How we can help recycle in our community

Published on November 15, 2021

Each of us can do our part to make sure that we continue to recycle, gain knowledge and educate one another on the benefits of recycling. According to “National Geographic,” Americans send 64 tons of waste to landfills during their lifetime. That’s 246 million tons of waste each year. Everyone can help by recycling at home, work or school and buying products made with recycled content.

Recycling benefits

Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators
Conserves natural resources such as timber, water and minerals
Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials
Prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials
Saves energy
Supports American manufacturing and conserves valuable resources
Helps create new well-paying jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries

Below is a list of acceptable recycled materials.

Paper (clean, dry and unsoiled)

Bags (paper only, no plastic)
Cardboard
Catalogs, magazines, envelopes and junk mail
Computer and office paper
Egg cartons (cardboard)
Milk and juice cartons
Newspapers
Packing or craft paper
Phonebooks and softcover books
Shredded paper
Wrapping paper (non-metallic and glitter-free only)

Glass (clean and dry):

Glass bottles and jars only (metal caps and lids too)

Plastic (clean and dry)

Plastic bottles and caps, tubs and containers (such as laundry detergent containers, shampoo bottles and yogurt tubs)
Plastic buckets

Metal (no liquids or food)

Aluminum cans, foil and trays
Caps and lids from bottles, jars and steel/tin cans
Paint and aerosol cans (must be empty or dry)
Steel (tin) cans

For more information, visit the Recology San Mateo County website.