City Council adopted the segregated greenwaste recycling program to aid in achieving the California-enacted legislation bill AB 939, which requires us to divert 50 percent of the waste generated from being disposed at our landfills.
By collecting greenwaste separately, approximately 51% of our total residential refuse has been diverted from the landfill.
What can be put into the greenwaste container?
- Grass clippings, weeds, leaves, small branches, wood (without nails, glue, or paint), plant material and sawdust.
- Do not bag greenwaste. Only loose greenwaste (no bags, rock, or concrete) is allowed in the greenwaste container.
- To avoid violation fees, please remember no garbage or recyclables are to be put into the greenwaste container. Violations will result in fines of $35 for each occurrence.
What can be put into the black refuse container?
- Household trash, food waste, rock, concrete, diapers, and animal waste (bagged).
- To avoid violation fees, please remember no greenwaste or recyclables are to be put into the black refuse container. Violations will result in fines of $35 for each occurrence.
What can be put into the blue recycle container?
- Plastic, glass, tin and aluminum containers, paper, and cardboard.
- To avoid violation fees, please remember no garbage or greenwaste are to be put into the blue recycle container. Violations will result in fines of $35 for each occurrence.
Garbage Tips (Black Container)
- Bag all food waste: wet garbage, melon rinds, bones, etc. securely in any type of trash bag.
Greenwaste Tips (Green Container)
- If possible, cut grass as close to scheduled collection day as possible to minimize odors.
- Cut branches and wood waste in small pieces to better fill the container. Container lid must be able to close completely.
Recycle Tips (Blue Container)
- Crush bulky materials such as boxes, milk containers, and plastic soda and soap bottles.
- Throw recyclable bottles, cans, plastic, tin, paper, etc. in the container loosely.
- Buy products with less packaging.
Remember, refuse collection begins promptly at 5 a.m., so put your container out the evening before or by 5 a.m. on your collection day. Remove your empty containers from the curb or alley and store away from view after your containers have been serviced.
Although recycling takes some additional effort, recycling is the right thing to do! Thank you for your support and cooperation in this critically important program. If you have any questions, please call the Refuse Division at 559-585-2550.