Reduce Reuse Recycle

Keep the Recyclables Stream Clean!

Last year, China announced “National Sword,” a change in its import policies that has a profound impact on recycling efforts in California. Strict new contaminant thresholds have been applied to certain grades of paper, and import bans on mixed paper and various grades of post-consumer plastics are in effect.

Recyclables continue to be collected and recovered. Mixed paper makes up over 40% of the material in the blue cart. There are very limited markets for mixed paper and various plastic containers.

We thank you for your efforts! See below for more information on how you can improve the recyclables stream.

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Proper Sorting is a Must!

The cleanest and most efficient sorting starts with you, the generator. Please remember to:

• SUPPORT THE SORT!
  Please place recyclable materials only in your blue recyclables cart.

• JUST SAY “NO” TO CONTAMINANTS!
  Remember to properly sort! Garbage, Organics and Hazardous Waste, such as batteries and sharps, DO NOT belong in the blue recyclables cart. Please click here for a list of what belongs in the Blue Recyclables cart.

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Keep the Recyclables Clean!

Take a few minutes to follow these tips to help keep contamination levels low and keep our workers safe.

• MAINTAIN A CLEAN STREAM!

• When possible, empty and rinse recyclable plastic, metal and glass food containers before placing them in the blue recyclables cart.

• KEEP AN EYE ON SIZE!

• Corrugated cardboard and paper boxes should be flattened and large pieces cut to 2’ x 2’ or smaller. This prevents materials from getting stuck in the cart or blocking the hopper of the collection vehicles.

• PLEASE REMEMBER, HAZARDOUS WASTE DOES NOT BELONG:
  Household Batteries: Put alkaline and lithium batteries in a clear, zipper lock bag on top of (not inside) the blue Recyclables cart. Sharps: Deliver to an Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste facility. The County accepts sharps, medications, pesticides, toxic cleaners and other hazardous waste. Visit StopWaste.org/hhw or call 1-800-606-6606 for more information.

Reduce, Refuse & Reuse BEFORE you Recycle!

Small changes in your purchasing habits and daily routine can make a big impact in reducing your waste and recycling stream!

• REPAIR INSTEAD OF PURCHASE.

• Before you replace an item, see if it can be repaired. If you do purchase something new, find the highest quality/longest lasting and most durable option possible.

• OPT FOR USED PRODUCTS.
  Reuse what you already have or purchase a “gently used” item from a resale shop or website. Share/trade items with friends and neighbors.

• AVOID PURCHASING PRODUCTS WITH EXCESSIVE PACKAGING.
  Choose products with minimal, compostable or recyclable packaging. Buy large sizes or in bulk.

• AVOID SINGLE-SERVE OR SINGLE-USE ITEMS.
  Skip the straw and single-serve condiments at restaurants.

• CHOOSE REUSABLES.
  Shop with reusable bags and totes, bring your travel mug to the coffee shop and carry a reusable water bottle!

• 40% OF FOOD IS WASTED IN AMERICA EVERY YEAR. AVOID FOOD WASTE.
  More information and helpful tips can be found at www.StopFoodWaste.org.

• STOP UNWANTED MAIL.

• 40% Of the material in the recycling stream is paper. Use these three easy steps to reduce paper in the blue recyclables split cart.

1. Remove your address from direct mail registries at: https://www.directmail.com/mail_preference/.
2. Discontinue unwanted catalogs at: CatalogChoice.org
3. Prevent automatic phonebook deliveries at: YellowPagesOptOut.com.

For more reuse and reduction tips and information please visit: www.StopWaste.org.

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Please click here to view Media Response to the Recycling Markets Crisis.

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