Welcome to the comprehensive San Jose Recycling Guide! This resource offers information on how to recycle effectively in San Jose, CA. We hope you find everything you need to know here.
San Jose stands as a nationally recognized leader in waste management, achieving one of the highest diversion rates in the United States, currently at 74%. This commitment to sustainability began in the 1980s with the adoption of a comprehensive Waste Reduction Strategy. Key initiatives included the implementation of community-wide curbside recycling programs and the expansion of landfill capacity. These efforts have transformed San Jose into a model city for environmental stewardship.
Recycling in San Jose is more than just a municipal service; it’s a community effort. Residents are encouraged to participate actively in reducing waste and preserving natural resources. By understanding the guidelines and utilizing the available resources, every resident can contribute to maintaining San Jose’s high recycling standards and ensuring a greener future for generations to come. Let’s explore how you can be a part of this positive change!
Curbside Recycling Program
San Jose offers a convenient curbside recycling program for residents. This program allows for weekly collection of recyclable materials directly from homes, mobile home parks, and apartments.
Accepted Materials in Curbside Bins
Ensuring proper sorting of recyclable materials is crucial for the success of San Jose’s curbside recycling program. Accepted materials include paper products such as newspapers, magazines, cardboard (flattened), and paper bags. Rigid plastics like bottles, jugs, and containers (empty and rinsed) are also accepted. Please ensure these items are free of food residue.
Aluminum and steel cans, as well as glass bottles and jars (also empty and rinsed), can be placed in your curbside recycling bin; Cartons and aseptic containers are generally recyclable too, but always check the specific guidelines provided by the City of San Jose or GreenTeam. Remember that plastic bags should not be placed in your curbside recycling bin. Instead, take them to designated drop-off locations at local grocery stores.
Cart Sizes and Ordering Information
San Jose residents have multiple options regarding the size of their recycling carts to accommodate varying needs. The standard sizes available are 32-gallon, 64-gallon, and 96-gallon. Selecting the appropriate size depends on the volume of recyclables your household generates.
To order a new cart, change your current cart size, or report a damaged cart, residents can visit the City of San Jose’s website and use the 311 services portal. Alternatively, you can dial 3-1-1 directly or call (408) 535-3500. When ordering, be prepared to provide your address and account information; Keep in mind that there may be fees associated with changing cart sizes, so it’s best to confirm any costs when placing your order. The City of San Jose and GreenTeam strive to make the process as easy as possible for residents.
Set-Out Guidelines for Curbside Collection
To ensure efficient and successful curbside recycling collection in San Jose, residents must adhere to specific set-out guidelines. Place your recycling cart at the curb by 6⁚00 AM on your designated collection day. Ensure the cart is easily accessible and not obstructed by vehicles, trees, or other objects. Carts should be placed at least three feet away from other carts and any stationary objects.
All recyclable items, including flattened cardboard, must fit inside the cart. Overfilled carts or loose items may not be collected. For excess cardboard, consider saving it for the following week’s collection. Avoid placing any non-recyclable items in the cart, as this can contaminate the entire load. By following these simple guidelines, you contribute to the effectiveness of San Jose’s recycling program and help keep our community clean and green. Remember to close the lid to prevent items from blowing away.
Recycling Centers in San Jose
Beyond curbside programs, San Jose offers various recycling centers. These facilities handle specific materials or larger quantities. Find locations and their specializations to recycle effectively.
List of Recycling Centers and Their Specializations
San Jose boasts a network of recycling centers that cater to diverse materials. OLM Recycling Services and Ranch Town Recycling Center are popular choices, accepting various recyclables. Valley Services, Story Road Recycling, and Jado Recycling also offer comprehensive recycling options for residents.
For metal recycling, SAN JOSE METALS RECYCLING and Radius Recycling (formerly Schnitzer Steel) are excellent resources. Leo Recycle and ASC Recycling provide additional options for handling your recyclable materials. These centers often specialize in specific materials, ensuring proper processing and diversion from landfills.
Each center may have unique acceptance criteria and hours of operation. Therefore, it is crucial to contact them directly or visit their websites for detailed information. By utilizing these recycling centers, residents contribute to San Jose’s high diversion rate and promote environmental sustainability.
