Resource Category: Recycling

How to Have a Plastic Free Summer

 

Plastic is ubiquitous, and sadly, it does not biodegrade. Instead, it goes through a process called photodegradation, which means the sun’s UV light actually breaks down the plastic into smaller and smaller pieces until it is so incredibly tiny we can hardly see it. Microplastics and the chemicals and toxins that it takes to create plastic, will regrettably, be in the environment forever.

Some main sources of plastic pollution are straws. The history of straws is built mostly on convenience and are not recyclable. It’s easy to say no to straws, simply ask your server or local barista to go sans straw. It might be intimidating the first few tries, but with enough practice and exposure, it will become second nature to ask for a drink without a straw. If you can’t go without a straw, grab yourself a reusable straw for when you are on the go. Stainless steel straws are always a great reusable option.

Next, swap out your traditional toothbrush for a bamboo handle toothbrush. Instead of heading to a landfill like a traditional toothbrush, bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable, but remember to remove the bristles from the handle before you toss it into a compost bin. Alternatively, you can purchase toothbrushes that are made from recycled plastic, one of the more well-known brushes is created from recycled yogurt cups!

Another great area to reduce your plastic consumption is in  hygiene products. From toiletries, to dish soap, to laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies, they practically all come in plastic packaging. Rethinking the way you purchase these products will drastically reduce your plastic footprint. Purchase bar soaps for the shower and specialized bar soap for the kitchen sink. Make your own chemical free cleaner and house it in an old jam jar. Craft your own 3 ingredient toothpaste. Purchase powder laundry soap that comes in a cardboard box. Choose to implement just one of these and you are on your way to a plastic free mentality!

Next, buy fresh, smart, and in bulk. When you purchase fresh food, it normally doesn’t come in packaging. Instead of reaching for the conveniently packaged and peeled baby carrots, grab a handful of loose large carrots instead. In the mood for trail mix? Instead of purchasing plastic bagged fruits and nuts, search for a grocery store near you that offers trail mix by the pound in a bulk section, and bring your own glass jars to fill it up! Stores like Sprouts, the Ocean Beach People’s Food Co-Op, and The Mighty Bin are always stocked up with tasty options!

So there you have it, a little inspiration to jump start your journey to going plastic free! For more resources on waste management and disposal, check out our free online database, WastefreeSD.org or call our hotline at 1-800-237-BLUE (Incorporated Residents) or 1-877-R-1-EARTH (Unincorporated Residents). 

Don’t worry if you can’t give up all plastic cold turkey. Ease into it, every simple swap or small step helps preserve our shared environment! Decide to make a couple personal lifestyle adjustments and other plastic free alternatives will flow into your routine naturally!

Oil Filter Exchange Event on Saturday, June 1, 2024 – Autozone

Check out the flyer here

SD County Used Oil & Oil Filter Recycling Event:

Join I Love A Clean San Diego, in partnership with the County of San Diego, Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at your participating Auto Zone Auto Parts to recycle your used oil and oil filter! Bring in a used oil filter and receive a new one for free.
 1081 S Mission Rd, Fallbrook
 12421 Woodside Ave, Lakeside
 370 Pala Street, Ramona
 699 Sweetwater Rd, Spring Valley
 9710 Campo Rd, Spring Valley
For more information visit WasteFreeSD.org or call 877-R-1-EARTH
Limit 5 gallons of used oil per day, per person.
One free filter per person. Limit 2 filters per household.
Offer valid only during the specified date, time, and place listed above.
Free filter must be of equal or lesser value, not to exceed $17 before taxes.

Evento de Reciclaje de Aceite y Filtro:

El aceite usado de un cambio de aceite puede contaminar un millón de galones de agua dulce. ¡Haz tu parte por tu comunidad y recicla tu filtro de aceite y aceite usado juntos! ¡Trae un filtro de aceite usado y recibe uno nuevo gratis el Sábado, 1 de Junio, 10:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m. en las tiendas participantes Auto Zone Auto Parts. Gracias a el Condado de San Diego por patrocinar este evento.
 1081 S Mission Rd, Fallbrook
 12421 Woodside Ave, Lakeside
 370 Pala Street, Ramona
 699 Sweetwater Rd, Spring Valley
 9710 Campo Rd, Spring Valley
Para más información visita WasteFreeSD.org o llamas 877-R-1-EARTH
Límite de reciclaje: 5 galones de aceite usado por día, por persona.
Un filtro gratis por persona. Limite de dos filtros por hogar.
Oferta de filtro gratis válida unicamente durante la fecha, hora y lugares mencionados.
El filtro gratis debe ser de igual o de menor valor, sin exceder $17 antes de impuestos.

