Recycle by City
Santa Monica
Household recycling guide
How to dispose of just about anything, responsibly.
RECYCLING CART
RECYCLING CART
These recyclables are taken to a recycling facility where they are processed back into raw materials for reuse.
glass jars
glass beverage bottles
wine, beer, soda
fliers, letters, printer paper, holiday cards, envelopes, postcards
phone books, paperback books
magazines
hardback books
Give used
books, CDs and DVDs new life...
sticky notes
(aka: Post It® notes)
newspapers
gift wrap
wrapping paper, gift bags (with strings removed)
No metallic or glittery paper
cardboard boxes
shipping, moving, office etc.
food boxes
cereal, pasta, frozen food, etc.
separate the liners before recycling
rolls
toilet paper, paper towel, gift wrap, etc.
Empty, clean and dry all recyclable containers before putting them in blue cart.
Keep food and liquids out.
plastic bathroom containers
bottles, tubs, jugs and their lids
(#1, #2, #5 only)
plastic kitchen
containers
bottles, tubs, jugs, and their lids
plastic laundry & cleaning supply bottles
plastic
takeout containers
Clean and dry.
(#1, #2, #5 only)
milk and juice jugs
aluminum cans
beer, soda, etc.
foil takeout containers, foil trays
aluminum foil balls
steel cans
coffee, soup, vegetables, pet food, etc.
ORGANICS CART
ORGANICS CART
These items are turned into nutrient-rich compost and mulch.
food
including meat, vegetables, bones and leftovers
Fruits, vegetables
oily or food crusted
cardboard
TIP: tear off the greasy
parts and recycle the rest
greasy or food-soiled paper
Paper that is coated or lined can't be composted, place it in the trash.
napkins and tissues
paper towels
grass clippings
garden trimmings
plants, flowers, leaves, brush
branches
4” diameter, 4’ long
disposable wooden chopsticks
wooden popsicle sticks, stir sticks
NO CURBSIDE DISPOSAL
NO CURBSIDE DISPOSAL
These items are considered hazardous and can't be disposed of curbside. To order free pickup call 800-714-1195 or fill out the Pickup Request Form.
Did you know you can schedule home collection for these items?
Use caution when disposing of broken fluorescent
light bulbs...
Household Chemicals
products with corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients
Order free pickup:
1-800-714-1195
TRASH CART
TRASH CART
This is the stuff that goes into landfills and remains there for generations. Reduce or reuse these items whenever possible.
Drop-off packing peanuts for reuse at local shipping stores like UPS.
polystyrene & styrofoam
takeout containers, cups, plates, packing peanuts, coolers
cartons
Plastic cups
(clear & opaque)
fast food cups and straws
plastic utensils
all biodegradable and compostable plastics,
utensils, plates, bags
VHS tapes
shredded paper
diapers
disposable, compostable, and biodegradable
plastic bags and other soft plastics
bubble wrap
plastic hangers
Hangers in good condition can be donated to thrift stores.
Don't treat your old clothes like trash...
Santa Monica's partner
USAgain accepts used clothing and shoes in any condition.
Enter your zip code for the dropbox nearest you.
potato chip bags, candy bar wrappers, coffee bags, etc. with plastic on the outside and foil on the inside.
foil drink pouches and straws
garden hoses
pet food bags
animal waste
incandescent light bulbs
(fluorescent light bulbs cannot be disposed of curbside, please see orange section below).
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