Ranch Town Recycling
Ranch Town Recycling, located in San Jose, CA, is a dedicated recycling center offering cash for scrap metal and other recyclable items. They are a valuable resource for residents seeking to responsibly dispose of materials while earning some money. Ranch Town Recycling accepts a variety of items, making it a convenient option for many.
If you need assistance getting rid of scrap metal or other recyclables, Ranch Town Recycling is ready to help. They pride themselves on providing excellent service and fair prices for materials. To learn more about accepted materials and current pricing, contact them directly at 408-292-3333.
Choosing Ranch Town Recycling supports local recycling efforts and contributes to San Jose’s commitment to waste diversion. Their convenient location and cash payment system make recycling accessible and rewarding for the community. Remember to check their operating hours before visiting to ensure they are open for drop-offs.
OLM Recycling Services
OLM Recycling Services is recognized as a top recycling center in San Jose, CA, offering comprehensive recycling solutions for various materials. Known for their efficient and reliable services, OLM Recycling caters to both individual and commercial needs. They provide an environmentally responsible way to dispose of unwanted items, contributing to San Jose’s sustainability goals.
Residents and businesses can rely on OLM Recycling to process a wide range of recyclables. They focus on maximizing the recovery of valuable resources from waste streams. OLM Recycling adheres to industry best practices, ensuring that materials are processed efficiently and effectively.
For those seeking a reputable recycling center in San Jose, OLM Recycling Services is a great option. Contact them to inquire about specific materials they accept and their operating hours. Their commitment to environmental stewardship makes them a valuable asset to the San Jose community. Support their efforts by choosing them for your recycling needs.
What Can and Cannot Be Recycled
Understanding what materials are recyclable and what are not is crucial for effective recycling. Knowing the rules helps minimize contamination and maximizes resource recovery in San Jose.
Common Recycling Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common recycling mistakes is “wish-cycling,” where items are placed in the recycling bin with the hope that they are recyclable, even if unsure. This can contaminate the entire batch. Food residue on containers is another frequent issue; make sure to rinse containers before recycling them. Plastic bags are a significant problem; they should never go in your curbside bin but can often be recycled at grocery stores.
Tangling hazards like hoses, cords, and wires should also be kept out of the recycling stream. Polystyrene foam, batteries, light bulbs, and paint are also common contaminants.
Knowing what not to recycle is just as important as knowing what to recycle. Avoiding these mistakes will improve San Jose’s recycling efforts and keep costs down.
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) requires special disposal methods and should never be placed in regular trash or recycling bins. Common HHW includes batteries, paint, pesticides, cleaning products, and electronics. These items contain materials that can be harmful to the environment and human health if not handled properly.
San Jose provides resources for residents to safely dispose of HHW. Check the city’s Environmental Services Department website for locations and schedules of drop-off events. Some retailers may also offer take-back programs for certain items, like batteries and electronics.
Proper HHW disposal is crucial for protecting our community and environment. By following guidelines and utilizing available resources, San Jose residents can contribute to a safer and more sustainable city. Never pour HHW down drains or into the storm drains.
Resources for Residents
Find helpful information and resources for San Jose residents to promote recycling. Contact the City of San Jose or GreenTeam for more information about recycling.
City of San Jose Environmental Services Department
The City of San Jose Environmental Services Department (ESD) plays a vital role in managing waste and promoting recycling throughout the city. ESD oversees various programs and initiatives to ensure environmental sustainability and resource conservation. Residents can contact the ESD for information regarding recycling guidelines, collection schedules, and proper waste disposal methods. The department also provides educational resources to help residents understand the importance of recycling and how to participate effectively.
ESD is committed to improving San Jose’s diversion rate and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. Through collaboration with local partners and community engagement, the department strives to create a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents. You can visit their website or call for further assistance.
GreenTeam of San Jose Contact Information
For any inquiries related to recycling, garbage, or yard waste services in San Jose, residents can reach out to GreenTeam of San Jose. GreenTeam is a local waste collection company partnering with the City of San Jose to provide essential services. Their contact number is 408-282-4400, and they are available from 8 AM to 6 PM. You can schedule services, report missed collections, or address any service-related issues.
GreenTeam also offers educational resources to help residents understand recycling guidelines and proper waste disposal methods. Whether you need to change your container size or have general questions about recycling, their customer service representatives are available to assist. They can provide information on recycling schedules for your specific location and clarify what materials are accepted in recycling bins.