Chloe Zhang
The topic of acceptable plastics for recycling in Sacramento County is a complex one, with some changes to the rules over the years. The county's Department of Waste Management and Recycling accepts most plastic bottles and containers in its curbside collection carts, but there are some exceptions and important details to note. For example, as of 2018, plastic bags are no longer accepted by the recycling processor facilities that the county contracts with.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic containers | Accepted (numbers 1-7) |
| Plastic bags | Not accepted |
| Plastic bottle caps | Not accepted |
| Plastic food and beverage containers | Accepted |
| Lids | Accepted |
| Plastic foam | Not accepted |
| Styrofoam | Not accepted |
| Shredded paper | Not accepted |
| Ink cartridges | Accepted |
| Cell phones | Accepted |
| Oil and filters | Accepted |
| Medical waste | Accepted |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic containers numbered 1-7 are accepted
Sacramento County's Department of Waste Management and Recycling does not discriminate based on code numbers and accepts most plastic bottles and containers in its curbside collection carts. However, it's always good to check with the county's policies, as these can change over time. For example, plastic bags are no longer accepted by the recycling processor facilities that the county contracts with.
It's important to prepare your plastic containers properly before placing them in the recycling cart. Make sure they are empty, rinsed, and dried. You don't need to wash them with soap, but it's good to give them a quick rinse to remove any remaining food particles. Lids are also accepted for recycling.
If you're ever unsure about whether a plastic container is recyclable or how to dispose of it properly, you can use the city's Waste Wizard application on the Public Works website. This tool will help you determine which bin your plastic belongs in or if it needs to be disposed of differently. Additionally, the SacRecycle app also has a Waste Wizard tool that can provide guidance on recycling specific items.
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Plastic bags are no longer accepted
As of 2018, plastic bags are no longer accepted by recycling processor facilities in Sacramento County. This means that items in recycling and green waste carts should not be bagged. The change came about as a result of a chain reaction stretching from China to Northern California. The Chinese government, which used to receive the bulk of West Coast recyclables, began a campaign to deter the import of contaminated materials and economically inefficient recyclables.
Sacramento County's Department of Waste Management and Recycling does not explicitly discriminate on the basis of Code Number and accepts most plastic bottles and containers in its curbside collection carts. However, the county's recycling policies have been changing. Brenda Bongiorno, the communications and media officer for Sacramento County, stated that plastic bags are no longer accepted by the recycling processor facilities with which the county contracts.
The city of Sacramento, on the other hand, has different recycling guidelines. It states that plastic containers one through seven are recyclable materials. However, mixed plastics, which are labelled with Codes 4-7, are harder to reuse and are thus less appealing in the recycling market. The city of Sacramento's guidelines also include plastic bags and shredded paper in the list of items that are not accepted in recycling bins.
To help residents determine what can and cannot be recycled, the city of Sacramento has a "Waste Wizard" tool on its Public Works website. This tool allows residents to look up specific items and find out if they can be recycled in the city. Additionally, the SacRecycle app also has a "waste wizard" feature, which can be used to check if an item is recyclable or not.
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Plastic bottle caps are not recyclable
In Sacramento County, the Department of Waste Management and Recycling accepts most plastic bottles and containers in its curbside collection carts. However, it is important to note that plastic bottle caps are not recyclable and should not be placed in the recycling bin.
The county's guidelines state that empty, dry plastic food and beverage containers, including their lids, are acceptable for recycling. This includes plastic containers numbered 1 through 7, which are typically used for soft drink bottles, grocery bags, and other common items. However, it's important to separate the lids or bottle caps from the containers before recycling.
While the county accepts most plastic bottles and containers, there are some exceptions. For instance, plastic bags are no longer accepted by the recycling processor facilities that the county contracts with. This means that items in recycling carts should not be bagged. Additionally, shredded paper and Styrofoam are also not accepted for recycling and should be placed in the trash.
If residents are unsure about how to properly dispose of an item, Sacramento County recommends using the Waste Wizard application on the Public Works website. This tool helps residents determine whether an item belongs in the recycling, trash, or organic waste bin. It is always better to throw an item away if you are unsure, rather than risk contaminating an entire load of recycling.
To ensure effective recycling, it is important to rinse and dry plastic containers before placing them in the recycling bin. Removing tape, stickers, and labels from containers is also recommended. By following these guidelines, residents of Sacramento County can do their part in reducing plastic waste and contributing to a more sustainable environment.
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Ink cartridges and cell phones can be recycled
In Sacramento County, only plastics with Codes 1-3 are accepted for recycling. Mixed plastics, which are typically labelled with Codes 4-7, are harder to reuse and are not worth much in the recycling market. The county's recycling processor facilities no longer accept plastic bags, and items in recycling bins should not be bagged.
Empty ink cartridges can also be refilled and reused, reducing waste and saving money. However, it is important to contact facilities directly to find out about any restrictions and charges they may have.
Cell phones can be recycled as part of Sacramento County's e-waste recycling program. E-waste is an informal term for electronic products that are nearing the end of their "useful life," including computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines. Before recycling a cell phone, it is important to remove all sensitive and personal information from its memory. This can be done using drive cleaning software from a local software store.
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Plastic food and beverage containers are recyclable
Sacramento County's Department of Waste Management and Recycling does not discriminate based on Code Number and accepts most plastic bottles and containers in its curbside collection carts. However, it is worth noting that the county's recycling policies have been changing. For example, plastic bags are no longer accepted by the recycling processor facilities that the county contracts with. Therefore, it is recommended to check the county's website or use resources like the Waste Wizard application or the SacRecycle app to determine which items are acceptable for recycling.
It is also important to remove any tape, sticker labels, and plastic label pockets from containers before recycling them. Additionally, while cardboard boxes are generally recyclable, they should not contain any wax or food residue. It is also recommended to avoid recycling receipts from cash registers as they cannot be burned.
It is worth noting that the market for recyclable items has become more complicated, and the best way to reduce plastic waste is to minimize plastic use, reuse materials, and ensure that only acceptable items are placed in the recycling bin. By following these guidelines and staying informed about any updates to the recycling rules, residents of Sacramento County can do their part in properly recycling plastic food and beverage containers.
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Frequently asked questions
Sacramento County generally accepts clean plastic items numbered 1 through 7. These include plastic bottles and containers, lids, and grocery bags.
Plastic bags, plastic foam, and shredded paper are not accepted for recycling in Sacramento County. Plastic items with a "'chasing arrow'" symbol (three arrows in a triangle) are also not allowed in curbside recycling carts.
Yes, the city of Sacramento has a "'Waste Wizard'" tool on its Public Works website to help residents determine if an item is recyclable. There is also a SacRecycle app with a similar feature.
Bottle caps and plastic labels are generally not recyclable and often end up in landfills. It is also important to note that containers with food residue may not be accepted for recycling and should be rinsed or cleaned before recycling.
