Where Does It Go Page

Where Does It Go?

Wondering where to dispose of something? If you are unsure, we can help! Use the search tool below to determine the most appropriate way to properly dispose of items.

Understanding proper disposal methods can significantly reduce the volume of waste ending up in landfills, enhance recycling and composting efforts, and promote donations and other sustainable practices. Generally, items should be sorted into trash, recycling, or organics, with some requiring special handling.

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Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Markers, Crayons, Pen, Pencil

Markers, crayons, pens, and pencils cannot be recycled and belong in your trash.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Erasers

Erasers are typically very small and cannot be recycled. They belong in your trash.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Rubber bands

Rubber bands are too small to be recycled and can potentially tangle equipment. Please place these in the trash when it’s time to throw them out.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Milk Cartons

Milk cartons are typically made from paper, thinly lined with paper or wax. Since they are mixed material, they are difficult to process and should be thrown away in the trash container.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

3-Ring Binders

3-Ring binders have mixed materials and cannot be easily recycled in your curbside recycling program. Please place these in the trash.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Hangers

Hangers are considered a “tangler” that damages machinery. Please place hangers of all materials (metal, plastic, wood) in your trash container.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Hoses

When disposing of old or damaged hoses, it’s important to remember that they should be placed in the trash, not recycling. While hoses are typically made from rubber or reinforced plastic, they are not accepted in curbside recycling programs, as they are “tanglers,” which can wrap around and damage recycling machinery. To ensure proper disposal and avoid causing harm to recycling operations, always throw hoses away in trash.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Cat Litter

Please add cat litter to your trash container.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Chip bags

Chip Bags are typically made from aluminum laminated with polypropylene, also known as metalized polypropylene, or low-density polyethylene film, and should be disposed of in the trash. They cannot be processed through curbside recycling programs.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Candy Wrappers

Candy wrappers, typically crafted from a lightweight plastic film, should be disposed of in the trash as they cannot be processed through curbside recycling programs.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Clothing

Old, stained, moldy, or worn-out clothing belongs in the trash. Whenever possible, donate gently used clothing and textiles to thrift shops or consignment stores.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is considered a film plastic and a “tangler” that damages machinery. Please place it in your trash container.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Diapers

Diapers, both used and unused, belong in the trash.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Dishware

Dishware, although sometimes made from recyclable material, belongs in the trash container for disposal. Broken, chipped, or stained ceramic or glass dishware cannot be recycled. Dishware that’s still intact can be donated to a thrift shop.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

White Glue and Glue Stick

White glue and glue sticks cannot be recycled and belong in your trash.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Flower pots

Plant pots made of terracotta, ceramic, concrete, plastic, and other materials that are still in good condition should be donated or reused. Any pots that are broken or unuseable belong in the trash.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Dental floss

Dental floss, which is typically made of thin plastic, should be discarded in the trash. Loose floss, floss containers, and floss picks all belong in your trash container. Avoid flushing dental floss down the toilet because it can lead to plumbing problems.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Packing peanuts

Most packing peanuts are made from plastic and cannot be recycled. Please bag them and place them in the trash container. You may also take foam peanuts and plastic pillow bags to certain shipping service stores to be reused in their packing services. Check your local stores for details.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Padded envelopes

Plastic or mixed plastic and paper envelopes (e.g., paper envelopes with plastic bubble wrap inside) go in the trash. If the padded envelope is entirely made up of paper, it can go in the recycling container.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Pet food bags

Despite their paper-like appearance, most pet food bags are made with layers of paper, plastic, and foil that are difficult to separate for recycling. To dispose of pet food bags, please place them in the trash.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Pet waste

Pet waste belongs in the trash. Please securely contain it first. Don’t place pet waste in commercial or backyard composting, as doing so transmits diseases and invites animals to rummage through backyard compost piles. Do not flush pet waste down the toilet, as it can contain toxic pathogens that pollute water streams. The best way to dispose of pet waste is to bag it and throw it in the trash.

Trash & Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Pizza boxes (both trash and recycling)

Clean cardboard from pizza boxes goes into your recycling barrel. If it has grease stains, it is no longer recyclable and goes into your trash barrel. Some residents chose to separate the clean cardboard from the greasy cardboard on pizza boxes and then sort the pieces appropriately.

Trash & Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Grocery bags (both trash and recycling)

Clean, paper grocery bags belong in the recycling container. Paper bags can be recycled with other paper items, making them easy to recycle. Plastic grocery bags are not accepted in curbside recycling and belong in the trash. They are problematic “tanglers” that damage equipment. You may also return your plastic bags to a participating retail location for recycling; most grocery stores have this option available.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Medical Supplies

Medical supplies such as bandages, medical gloves, antiseptic wipes, and tape, belongs in your trash container. Note that sharps require special handling and do not belong in the trash container.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Plastic toys

Toys (both plastic and non-plastic) are a problematic contaminant and should go into the trash container. For large plastic toys, you can schedule a Bulky Item Pickup. For gently used toys, consider donating them.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Plastic Utensils

All single-use, disposable plastic utensils should be placed in the trash container.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Sandwich Bags (Plastic)(Trash)

Sandwich bags are considered a film plastic and are not accepted in curbside recycling. Please place them in your trash container.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Dryer Sheets (Trash)

Sandwich bags are considered a film plastic and are not accepted in curbside recycling. Please place them in your trash container.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Shrink wrap

Shrink wrap is considered a film plastic and is not accepted in curbside recycling. Please place it in your trash container.

