San Diego’s hot summer days call for family gatherings and outdoors feasts, but with the festivities come extra waste. From plastic cups to propane tanks, leftover supplies from your summer get-together can have a negative environmental impact. We created a guide to help you understand barbecue waste and how to dispose of it.
Food waste
What’s a summer cookout without hotdogs, hamburgers and a refreshing slice of watermelon?
To limit food waste and excessive leftovers, plan your meal ahead of time. Take food scraps home and toss them in your compost bin.
Recyclables
The most common recyclable items you’ll find are glass bottles and aluminum cans. Both can go right into your blue bin.
Other plastics are trickier to recycle. Grocery bags and hotdog bun bags cannot go in your standard curbside bin. However, you can drop them off at certain retailers across the county to be recycled properly. (Pro tip: go to Waste Free SD and search for “plastic bags and film” to find a collection spot near you)
Red Solo cups are made from #6 plastic and cannot be recycled in your curbside bin. Go for a reusable option if you can or find a place to drop them off for recycling here. If you find yourself at a party with this classic cup, just know it has to go into the waste bin.
Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) are products that can be toxic to humans and the environment. They require special disposal methods.
Barbeques generate dangerous waste, but you can help ensure the safety of your family and waste haulers by identifying hazardous items and knowing how to dispose of them.
Lighter fluid and propane tanks are both highly flammable and dangerous. Grill cleaners are often made with petroleum-based or chemical solvents that are toxic for local environments and people.
Waste Free SD features resources San Diegans need to dispose of holiday hazardous waste. Visit the website and enter your zip code to find your closest HHW facility.
Keep San Diego clean beyond the celebrations
There’s a reason so many people spend their summer days outside in San Diego. In between San Diego’s sunsets and beautiful weather, there’s a lot to celebrate.
It’s up to us all to make mindful choices and keep our natural environment clean and beautiful. Use this guide to prevent harmful material from entering our environment during your summer barbecue and beyond.
