Guidelines for when to recycle

Recycling Tips:

  • 4Rs hierarchy: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot (compost)

  • Bottles, cans and paper are generally recyclable but programs vary by city to so best to check with your city's program (links provided)

  • Chasing arrows recycling symbol designates type of plastic, but doesn't mean that it is recyclable. Most bottle shape (narrow neck) plastics #1 & #2 are recyclable - check city program for your city's details.

  • Recycling is easy: Programs in all cities, saves water, energy and reduces green house gas emissions.
Important recycling websites: Other useful links:

Household Hazardous Waste: pesticides, used motor oil and filters, drain cleaners, sharps, batteries and paint, fluorescent light bulbs and tubes. Resource Area for Teachers (RAFT) - www.raft.net

Provides Bay Area teachers and community groups with a wide range of interactive learning materials, enhancing math, science, technology and art programs.

East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse - www.creativereuse.org

Resource Center where artists, teachers, and the community can find low-cost and valuable materials for reuse while also diverting waste from the landfill.

Freecycle - www.freecycle.org

A grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their towns. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer. Membership is free.

Scrap - www.scrap-sf.org

A non-profit creative reuse center, materials depot and workshop space founded in 1976 in San Francisco.

Robin Plutchok, Program Manager, StopWaste.Org:

Robin Plutchok joined the agency in 2001, and has a number of varied program responsibilities -- including organics, compost bin distribution, incentives programs and multi-family recycling.

She brings private sector environmental experience in the water quality and hazardous waste management field, with an emphasis on public information and outreach. Robin previously served as an environmental educator with the U.S. Peace Corps in Paraguay, and holds a degree in Theatre & Dance from Amherst College.

For more information, visit www.stopwaste.org

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