Trash & Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Straws (both trash and organics)

Plastic straws belong in your trash container. They are made from thin plastic and cannot be easily sorted and recycled. Paper straws can go into your organics container, as they will compost and break down.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Strings

String belongs in the trash container, as it is a common “tangler” at a recycling facility. String tends to wrap around machine parts, damaging or stopping the recycling process. Consider reusing string whenever possible, or dispose of it in the trash.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Ribbon

Ribbon belongs in the trash container, as it is a common “tangler” at a recycling facility. Ribbons tend to wrap around machine parts, damaging or stopping the recycling process. Consider reusing ribbon whenever possible or disposing of it in the trash.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Window Glass

Windows cannot be recycled because they are too labor-intensive and dangerous to dismantle. Instead, wrap up the window in a blanket and dispose of it in your trash container. Large window glass may require special pickup or handling for disposal, due to its fragile nature.

Trash

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE TRASH

Wipes

Wipes (for cleaning or makeup) are not recyclable or compostable, as they are typically made of thin polyester and do not break down. They belong in the trash container.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Aluminum Cans

Please place aluminum cans in your recycling container. Please empty liquids first. Cans do not need to be compacted down. Cans with a California Redemption Value (CRV) can also be taken to a buyback location.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Composition notebook Paper composition notebooks are recyclable and can be tossed in your blue recycling container for disposal. Writing on the pages is acceptable.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Spiral notebook

Spiral notebooks are recyclable and can be tossed in your blue recycling container for disposal. Writing on the pages is acceptable.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Paper lunch bag Brown paper lunch bags are recyclable, just make sure they are empty first. If they are soiled with food waste, you can put them in your green organics container where they will be broken down in the composting process.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Notebook paper

Notebook paper is recyclable and belongs in your blue recycling container. Writing on the pages is acceptable.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Sports Drink bottles (Plastic)

Empty plastic bottles are recyclable and can be tossed into your blue recycling container. You may leave the lid on.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Aerosol Cans (empty)

Aerosol cans can easily be recycled. Please make sure they are fully empty before adding them to your recycling container. Aerosol cans that are not empty and are pressurized must be disposed of as Hazardous Waste.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Cardboard

Clean cardboard goes in the recycling container. Please flatten boxes and place them loose in your recycling. Tape and shipping labels are okay to remain on boxes.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Catalogs

Catalogs and magazines belong in the recycling container.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Detergent Bottles

Empty detergent bottles are recyclable and belong in your recycling container. Please make sure bottles are empty before disposing of them. The cap is okay to remain on the bottle.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Envelopes (plastic window okay)

Please place envelopes loose in your blue recycling container. Envelopes with plastic windows are acceptable.

Trash & Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Egg cartons (trash and recycling)

Paper and plastic egg cartons belong in the recycling container. Styrofoam egg cartons belong in the trash.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Glass Bottles & Jars

Empty glass bottles & jars are recyclable and belong in your recycling container. Please make sure they are empty before disposing of them. Caps and lids are okay to remain on the bottle.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Junk Mail

Junk mail belongs in the recycling container. Glossy paper, plastic windows on envelopes, and staples on junk mail are acceptable.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

NewsPaper

Clean, dry newspaper belongs in your recycling container.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Plastic Bottles

Fully empty plastic bottles belong in your recycling container.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Office Paper

Plain office paper belongs in your recycling container.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Tin Cans

Empty tin cans are recyclable and belong in your recycling container. Please make sure they are empty before disposing of them.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Tissue Boxes

Empty paper tissue boxes can be disposed of in your recycling container.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Toilet paper tube or Paper towel tube

Clean paper tubes, both from bath tissue and paper towels, belong in the recycling container.

Recycling

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE RECYCLING

Wrapping paper

Most wrapping paper can be disposed of in your recycling container. However, metallic paper and paper that has glitter or other plastic adornments go in the trash. Consider reusing gift wrap as much as possible.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Food Waste

Per California state law (Senate Bill 1383), food waste should now be disposed of in your green organics barrel. This mandates that by 2025, the state must reduce organic waste disposal by 75% from 2014 levels and rescue at least 20% of currently disposed edible food. This encourages composting, recycling, and food recovery efforts. Check with your city to confirm if you bag food waste or not before adding it to your barrel. Remember, food waste is NOT accepted in the trash container anymore. Home composting and vermicomposting are encouraged to reduce organic waste.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Birds of Paradise

Please dispose of Birds of Paradise plants in your green organics barrel. By placing them in the green organics barrel, you ensure that the plant is composted or processed into mulch, contributing to a sustainable cycle of nutrient recycling.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Coffee Grounds & Filters

Coffee and coffee filters are considered organic food waste and belong in your green organics barrel. Check with your city to confirm if you bag food waste or not before adding it to your barrel. Coffee filters made from natural (unbleached) fibers are compostable and belong in the organics. They can also be composted in a backyard compost or vermiculture bin.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Dead Plants