Spring Cleaning: Tips To Declutter & Refresh Your Home This Season

Spring is here! There is no better time for some spring cleaning! Decluttering your home of unwanted items, thoroughly cleaning room to room, wiping the dirt off every nook and cranny you can find – these are all a part of the exciting (and sometimes tedious) spring cleaning routine. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of tips on where to donate or recycle items you no longer need and DIY recipes for your home cleaning needs.

Cleaning Out Your Closet

Donating your clothes to non-profit organizations will ensure you’re donating to a good cause and helping those in need.

San Diego Rescue Mission 

San Diego Rescue Mission accepts clothing and shoes that are fairly new or gently used. They take into account the wishes of the donor and your requests on how the items you donate will be used. Most of their donations are given to students and guests at the San Diego Rescue Mission according to their needs.

Father Joe’s

Father Joe’s accepts clothing and shoes that are clean and gently used and resells them at their thrift stores. The money collected from reselling the donations goes directly towards helping the homeless population in San Diego.

Many mail-in programs exist for clothing and shoe donations, where most items are sent to developing countries for people who are poverty stricken and are in need of clothes.

Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls is a free mail-in program which aims to turn unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunity, creating jobs and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty. Shoes are distributed to people in need and are also used to help people launch and sustain their own small businesses selling donated shoes and clothing.

Retold Recycling

Retold Recycling is a mail-in program that accepts damaged or very worn-out clothes and textiles (blankets, towels, bed linens, etc.) for recycling. Whether it’s just one sock or a full bag of clothing, Retold makes sure none of it ends up in the landfill. The items are sorted by type and quality and are then sent to thrift stores, charities, upcyclers, recycling companies, and developing countries to support micro-economies.

USAgain Drop Off Bins

USAgain accepts clothing and shoes that are in reusable condition. Items in fairly good condition are given to people who don’t have the option to buy new clothes, allowing them to conserve funds for other basic necessities such as food, shelter, and education. Some are sold to small shop owners or second-hand stores who are in need of products to make ends meet. Items that are battered, such as fabric scraps, are either reused as wiping rags or shredded to insulation material for appliances and vehicles.

Many clothing brands have a take-back program. If you bring back a used item, you could get a discount to purchase a new item.

Madewell

Madewell has a Do-Well recycling program in place where they offer free repairs in stores for patching, mending, and other fixes. Used jeans are also available for purchase at their stores. If you have fallen out of love with your jeans, you can turn them in at Madewell, which then turns those old bootcuts into housing insulation for communities in need.

Patagonia 

Patagonia has a Worn Wear program where you are able to trade in or mail in used Patagonia garments that are still in good condition in exchange for store credit. They also offer a used clothing section as well as repair services in order to expand the lifespan of clothing and keep them out of the landfills.

North Face

North Face accepts used apparel and footwear in any condition and brand at their stores and rewards $10 towards your next purchase when you sign up for their XPLR Pass. Approved items are then washed, prepped and sold through the North Face Renewed program, donated, or recycled. First time users get a 10% discount on purchases too!

To Clean Everything Else: Sustainable Cleaning Recipes

All-Purpose Cleaner 
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 tsp. biodegradable liquid soap or borax
  • 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice (cuts grease)

Directions: Fill a spray bottle with hot water. Add soap and vinegar or lemon juice. Shake the bottle gently to dissolve the ingredients.

Floor Cleaner 
  • 2 cups warm water 1/4 cup biodegradable liquid soap or detergent
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar or lemon juice

Directions: Combine the ingredients in a large plastic bucket. Use it with a mop or sponge.

Glass Cleaner 
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/8 cup vinegar

Directions: Fill bottle with both ingredients and shake for 30 seconds. Use on all types of glass surfaces, including mirrors.

Tub and Tile Cleaner
  • 1/2 cup baking soda Enough liquid soap to make a frosting-like consistency
  • 5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice. (Pro tip: Try using eucalyptus, tea tree or Peppermint oil!)

Directions: Place baking soda in a bowl and slowly pour in liquid soap, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the consistency of frosting. Add drops of essential oil (optional). Scrub surface with sponge and mixture, and rinse.

Toilet Cleaner 
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 1 cup vinegar

Directions: Place baking soda in a bowl and slowly pour in liquid soap, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches the consistency of frosting. Add drops of essential oil (optional). Scrub surface with sponge and mixture, and rinse.

Christmas Tree Recycling Guide 2023

Convenient Christmas tree recycling drop-off and curbside locations are offered throughout the region.

The holiday season is here! Convenient Christmas tree recycling curbside and drop-off locations are offered throughout the region and are a great way to help divert your Christmas tree from the landfill following the holiday festivities.

Why Recycle Your Christmas Tree?
When organic materials like Christmas trees, food, and other yard clippings are sent to the landfill, they release methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide in warming the atmosphere. Proper disposal prevents needless organic material from occupying space in our crowded San Diego landfills. Recycled Christmas trees are made into mulch, which is then used to improve soil health at public parks, local farms, and homes.

