santamonica.gov
December 28, 2022 2:51 PM by Yvonne Yeung
This article was featured in the December 2022 edition of Seascape. Read the entire edition in English and Spanish.
On January 1, 2022, the City implemented a new law requiring all people living and working in Santa Monica torecycle organics (i.e. formerlyliving organisms). The City’s zero wastegoal is to reduce landfill disposal to 1.1pounds per person per day (PPD) by 2030. Currently, we are at 3.5 PPD. By moving recyclable materials out of the black landfill trash containers and into the blue and green containers, more recyclables will get a second life, and we can get closer to that goal.
Non-organics recycling is already required, and every property should have access to three containers: black for landfilled trash, blue for non-organics recyclables, and green for organics. The Resource, Recovery and Recycling (RRR) Division is delivering green organics containers to all properties without one, starting with the Ocean Park and Sunset Park areas and moving south to north through the rest of the neighborhoods.
Knowing what material goes in which container can be confusing, especially as information changes. Manufacturers also label products Biodegradable, Compostable, or Recyclable without knowing if materials can be recycled locally. Mixing non-recyclable items in the blue and green containers causes contamination, and it might lead to otherwise recyclable materials being sent to the landfill so please use this list as a guide.
GREEN CONTAINER ‒ ORGANICS (I.E. IF IT WAS ONCE ALIVE)
YES:
NO
BLUE CONTAINER ‒ NON-ORGANICS RECYCLABLES
YES
NO
BLACK CONTAINER ‒ LANDFILLED TRASH
YES
NO
BULKY ITEMSPlease help keep Santa Monica clean and safe by not engaging in illegal dumping. Your neighbors will thank you! Consider donating unused items instead of discarding them. Each household gets three annual complimentary pick-ups by contacting 3-1-1 or [email protected].
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS MATERIALSRequest a complimentary door-to-door collection appointment by scanning this QR code, or call (800) 714-1195.
For more information, visit santamonica.gov, keyword recycling.
Yvonne Yeung Resource Recovery and Recycling Administrator
Recycling and Trash, Services