Dead plants should be loosely placed in the green organics barrel, where they will be transported to a facility for processing into mulch, soil amendments, or landscaping material.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Flowers

Place flowers loosely in your green organics barrel. They will be transported to a facility for processing into mulch, soil amendments, or landscaping material.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Food Soiled Paper

Food-soiled paper is considered organic food waste and belongs in your green organics barrel. Check with your city to confirm if you bag food waste or not before adding it to your barrel.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Grass Clippings

Place grass clippings directly in your green organics barrel. Grass will be transported to a facility for processing into mulch, soil amendments, or landscaping material.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Leaves

Place leaves directly in your green organics barrel. Leaves will be transported to a facility for processing into mulch, soil amendments, or landscaping material.

Trash & Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Paper Plates & Napkins (Trash & Recycling)

Soiled paper plates and napkins are considered organic food waste and belong in your green organics barrel. Check with your city to confirm if you bag food waste or not before adding it to your barrel.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Prunings

Place prunings directly in your green organics barrel. Prunings will be transported to a facility for processing into mulch, soil amendments, or landscaping material.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Shrub Trimmings

Place shrub trimmings directly in your green organics barrel. Shrub trimmings will be transported to a facility for processing into mulch, soil amendments, or landscaping material.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Small Branches

Place small branches directly in your green organics barrel. Small branches will be transported to a facility for processing into mulch, soil amendments, or landscaping material.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Twigs

Place small branches directly in your green organics barrel. Small branches will be transported to a facility for processing into mulch, soil amendments, or landscaping material.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Candy

Candy is considered food waste and should now be disposed of in your green organics container. Check to see if your area requires bagging food waste before disposing of it. Please place all candy wrappers in the trash.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Jack-O-Lanterns and Pumpkins

Jack-O-Lanterns and pumpkins are considered organic waste and can be placed directly in your green organics barrel.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Untreated Wood

Plain, untreated wood can be placed directly into your green organics barrel. Large pieces of wood may require a Bulky Item Pickup. Treated wood contains chemical preservatives and is considered hazardous waste and requires special processing.

Organics

PLEASE PLACE THIS ITEM IN THE ORGANICS

Weeds

Place weeds directly in your green organics barrel. Weeds will be transported to a facility for processing into mulch, soil amendments, or landscaping material.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Batteries

Batteries of any kind are not allowed in any container. Batteries are somewhat fragile, so compression can cause a short that ignites the reactive lithium inside. They can also overheat, causing fires. Batteries contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can seep into the soil and water and cause contamination. With the increase in rechargeable and lithium batteries on the market, battery recycling is crucial for both environmental sustainability and safety. To participate in responsible battery recycling, individuals should utilize designated recycling centers and collection programs, ensuring that used batteries are disposed of safely and effectively.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

String Lights

String lights have electrical components and are considered e-waste and are not allowed in any container. Check e-waste drop-off locations near you for proper disposal.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Electronics

Items with electronic components of any kind are considered hazardous waste and are not allowed in any container, as they require special handling. Please keep our community and environment safe by disposing of electronics responsibly. Check for drop-off e-waste events and locations near you by visiting: www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/electronics/eRecycle/.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste is not allowed in any barrel or bin, as it requires special handling. Please keep our community and environment safe by disposing of hazardous items responsibly. Check for drop off events and locations near you.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Hot Ashes

Hot ashes are a fire hazard and should be handled carefully. Let it cool for several hours outdoors. Add water to speed up the cooling process. Once completely cooled, contain the ashes and place them in the trash.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Flammables

Flammable items of any kind are not accepted in any container. This includes: automotive fluid, gas camper stoves, fuels, nail polish, nail polish remover, paint, paint thinners, propane tanks, and solvents. Check hazardous waste drop-off locations near you for proper disposal.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Fluorescent Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs are considered hazardous waste and are not allowed in any container. Fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury, which is a hazard for your health and the environment. Check hazardous waste drop-off locations near you for proper disposal.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Machinery

Dumping large and/or hazardous machinery is illegal. Call for more assistance.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Paint

Paint is considered hazardous waste and is not allowed in any container. Never dump paint down the drain because it can contaminate waterways. Free paint recycling is available at drop-off sites throughout California, often at paint, hardware, and home improvement stores, and is available to any resident and business. Find a location here: www.paintcare.org/drop-off-sites/#/find-a-drop-off-site.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Pesticides

Pesticides are considered hazardous waste and are not allowed in any container. Check hazardous waste drop-off locations near you for proper disposal.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Oil

Oil, such as paint, oil filters, or motor oil, is considered hazardous waste and is not allowed in any container. Check hazardous waste drop-off locations near you for proper disposal.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Sharps

Sharps are not allowed in any container. Properly contained sharps must be disposed of at designated sharps disposal locations. Contact us for more information.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Tires

Tires require special handling and are not allowed in any container. Contact us for more information.

Not Allowed in Any Barrel

Tires

Tires require special handling and are not allowed in any container. Contact us for more information.