Setting Up a Recycling Program at Home

The following simple guidelines will help you recycle at home. If you don't have curbside recycling, this is the perfect way to make recycling an easy part of your daily routine.

Determine Where Materials Will Be Recycled

Decide if you want to set up a collection service with a franchise hauler, or if you want to donate the recyclables or receive payment for them (California Redemption Value containers).

Select Storage Location

Pick a location in your home, garage or backyard/patio that is easily accessible for everyone in your household. If your storage area is convenient, recycling becomes a daily habit.

Select Storage Receptacles

Consider convenience, price, space, weight and ease of cleaning when selecting your storage containers. Stackable plastic bins, crates, boxes and grocery bags are good options. Make sure that your recycling containers look different from your trash receptacles.

Returning Your Recyclables

You can drop off your recyclables at a variety of recycling centers, including Park & Recreation Centers, the Miramar Recycling Center, some grocery stores and a number of privately-owned centers.

Program Maintenance

Once you've started recycling, there are a couple tips to consider:

• Keep the containers clean before recycling. Leaky soda cans or food containers could pose an ant problem.

• If you choose to take your recyclables to a buyback center, it is recommended you separate your recyclables in the proper containers (glass in the glass container, plastics in the plastics container, etc.) to make recycling much easier and quicker at the drop-off site.

Help Is Close By

For help starting your program, call Environmental Services at (858) 694-7000.