Some of the things we own are just tougher to properly dispose of than others — old tires, TVs, computers, old batteries, household hazardous wastes, appliances, fluorescent lights, green waste and scrap metal.
But the County’s departments of Environmental Health and Public Works are making it easy to do that this weekend!
People who live in San Diego’s unincorporated communities can safely recycle those items and more — for free — from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at Spring Valley’s Steele Canyon High School at 12440 Campo Road.
Some things will not be accepted at the event: business waste, ammunition, medications, explosives and radioactive materials.
But nearly everything else will be! Although medications will not be accepted, people can recycle “home-generated sharps,” hypodermic needles, lancets and other medical devices used at home. People can also pick up free mulch; and have papers shredded by Cintas Corp. from 9 a.m. to noon. Papers will be shredded at the event while you watch, then hauled away for recycling.
Some rules will apply:
Hazardous wastes: Leave products labeled, “Caution,” “Warning,” “Danger,” “Poison,” “Toxic,” “Flammable,” or “Corrosive” — in their existing containers if possible. Make sure lids are fastened tight. Keep them away from people and pets when bringing them to the recycling event by transporting them in the trunk or the back of your car. Don’t transport more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds at one time. Containers should be no larger than 5 gallons. Some of the waste products people can bring include; aerosols, cleaners, antifreeze, auto fluids, used oil and oil filters, pesticides, solvents and pool chemicals.
Electronic Waste: Recycling is limited to no more than five televisions or computer monitors per car. Other electronic waste being accepted includes; cell phones, cordless phones, rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, printers, scanners, stereos, VCRs, DVD players, fax machines and fluorescent lights.
Tires: Recycling is limited to no more than nine tires per vehicle. Tires should be reasonably clean. Passenger-vehicle tires only; no truck or commercial-vehicle tires will be accepted. Please call 1-877-713-2784 to ask about recycling more than nine tires or about recycling tires with rims.
Appliances: Because space is limited, residents must call 1-877-713-2784 in advance to get a confirmation. Items that will be accepted and recycled for free include: scrap metal, ovens, stoves, washers, dryers, air conditioners, water heaters, dish washers, and non-working refrigerators and freezers. People who want to dispose of working refrigerators and freezers should call 800-599-5792 to arrange for free pickup and a rebate through San Diego Gas & Electric.
Green Waste: Green waste drop off and free mulch pick up are being provided by EDCO. Please be prepared to unload and load materials yourself.
For more information, call 1-877-R-1-EARTH (1-877-713-2784) or visit www.WasteFreeSD.org.
