Here is a short list of what most cities and counties allow in recycling bins or collect at their recycling centers. Always first check out our local city or county recycling page to make sure what is accepted in your curbside/multifamily recycling bins and recycling collection places. Also, check out this list of where to recycle most of the items listed below and more!

Mixed Paper:
Newspapers and inserts, magazines, catalogs, telephone books (check with your local agency to see if you can recycling phone books with mixed paper or a specified drop-off location) and brown paper bags are all recyclable, along with your everyday use office, white and colored paper.

Cardboard:
Corrugated cardboard and other cardboard boxes that are clean and empty.

Plastics:
Plastics are labeled with a number corresponding to their material type.

#1 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), commonly used in soda bottles, cooking oil bottles, peanut butter jars and #2 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), found in milk jugs, grocery bags, and detergent bottles are the most commonly recycled products in almost all cities and counties. #3-5 and #7 may be recycled in some counties. It is very difficult to recycle #6 (polystyrene). As always, check their website for more information on what plastic materials can be recycled. Learn more about the plastic resin identification code here.

Metal:
Aluminum cans, tin/steel cans, aluminum foil, pie plates, and cake pans (all rinsed off and empty). A few local facilities will take back your old metal hangers, but ask them before you go!

Glass:
Glass bottles and jars of all shapes and color.

Electronics:
E-waste is growing as electronic technology grows and our old ones become out-dated. Many such items are now prohibited from entering the waste stream, so locate e-waste recycling resources near you or check your county's recycling page to see where you can drop off unwanted electronics and other items containing potentially hazardous materials, including computers, TVs, VCRs, cell phones fax machines, and microwaves. Also visit erecycle.org for more information and drop off locations.

Remember that e-waste IS recyclable!

• Cell Phones: With the implementation of AB 1901 retailers must now offer take-backs of cell phones. Also check out RBRC Call2Recycle for locations near you for cell phone drop-offs in your area.

Hazardous Materials:

Household hazardous materials can be disposed of or recycled only at household hazardous waste facilities or other authorized locations. Earth 911 has a good search item to find these places. Hazardous materials include antifreeze, household batteries, car batteries, brake and transmission fluid, household cleaners, mercury thermometers, motor oil, and other solvents.

• Batteries: With the implementation of AB 1125 retailers should now be offering take-backs of rechargeable batteries. Also check out RBRC Call2Recycle for locations near you for batteries take-backs near you.
• Fluorescent lights: See CIWMB's site for how to recycle and dispose of them properly.
• Used Motor Oil is also recyclable. Check out the Earth 911 site or your community's recycling page on how to dispose of your used oil properly and NOT down the drain!