Where to Recycle Your Christmas Tree?

Curbside

Drop-off Locations

Still not sure where to take your Christmas tree for recycling after reviewing this list? Call I Love a Clean San Diego’s hotline for help from a live attendant Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Incorporated County Residents, please call 1-800-237-BLUE

Unincorporated County Residents, please call 1-877-R-1-EARTH

 

Recycling Motor Oil & Filters

Need some guidance and how and where to dispose of motor oil? Read more about how to responsibly recycle motor oil in San Diego

Did you know the used oil from one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water if not properly recycled? Do your part for your community and recycle your used oil and oil filter together!

Used Motor oil is insoluble, persistent, and can contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals such as benzene, lead, zinc, and cadmium. Motor oil that is illegally dumped, thrown in the trash, or poured into storm drains pollute the soil and water. The good news? Used motor oil can be recycled, cleaned and used again, ensuring that it doesn’t contaminate local waterways and pollute our environment. Used oil filters also contain  scrap metal that can be recycled into new, valuable products.

Where can I recycle motor oil and oil filters?

There are more than 200 certified collection centers in San Diego County that accept used motor oil and oil filters from the public for recycling year-round. Many auto parts store will accept motor oil and oil filters for free, but we recommend calling the store to ensure hours of operation and limitations. For certified collection facilities near you visit www.WasteFreeSD.org

How to prepare your oil filter for recycling:

  1. Turn the filter upside down allowing it to drain completely into your container for used oil recycling.
  2. Allow the filter to drain for about 24 hours to remove all the oil before placing in a plastic bag.

What if the motor oil is mixed with another liquid?

Remember to never mix motor oil with other liquids when changing the oil from your car. Motor oil is that is mixed with water or other liquids such as antifreeze, solvents, or gasoline is not accepted at certified collection facilities and should be taken to your local household hazardous waste collection facility.

Are the motor oil containers recyclable?

Yes, empty motor oil containers can be recycled in your recycling bin. Ensure that containers are completely empty (leave upside down for 24 hours) before recycling and remember to leave the caps on!.

How often do you change your motor oil?

Don’t go by the sticker on the windshield or by what your service center suggests! Chances are good you don’t need an oil change as often as you think.  Less frequent oil changes means more money in your wallet. Some new vehicles can go as long as 15,000 miles before needing an oil change, usually with synthetic oil. Synthetic oil may cost a bit more up front, but it can save you money in the long-run.
Find the recommendation for your vehicle HERE – all you need is the year, make and model.

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¿Sabía que el aceite usado de un cambio de aceite puede contaminar un millón de galones de agua dulce si no se recicla adecuadamente? Ponga su granito de arena por su comunidad y recicle juntos el aceite usado y el filtro de aceite.

El aceite de motor usado es insoluble, persistente y puede contener metales pesados y sustancias químicas tóxicas como el benceno, el plomo, el zinc y el cadmio. El aceite de motor que se vierte ilegalmente, se tira a la basura o se vierte en los desagües pluviales contamina el suelo y el agua. ¿La buena noticia? El aceite de motor usado puede reciclarse, limpiarse y volver a utilizarse, lo que garantiza que no contamine las vías fluviales locales ni el medio ambiente. Los filtros de aceite usados también contienen chatarra que puede ser reciclada en nuevos y valiosos productos.

¿Dónde puedo reciclar el aceite de motor y los filtros de aceite?

Hay más de 200 centros de recolección certificados en el Condado de San Diego que aceptan aceite de motor y filtros de aceite usados del público para su reciclaje durante todo el año. Muchas tiendas de recambios de automóviles aceptan gratuitamente aceite de motor y filtros de aceite, pero le recomendamos que llame a la tienda para asegurarse de los horarios de apertura y las limitaciones. Para conocer las instalaciones de recolección certificadas más cercanas a usted, visite www.WasteFreeSD.org

Cómo preparar su filtro de aceite para el reciclaje:

  1. Ponga el filtro boca abajo permitiendo que se vacíe completamente en su contenedor para el reciclaje de aceite usado.
  2. Deje que el filtro drene durante unas 24 horas para eliminar todo el aceite antes de colocarlo en una bolsa de plástico.

¿Qué ocurre si el aceite de motor está mezclado con otro líquido?

Recuerde que nunca debe mezclar el aceite de motor con otros líquidos cuando cambie el aceite de su vehículo. El aceite de motor que esté mezclado con agua u otros líquidos como anticongelante, disolventes o gasolina no se acepta en las instalaciones de recolección certificadas y debe llevarse a su instalación local de recolección de residuos peligrosos del hogar.

¿Son reciclables los envases de aceite de motor?

