America Recycles Day is November 15. Join the City of Carlsbad and Waste Management to celebrate this day by making a commitment to recycle right and to purchase more products made from recycled materials. In 2020, Carlsbad residents and businesses recycled about 24,000 tons of recyclable material! This is significant because these materials were kept out of landfill and ended up as new products. We encourage you to look for items with the highest amount of post-consumer recycled content when shopping. Buying products made from recycled materials is a simple way to help the environment and close the loop in the recycling process. Recycling and buying recycled products is not only good for the environment but it affects your bottom line. Recycling reduces global greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing energy consumed and natural resources. Did you know that when we recycle one ton of paper, we save 17 trees who are playing a vital role in protecting our planet! Your decision to recycle is a good way to build a reputation with your employees and customers, as they will be happy to know that your company cares about the environment.
Now that you know the importance of recycling. Let’s discuss the importance of Recycling Right! Did you know around 20% of what is put in the recycling bins is not recyclable? By eliminating materials that don’t belong, you’ll help ensure recyclables remain valuable, are actually recycled and don’t create a hazard for workers or machinery at the recycling facility.
Recycle Right by knowing how to recycle as well as what to recycle:
Recycling Right means your items are:
- EMPTY. No or very little food residue remaining.
- DRY. No liquids remaining. Liquids can ruin paper, cardboard and other materials, making them unrecyclable.
- LOOSE. Do not bag your recyclables; place them loose in the recycling bin.
Recycling Right means you are including these items in your recycling container:
- Metal food and beverage cans
- Plastic bottles and containers
- Glass bottles and containers
- Paper
- Cardboard
Recycling Right means you are keeping these items out of your recycling container:
- Plastic Bags – Return single use bags to participating grocers or retail outlets.
- Batteries, Fluorescent Tubes/CFL’s, or Electronics – these items can be recycled by contacting a recycling company specializing in these materials.
- Green Waste – Landscaping materials are recycled separately and can be turned into compost or mulch.
- Clothing, Furniture and Carpet – Gently used items can have a second life when donated to those in need.
- Food Waste – Turn this material into enriched soil by composting
Solid waste and recycling regulations impacting businesses
As a business in Carlsbad, you should be aware of these solid waste regulations passed by The State of California that impact your business.
Assembly Bill (AB) 341 – Supports the statewide goal of 75% solid waste diversion by 2020 and requires all businesses and multifamily complexes to have a recycling program.
AB 1826 – Requires all businesses that generate 2 cubic yards or more of solid waste to recycle organic waste.
AB 827 – A companion Bill to AB341 and AB1826 that requires restaurants and other establishments provide organic and recycling containers for customer use, for waste generated on premises.
Senate Bill (SB) 1383 – Sets target goals of greenhouse gas emission reductions along with 75% organic diversion and 20% edible food rescue by 2025.
To find more information on recycling, including local and state mandates, useful tips on reducing waste, composting food and additional resources, visit the city’s Sustainable Materials Management Division at www.carlsbadca.gov/recycling.
And remember, as the nation celebrates America Recycles Day on November 15, make your pledge to Be on the Right Side of Recycling.