Household recycling guide

How to dispose of just about anything, responsibly.

RECYCLING CART

RECYCLING CART

These recyclables are taken to a recycling facility where they are processed back into raw materials for reuse. 

glass jars

glass beverage bottles

 

wine, beer, soda

mail

 

fliers, letters, printer paper, holiday cards, envelopes, postcards

phone books, paperback books

magazines

hardback books

Give used

books, CDs and DVDs new life...

Donate them!

Goodwill
American Book Drive

 

map

sticky notes

(aka: Post It® notes) 

newspapers

gift wrap

 

wrapping paper, gift bags (with strings removed) 

 

No metallic or glittery paper

cardboard boxes

 

shipping, moving, office etc.

food boxes

 

cereal, pasta, frozen food, etc. 

 

separate the liners before recycling

rolls

 

toilet paper, paper towel, gift wrap, etc.

Empty, clean and dry all recyclable containers before putting them in blue cart.

Keep food and liquids out. 

plastic bathroom containers

 

bottles, tubs, jugs and their lids

 

(#1, #2, #5 only)

plastic kitchen

containers

 

bottles, tubs, jugs, and their lids

 

plastic laundry & cleaning supply bottles


plastic
takeout containers


Clean and dry.


(#1, #2, #5 only)



milk and juice jugs

aluminum cans

 

beer, soda, etc.

foil takeout containers, foil trays

aluminum foil balls

steel cans

 

coffee, soup, vegetables, pet food, etc.

ORGANICS CART

ORGANICS CART

These items are turned into nutrient-rich compost and mulch. 

food

 

including meat, vegetables, bones and leftovers

Fruits, vegetables

oily or food crusted
cardboard


TIP: tear off the greasy
parts and recycle the rest

greasy or food-soiled paper


Paper that is coated or lined can't be composted, place it in the trash.

napkins and tissues

paper towels

grass clippings

garden trimmings

 

plants, flowers, leaves, brush

branches


4” diameter, 4’ long

disposable wooden chopsticks

wooden popsicle sticks, stir sticks

NO CURBSIDE DISPOSAL

NO CURBSIDE DISPOSAL

These items are considered hazardous and can't be disposed of curbside. To order free pickup call 800-714-1195 or fill out the Pickup Request Form.  

household batteries

 

Order free pickup:

1-800-714-1195
Online request form 


View drop-off locations

Electronics/e-waste


Order free pickup:

1-800-714-1195
Online request form 


Dropoff: 

Best Buy
Goodwill

S.A.F.E. Centers 

Motor Oil & Filters


Order free pickup:

1-800-714-1195  
Online Request Form

Did you know you can schedule home collection for these items? 

Just call  1-800-714-1195 or fill out the online Pickup Request Form



Paint & Stains


Order free pickup:

1-800-714-1195 

Online Request Form


drop off: 

Dunn Edwards

Fluorescent Light Bulbs


Order free pickup:

1-800-714-1195

Online Request Form

Use caution when disposing of broken fluorescent

light bulbs...

The epa recommends:


"Have people and pets leave the room."


"Do not vacuum" 


Learn more: epa.gov

Household Chemicals

 

products with corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients 


Order free pickup:

1-800-714-1195  

Online Request Form

Medication


Medication Drop-box open 24/7

TRASH CART

TRASH CART

This is the stuff that goes into landfills and remains there for generations. Reduce or reuse these items whenever possible.

Drop-off packing peanuts for reuse at local shipping stores like UPS. 

 

polystyrene & styrofoam


takeout containers, cups, plates, packing peanuts, coolers

cartons

Plastic cups 


(clear & opaque)

 

 

fast food cups and straws

 

 

plastic utensils

all biodegradable and compostable plastics,

 

utensils, plates, bags

VHS tapes

shredded paper

diapers

 

disposable, compostable, and biodegradable

plastic bags and other soft plastics

bubble wrap

plastic hangers


Hangers in good condition can be donated to thrift stores.

Don't treat your old clothes like trash... 

Santa Monica's partner

USAgain accepts used clothing and shoes in any condition. 


Enter your zip code for the dropbox nearest you. 

 

USAgain

potato chip bags, candy bar wrappers, coffee bags, etc. with plastic on the outside and foil on the inside.

foil drink pouches and straws

garden hoses

pet food bags

animal waste

incandescent light bulbs

 

(fluorescent light bulbs cannot be disposed of curbside, please see orange section below). 

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