Recycling
Q: Where can I recycle? What materials
can I recycle?
A: There are many recycling
centers throughout San Diego that allow you to drop off a variety
of recyclable materials. Read about recycling
to learn how, what and where residents, businesses and the military can
recycle.
Q: Why won't recyclers take certain
plastics?
A: There is not a market for every
plastic in the San Diego area. The regional economy dictates what types
of plastics we can collect.
Q: What should I do with my old
household appliances?
A: There are a number of reputable companies in San Diego that
will recycle your appliances for free or a nominal fee. Some companies
offer a pick-up service, and others offer drop-off sites around the County.
Companies tend to accept different appliances, although the most common
include refrigerators, freezers, ranges, ovens, clothes washers and dryers,
dishwashers, microwave ovens, room air conditioners, trash compactors
and water heaters. Please see Links
and Resources or call Environmental Services at 858-694-7000 for a
list of companies that recycle appliances.
Recycling
Your Appliances:
Since most major appliances consist of about 75% steel, which
can be processed and remelted repeatedly to manufacture new
products, they are a valuable resource. In addition to steel,
appliances have other metals such as copper, aluminum and zinc
that can be recycled. By recycling your appliances, you are saving valuable resources,
energy and landfill space. You are also protecting the environment. For example, refrigerators and many other appliances contain environmentally damaging chemicals such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Freon. The chemicals must first be removed from the appliances
for the safety of our air quality and ozone layer.
Reusing Your Appliances:
If an appliance still works or just needs minor repair, consider donating
it to a local charity or thrift store. Reusing appliances helps benefit
those who cannot afford new appliances. If you need assistance finding
a charity or thrift store, call Environmental Services at 858-694-7000.
Other Tips:
- Ask the store to remove your old appliance when delivering the
new one. Also, buy a new appliance that is energy efficient and
designed for recycling.
- Don't be an illegal dumper! This may seem like an easy solution
to getting rid of your appliance, but it is illegal to do so.
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