Make a Recycling Resolution

It’s the beginning of a brand new year and many people are setting their new year’s resolutions, all the things they want to accomplish and improve on in the coming year. If you’re reading our blog, protecting the Earth is probably already high on your priority list, so this year make a resolution to help our local environment by increasing your recycling in 2012. We don’t just mean recycling paper, card board and bottles, there are many things you’re likely going to come across throughout the year that you may want to get rid of. Before you trash them, check our database www.wastefreesd.org to see if they can be recycled or disposed of properly so that they don’t take up space or contaminate our environment in a landfill.

Here are a few things to remember to recycle throughout the year:

Winter

The holiday season is a time of giving and receiving. New electronics and new toys most likely means you’ll be getting rid of old ones. There are many options for recycling your electronic waste, and now you can even recycle plastic toys in your regular recycling bins!

Spring

Time for spring cleaning! There are a million little things (and some big things!) you’ll want to throw away while you’re cleaning out your house, garage, or storage unit. Things like paint, used batteries and other household waste should not be thrown in your trash. Even if they can’t be recycled, there are places you can take them where they can be properly disposed of.

Summer

Broken surf board? Old flip flops? Wine corks from that batch of sangria? All can be recycled!

Fall

It’s football season which probably means tailgating or backyard BBQs. Don’t forget to collect and recycle your beer and soda cans or bottles and be sure to use reusable plates and cups! If you’re doing yard work, yard and wood waste can also be recycled.

Household Hazardous Waste Tips:

If you live in the unincorporated ares of San Diego County, another easy option to dispose of items that can’t be recycled but are still hazardous to the environment is to bring them to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on January 7^th from 9am to 3pm at Ingold Sports Park (2551 Olive Hill Rd. Fallbrook, CA 92028).

They will be accepting household hazardous waste, electronics, sharps and medications. Items NOT accepted: Business waste, tires, ammunition, explosive and radioactive materials, air conditioners or large appliances.

• Transportation requirements of household hazardous waste: Leave products in existing container, if possible. Make sure lids are on tight so containers will not leak. Transport containers in the trunk or in back of the vehicle away from passengers and pets.
• Do not transport over 15 gallons or 125 pounds of household hazardous waste at one time. Containers used for transport must be no larger than a 5-gallon bucket.
• Note: Only Five (5) televisions or computer monitors per car will be accepted, in addition to household hazardous, electronic and universal waste.

The next Free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on March 10^th! They can also find more information on our one-stop recycling resource by searching for the waste category “household hazardous waste collection event”.