Ian Monahan by calling 619.795.5806.

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, public resources and impactful volunteer cleanup and beautification programs aimed at nature conservation, recycling and zero waste living. As the region’s most influential advocate for sustainability, I Love A Clean San Diego hosts over 900 workshops and 600 community cleanups, which are responsible for clearing over 300,000 pounds of pollution from the region each year. Through service to nearly 100,000 people each year, I Love A Clean dedicated to empowering every person to be leaders in conservation and waste-free living to protect and improve the health of the home we love. 

Waste Hierarchy: What are the 4 Rs?

4R's of Waste Hierarchy

Waste Hierarchy: What are the 4 Rs?

Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose/Upcycle, Recycle –

These 4 R’s are extremely important when it comes to sustainable living and help manifest environmentally responsible consumer behavior. They all aim to reduce the amount of waste we create, which will not only save money but conserve natural resources and energy as well.

Reduce

Reduce comes first in the waste hierarchy and is the most effective way to prevent waste from being generated in the first place. From production to transportation, every single product that we own uses up large amounts of raw materials and energy, which poses as a detriment to the environment through resource depletion and pollution creation.

Tips on Reducing

  • Only buying what you need
  • Buy in bulk, click here to learn the basics of bulk buying
  • Buy used items from thrift stores or consignment shops
  • Borrow, rent or share items that are used infrequently like Halloween costumes, party decorations, pool toys
  • Printing double sided
  • Avoid buying non-recyclable products

Reuse

Reuse is a great way to give an item an elongated life span by using it more than once. This means that none of the components of the product are wasted and can be used again for the same purpose.

Tips on Reusing

  • Using a reusable grocery bag instead of a getting a new plastic bag at the store
  • Using reusable utensils and water bottles
  • Reusing plastic or glass jars as storage containers (e.g. glass honey jars to store flour or sugar)
  • Repair items like clothes, shoes, tires, electronics or appliances instead of throwing and replacing them
  • Donate unwanted items to charity organizations like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity and help those in need

Repurpose

Repurposing and upcycling are often used interchangeably but they are actually slightly different. Repurposing is using one product to serve a different purpose and creating a new use for an old product. Examples include making plant pots out of egg cartons or making tea lights out of bottle caps.

Tips on Repurposing

  • Look for inspo on creative ways to repurpose items: blogs
  • Repurposing can be a fun arts-and-craft activity to do with children
  • Works really well during holidays like Halloween and Christmas, where you can make decorations and costumes from old and used items at home

Upcycle

Upcycling on the other hand is enhancing or upgrading a product to better serve the same purpose through the addition of paint, ad-ons, decorations etc. An example is painting over your old table to transform it into a new pretty one.

Tips on Upcycling

  • Look for inspo on creative ways to repurpose items: blogs, YouTube
  • Utilize items at home that might be outdated such as old clothes to use as rags and towels for your project

Recycle

Recycle comes last in the waste hierarchy and should also be the last option you choose if you exhaust all the other choices from reduce, reuse and repurpose/upcycle. This is because it is still creating materials and using up energy during the recycling process. Recycling aims to close the loop on resource consumption and preserve them for continued use by turning them into new products. For example, milk jugs and other plastic containers can be made into new bottles and containers, or even furniture and playground equipment. Paper can be recycled into toilet paper and tissues, and thin cardboard boxes and cartons.

Tips on Recycling

  • Only put items accepted by your waste hauler in your blue recycling bin
  • Make sure your recyclables are generally clean and dry
  • Putting contaminated items into the blue bin can contaminate the entire recycling load and deem it unusable
  • Never bag recyclables in plastic bag
  • Mixed material items such as chip bags cannot be recycled because there is no process to separate the items
  • Keep electronics and hazardous waste items out of your blue bin
  • Visit WasteFreeSD.org to find out where you can recycle other items like electronics and batteries

Recycled Crafts: Toilet Paper Tube Binoculars

Recycle Crafts

Recycled Crafts: Toilet Paper Tube Binoculars

Wondering how to teach your kids about Zero Waste? Recycled crafts are a great place to start! Creating crafts from materials you already have at home is the perfect way to help teach your children about the importance of resource conservation and upcycling.

Here in San Diego County, we create a lot of waste. Residents create an average of 5.6 pounds of waste per person per day. This adds up to 2,044 pounds of waste per year, weighing more than a giraffe! After we throw our trash away, it never really goes “away,” but rather ends up in our landfills. With the current rate our waste is entering our landfills, they are expected to close a lot sooner than we realize. Regionally, our landfills in San Diego County are estimated to close in 2052. In order to avoid going out into our environment and building a new landfill, it is important to see how we can reduce the amount we are throwing away and slow the rate at which our landfills are filling up.

Get Creative and Reuse!

So, how can we throw less away?

Recycling is a great place to start! By sorting our metal, paper and cartons, glass and plastic containers into our recycling bin, we are helping to put these resources back into our economy and produce new products!

Looking to take it one step further? Reuse! Reusing is one amazing way to reduce what we throw away and help our environment thrive. By reusing an item, you are using something again or in a completely new way, giving the item a whole new life. There are many ways to reuse items, but one clever way to get kids involved is to make toys from “trash!” Creating recycled crafts is a great way to get creative with your children and simultaneously teach them about why it’s important to reduce what we throw away.

Start off by taking a look at the items you have at home: toilet paper or paper towel tubes, soda bottles, newspapers, magazines and plenty more! There are so many crafts you can create with traditionally recycled materials. Crafting with repurposed materials helps children think outside the box, while developing fine motor skills and expressing themselves in unique ways; let your child’s imagination take the lead!

Getting Crafty

Don’t toss your toilet paper tubes! They’re great tools to see the world. Simply follow the below instructions and build your very own binoculars.

With a few supplies from around your home, you’ll have everything you need for an afternoon of creativity and science! Follow along to learn how to make Toilet Paper Tube Binoculars.

How to Create –  Toilet Paper Tube Binoculars

Step by Step Instructions

Materials:

  • Two (2) toilet paper rolls
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • String, ribbon, yarn, or wire
  • Scrap paper or photos
  • Markers, paint, or crayons
  • Hole punch or pen

Follow these steps:

1. Gather supplies. Create your own drawing, gather photos from magazines and newspapers, or use wrapping paper to create your own designs to decorate the binoculars.

Recycled Crafts

2. Cut your picture, designs or photos to the same length as the toilet paper roll. Place glue on the back of the photo or picture.

Recycled Crafts

3. Roll the paper around each tube. Let it dry. Punch a hole in each side of the toilet paper roll with a pen or hole punch.  You may want to ask for help with this step.

Recycled Crafts

4. Glue the two rolls together. Tie a string on the side of each roll for a neck strap. Once dry, your binoculars are ready to see new things and explore your world.

Recycle Crafts

 

Visit I Love A Clean San Diego’s YouTube channel to view the video on How to Make Your Toilet Paper Tube Binoculars!

Backyard Science

Once you’re finished making your binoculars, let your budding scientist take inspiration from the outdoors and explore their living landscape! Take a walk around your neighborhood, backyard, park, or playground to see what they can find.

Scavenger Hunt Idea – What can you spot with your binoculars?

Observe what’s around you. Have your child make a list of what they spot. Have them record what they see, draw a picture or describe what the item looks like, noting any specific characteristics.

Keep an eye out for any local San Diego County species:

☐ Animal      ☐ Mineral      ☐ Vegetable      ☐ Wood      ☐ Metal

☐ Plastic      ☐ Glass         ☐ Paper            ☐ Insect