This guide was produced by Marin Sanitary Service, Marin Hazardous and Solid Waste Joint Powers Authority, Sonoma County Waste Management Agency, WM EarthCare, Mill Valley Refuse Service, Recology Sonoma Marin, and Bay Cities Refuse. The special section was published May 9, 2018 in the Pacific Sun and the North Bay
What is recycling contamination? It’s anything put in your curbside containers that does not belong there. For example, if you are putting all of your recyclables in plastic bags, the plastic bag would be considered a contaminant because it is not accepted in the recycling program. Even recoverable materials, like plastics
In 2014, Marin Sanitary Service conducted a waste characterization study to find out what was being collected in residential landfill carts. The study found that less than half of the material collected was classified as ”true garbage.” Approximately 38% of the material could have been placed in the compostables cart.
Use LED Holiday Lights LED lights last up to 10 times longer and use 80% less energy than traditional incandescent lights. Also, never place any holiday lights in your recycling cart. Re-Charge it! Replace your alkaline batteries with rechargeable ones. Save money and help the environment by ditching disposable batteries.