Recycling Info
Information from RecycleSmart of Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority
DEFINITION OF RECYCLABLE CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION DEBRIS
"Construction and Demolition Debris" (C&D) shall mean solid wastes, such as building materials, packaging and inserts resulting from construction, remodeling, repair and demolition operations on pavement, houses, commercial buildings, and other structures, which are suitable for reuse or processing at a recycling facility.
Building materials and solid wastes generated from construction and demolition activities, include, but are not limited to, fully-cured asphalt, concrete, brick, rock, soil, wood, gypsum wallboard, cardboard and other associated packaging, roofing material, ceramic tile, carpeting, fixtures, plastic pipe, metals, tree stumps and other vegetative matter resulting from land clearing and landscaping for construction, deconstruction or land developments.
SB 1383 AND RECYCLESMART ORDINANANCE NO. 19-1 GREEN WASTE REQUIREMENTS
State Law SB 1383 requires diversion of green waste to the greatest extent possible. "Green Waste" is defined in RecycleSmart Ordinance No. 19-1 to mean tree trimmings, grass cuttings, dead plants, leaves, branches, and dead trees (not more than six (6) inches in diameter) and similar materials generated by a Covered Project. Section VI of the Ordinance stipulates that to the extent that Green Waste may be combined in C&D that is transported by an approved Transporter, the permittee shall ensure that the Green Waste is also conveyed to a Certified C&D Recovery Facility.
HAZARDOUS RECYCLING AND WASTE DISPOSAL
Batteries, electronics, household hazardous materials, light bulbs, medical sharps or controlled substances are NOT allowed in any dumpster or collection bin. Here are some options for disposal for those items.
-Battery Recycling: Place in a clear zip lock bag and put them out on top of the blue recycling cart with the weekly garbage collection.
-Electronics: It is illegal to dispose of televisions, computer monitors and most other electronics in the dumpster. The cathode ray tubes (CRTs) contain lead and could contaminate water supplies. Unwanted electronic equipment can be disposed of curbside on their cities "Reuse" Day. See your city website for detailed information on e-waste events. Items can be donated to a non-profit or school. There are specific facilities that take e-waste and other items - refer to your city website.
-Household Hazardous Waste: Household hazardous wastes should never be thrown in the dumpster. All hazardous wastes including paint*, solvents, cleaners, pesticides and MUCH MORE should be taken to the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District's facility at 4797 Imhoff Place, Martinez. (*Dried paint and solvent and cans can be placed in the dumpster with the lids off and inside of containers dry)
-Oil/Anti-freeze/Filter Options: Used motor oil should never be placed in a rented dumpster. Motor oil can be recycled using curbside recycling as long as it is in a supplied disposal container and carefully sealed. Contact your garbage disposal facility for a container. Many auto service stations, auto parts stores and oil changers also accept used motor oil and oil filters for recycling.
-Pharmaceuticals: Unused and expired medications should never be disposed of inside a dumpster. Disposing of unwanted medications properly will help to protect your family, community and environment. Most Police Stations or City Halls will have a collection bin. See your cities website for more information and locations.
-Medical Sharps: Improper management of discarded needles can pose a health risk to the employees of East Bay Dumpster, the public and waste workers. Please dispose of used medical sharps at an approved location. Fire, Police Stations and City Halls have collection containers.
-Light Bulbs: The following light bulbs contain hazardous substances such as mercury, lead and arsenic, which are harmful to human health and the environment, even in small quantities. The following light bulbs should NOT be placed in a rented dumpster.
-Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) - Can be placed in a clear bag and left next to your recycling bin for regular garbage pick up.
-Light Emitting Diode (LED) Bulb - Must be dropped off at the HHW Facility in Martinez
-Fluorescent Tubes, High Intensity Discharge Bulbs and Neon Signs- Must be dropped off at the HHW Facility in Martinez.
-Incandescent and Halogen Bulbs-OK to put in dumpster.
Information gathered from www.recyclesmart.org