As a new resident of Ocean Hills Country Club who has lived in San Diego for over 30 years, I thought I knew everything about recycling. But. moving here and reviewing the latest information in the Oceanside Residential Guide opened my eyes to new practices and regulations.
I’m excited to share what I’ve learned to help you make the most of our community’s waste management programs.
California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383): Aiming for Sustainability
SB 1383 aims to reduce organic waste in landfills, cutting down on methane emissions. Here are the key goals:
- 75% Reduction: Divert 75% of organic waste from landfills by 2025.
- 20% Recovery: Rescue at least 20% of currently disposed edible food by 2025.
- Methane Reduction: Significantly cut methane emissions to combat climate change.
Did you know that organic waste currently makes up about 40% of the material in California landfills? Reducing this not only conserves landfill space, but also mitigates climate change by lowering methane emissions.
Understanding Recycling: What Goes Where?
What to Recycle:
- Paper: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, and cardboard.
- Plastics: Bottles, containers, and jugs labeled with recycling symbols #1 through #7.
- Metals: Aluminum cans, tin cans, and empty aerosol cans.
- Glass: Bottles and jars of any color.
What NOT to Recycle:
- Plastic Bags: These can cause issues at recycling facilities. Instead, return them to grocery stores that accept them.
- Styrofoam: Not recyclable through curbside programs.
- Plastic Utensils: These are generally not recyclable.
- Broken Glass, Ceramics, and Mirrors: These should be disposed of in the trash.
HOW to Recycle:
- Clean and Dry: Ensure all recyclables are free from food residue and liquids.
- Loose Items: Place recyclables loose in the bin, not in plastic bags.
- Flatten Boxes: Save space by flattening cardboard boxes.
Composting: Turning Waste into Nutrients
What to Compost:
- Green Waste: Grass clippings, leaves, and plant trimmings.
- Food Scraps: Fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells, and tea bags.
- Paper Products: Uncoated paper plates, paper towels, and napkins.
What NOT to Compost:
- Meat, dairy products, and bones.
- Fats, oils, and grease.
- Plastic, glass, and metal items.
Trash Day: The Do’s and Don’ts
- Separate Waste: Use the blue bin for recyclables, green for organic waste, and gray/black for trash.
- Proper Placement: Place bins at the curb with the wheels facing your home. Ensure they are at least three feet apart and away from obstacles like parked cars or mailboxes.
- Collection Schedule: Pick-up day here in Ocean Hills Country Club is on Wednesdays.
- Bin Placement Timing: Place your bins out no earlier than 4:00 PM the day before collection and no later than 6:00 AM on collection day. Retrieve them by 10:00 PM on the day of collection.
- Bin Maintenance: Keep bins clean to avoid pests and odors.
By following these guidelines, we can all contribute to a cleaner, greener Ocean Hills Country Club. Embracing zero waste practices not only benefits our environment, but also enhances our community’s well-being. Let’s work together to make a positive impact!
Happy Recycling and Composting!
For more information visit WM.
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