Sí, los envases de aceite de motor vacíos pueden reciclarse en su contenedor de reciclaje. ¡Asegúrese de que los envases estén completamente vacíos (déjelos boca abajo durante 24 horas) antes de reciclarlos y recuerde dejar los tapones puestos!

¿Cada cuánto tiempo cambia el aceite de su motor?

¡No se guíe por la pegatina del parabrisas o por lo que le sugiera su centro de servicio! Lo más probable es que no necesite un cambio de aceite tan a menudo como cree.  Un cambio de aceite menos frecuente significa más dinero en su cartera. Algunos vehículos nuevos pueden recorrer hasta 15,000 millas antes de necesitar un cambio de aceite, normalmente con aceite sintético. El aceite sintético puede costar un poco más por adelantado, pero puede ahorrarle dinero a largo plazo.
Encuentre la recomendación para su vehículo AQUÍ – lo único que necesita es el año, la marca y el modelo.

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Alam mo bang ang gamit nang oil mula sa isang pagpapalit ng oil ay maaaring magkontamina ng isang milyong galon ng sariwang tubig kung hindi ire-recycle nang maayos? Gampanan ang tungkulin mo para sa iyong komunidad at i-recycle pareho ang iyong gamit nang oil at oil filter!

Ang gamit nang motor oil ay hindi natutunaw, hindi nawawala, at maaaring maglaman ng mga heavy metal at nakakalasong kemikal tulad ng benzene, lead, zinc, at cadmium. Ang motor oil na ilegal na itinatapon, inilalagay sa basurahan, o ibinubuhos sa mga kanal ay nagdudulot ng polusyon sa lupa at tubig. Ang magandang balita? Maaaring i-recycle, linisin, at gamitin ulit ang motor oil, na nakakatulong sa pagtiyak na hindi nito makokontamina ang mga lokal na katubigan at hindi ito magdudulot ng polusyon sa ating kapaligiran. Ang mga gamit nang oil filter ay naglalaman din ng scrap metal na maaaring i-recycle sa panibagong produktong mapapakinabangan.

Saan ko maaaring i-recycle ang motor oil at mga oil filter?

Mayroong mahigit 200 sertipikadong sentro ng pangongolekta sa County ng San Diego na tumatanggap ng gamit nang motor oil at mga oil filter mula sa publiko na ire-recycle sa buong taon. Maraming tindahan ng mga piyesa ng sasakyan ang tatanggap ng motor oil at mga oil filter nang libre, pero inirerekomenda naming tawagan ang tindahan para matiyak ang mga oras ng operasyon at mga limitasyon. Para sa mga sertipikadong pasilidad sa pangongolekta na malapit sa iyo, bumisita sa www.WasteFreeSD.org

Paano ihanda ang iyong oil filter para sa pagre-recycle:

1. Itaob ang filter para maisalin ang lahat ng oil sa iyong lalagyan para sa pagre-recycle ng gamit nang oil.
2. Hayaang maalis ang laman ng filter nang humigit-kumulang 24 na oras para matanggal ang lahat ng oil bago ilagay sa isang plastic bag.

Paano kung naihalo ang motor oil sa ibang likido?

Tandaang huwag na huwag ihahalo ang motor oil sa iba pang likido kapag pinapalitan ang oil mula sa iyong kotse. Ang motor oil na naihalo sa tubig o iba pang likido tulad ng antifreeze, mga solvent, o gasolina ay hindi tinatanggap sa mga sertipikadong pasilidad sa pangongolekta at dapat itong dalhin sa iyong lokal na pasilidad sa pangongolekta ng mapanganib na basura mula sa sambahayan.

Maaari bang i-recycle ang mga lalagyan ng motor oil?

Oo, maaaring i-recycle sa iyong recycle bin ang mga walang lamang lalagyan ng motor oil. Tiyaking wala talagang laman ang mga lalagyan (hayaang nakataob nang 24 na oras) bago i-recycle at tandaang ilagay ang takip!

Gaano kadalas kang nagpapalit ng iyong motor oil?

Huwag lang basta sundin ang sticker sa windshield o sa iminumungkahi ng iyong service center! Malaki ang tsansang hindi mo kailangang magpalit ng oil nang madalas kaysa sa naiisip mo. Mas makakatipid ka kung hindi ka gaano kadalas magpalit ng oil. Nakakatakbo nang hanggang 15,000 milya ang ilang bagong sasakyan bago kailangang magpalit ng oil, ganito ang kadalasang sitwasyon para sa gumagamit ng synthetic oil. Mas mahal ang synthetic oil, pero makakatipid ka sa kalaunan.

Hanapin ang rekomendasyon para sa iyong sasakyan DITO – ang kailangan mo lang ay ang taon, manufacturer, at modelo.