Consumer

County Holding Special Recycling/Collection Events

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Looking for the right way to get rid of some old stuff, but you have so much of it and so many different types of it that you’re not sure where to go?

Well, the County of San Diego is helping put on three special recycling/collection events — in Alpine April 25 and in Fallbrook May 2 and May 9 — that can help residents in those unincorporated communities properly recycle and dispose of almost everything they can think of!

Alpine, Saturday April 25, Alpine Regional Center, 1620 Alpine Blvd.
The County Department of Public Works, EDCO, the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce, Attan Recycling and Goodwill are teaming up to help people recycle or properly dispose of everything from old residential tires, scrap metal and appliances — such as stoves, ovens,washers and dryers — to yard cuttings and tree branches, to old clothes and electronic waste such as TVs and VCRs.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for all recyclables except donated clothing, which will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here’s what is being collected:

  • Used Clothing: Goodwill will collect gently used clothing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Appliances and Metals: EDCO will collect scrap metal, ovens, stoves, washers, dryers, air conditioners, water heaters, dishwashers and non-working refrigerators/freezers. (NOTE: For working refrigerator/freezers, call 800-599-5792 to arrange free pickup and to get a rebate through San Diego Gas & Electric’s ARCA program.)
  • Green Waste and Mulch: EDCO will collect green waste, but people will need to unload materials themselves. Items being collected include tree branches, plants and grass clippings, leaves and untreated scrap wood. (NOTE: People can also pick up free mulch, but bring a shovel and container!)
  • Electronic Waste: Computers, TVs, VCRs, stereos, copiers and fax machines
  • Tires: Regular residential car tires only. No truck or business tires. All tires should be relatively clean of dirt. People are limited to recycling no more than nine tires per car.

Fallbrook, Saturday May 2, Ingold Sports Park, 2551 Olive Hill Road:
The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health, the County Sheriff’s Department and Ingold Sports Park will hold a household hazardous waste, unwanted medications, electronic waste collection event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the sports park. Examples of items being collected include:

  • Household Hazardous Waste: Unused or leftover portions of products that contain toxic chemicals used around your house: aerosols, all-purpose cleaners, latex and oil-based paints, pesticides, antifreeze, auto batteries, auto fluids, disinfectants, gasoline, lighter fluid, used oil, oil filters, pool chemicals and solvents.
    (Note: When transporting Household Hazardous wastes, leave products in their existing containers if possible; make sure lids are fastened tightly to prevent leaking; transport containers in the trunk or in the back of your vehicle away from passengers and pets; and DO NOT transport more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds at one time.)
  • Electronic Waste: Residents from unincorporated communities can recycle up to five television or computer monitors per car. People can also recycle cellular and cordless phones, computer printers and scanners, stereo equipment, VCRs and DVD players, fax machines, miscellaneous computer components, fluorescent light bulbs and common batteries (AA, AAA, C, D and button cell).
  • Unused Medications and Medical Sharps: The County of San Diego Sheriff’s Department will make a medical drop box available where people can safely get rid of unwanted, unused and expired medications, including controlled substances. Home generated medical sharps — including needles, syringes and lancets — will also be collected. Sharps should be transported in closed, rigid containers.
  • Please Note: The following items cannot be accepted at the May 2 event: business waste, tires, ammunition, explosive and radioactive materials, air conditioners or large appliances.

Fallbrook, May 9, Fallbrook High School Winter Haven Road parking lot, 1050 Winter Haven Road.
The County Department of Public Works, CalRecycle, and Fallbrook High School District will hold a special tire recycling day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fallbrook High School Winter Haven Road parking lot.

  • Residential Tires only; no truck or business tires.
  • Tires must be reasonably clean of dirt.
  • Limit of nine tires per car.
  • A limited number of tires with rims will be accepted. Please call in advance to request pre-approval for tires with rims or for loads of more than nine tires.

For more information, call 1-877-R-1-EARTH (1-877-713-2784). 

Gig Conaughton is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact