Introduction to Recycling in Encino

The key to managing recycling is to know what goes in the blue container and what doesn't. 

First, to replace your black, green and blue recycle containers, do it online at: http://www.lacity.org/san/solid_resources/refuse/service_request.htm. Make sure you receive a confirmation e-mail or they won't have received it. Replacement containers arrive the day after normal pick-ups day, which means Fridays in Encino. If you need to call, the direct number is (800)773-CITY/(800)773-2489.

The following items can be recycled in the BLUE container according to LA City Council website (here revised slightly).

-  All Clean Dry Paper
Computer, wrapping, arts and craft paper, unwanted mail, flyers, telephone books, note cards, newspapers, magazines, file folders, paper bags, Post-it notes, catalogs; and all envelopes including those with windows
-  All Cardboard Boxes and Chipboard
Cereal, tissue, dry food, frozen food, shoe, and detergent boxes; paper and toilet rolls; and corrugated boxes broken down and flattened 
-  All Aluminum, Tin, Metal, and Bi-Metal Cans
Rinsed if possible, soda, juice, soup, vegetable and pet food cans; pie tins; clean aluminum foil; empty paint & aerosol cans w/plastic caps removed, wire hangers
-  All Glass Bottles and Jars
Rinsed if possible, soda, wine, beer, spaghetti sauce, pickle jars, broken bottles.
-  All Clean Plastics 1 Through 7
-  Empty Plastic Containers
Rinsed if possible, soda, juice, detergent, bleach, shampoo, lotion, mouthwash, dishwashing liquid bottles, milk jugs, tubs for margarine and yogurt, plastic planters, food and blister packaging, rigid clamshell packaging, etc.
-  All Plastic Bags and All Film Bags
Grocery bags and dry cleaner bags, and all clean film plastic
-  All Clean Polystyrene (Styrofoam®) - this is now accepted - new since last year
Styrofoam® cups, containers, and packaging such as Styrofoam® egg shell cartons, Styrofoam® block packaging, and Styrofoam® clamshell packaging
-  Miscellaneous Plastics
Plastic coat hangers, non-electric plastic toys, plastic swimming pools, & plastic laundry baskets

DVDs and CDs are not mentioned above but they CAN be recycled in the blue container - but only if the discs have been separated from the packaging and paper sleeves.

DO NOT RECYCLE THESE ITEMS

• Contaminated Paper
  all soiled papers or bags with oils and food waste
• Broken Glass
  window glass, mirror glass, auto glass, light bulbs, fluorescent lights and ceramics
• Other Plastic
  plastic hygienic items, any electric or battery operated toys
• Miscellaneous Materials
  coated milk cartons, electrical cords, cloth/fabric, appliances, mini blinds, kitchen utensils, lawn furniture, garden hoses, rubber tires, construction materials, including asphalt or concrete, wood and wood products
• Hazardous Materials
  syringes, all partially filled aerosol cans and containers for cleaning fluids, automotive fluids, all batteries (including car batteries, household batteries, rechargeable batteries), pesticides, oil based paint, garden chemicals, and pool cleaners

Used pizza boxes should not be recycled if they are oily.

Newly popular fluorescent bulbs contain small traces of mercury - refer to the Hazardous Waste page (see #2). Home Depot has a recycling system for them.