frequenty asked questions


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What is the difference between pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled paper? Which one is better?
Pre-consumer recycled paper is made from scraps in the initial manufacturing process, while post-consumer recycled paper is made from paper that people have already used.

Buying higher percentages of post-consumer recycled content paper ensures that we "close the loop," saving trees from being harvested for paper production, and keeping waste out of the landfill. Look for the chasing arrows logo.

Why can't I recycle yogurt containers and other plastics even if they have recycling arrows on them?
Even if a material is recyclable, there may not exist an economical process in place to actually recycle it. The recycling arrows and plastic identification number simply identify what type of plastic the product is, but they do not mean the material is easily recyclable.

So, what can you do? Try to buy products in packaging which you can recycle, or at least buy products in bulk so that you produce as little waste as possible. You can store leftovers in yogurt containers, or use them to store nails, buttons, or other small items.

What can I do with the styrofoam blocks or peanuts that are used in the packaging of electronics and small appliances?

Styrofoam blocks are currently being accepted at the El Cerrito Recycling Center, located at 7501 Schmidt lane, El Cerrito 94530. If you are unfamiliar with the El Cerrito Recycling Center please review their website for information on directions and hours of operation at http://www.el-cerrito.org/recycling/

Styrofoam peanuts are accepted by most local businesses that provide mailing services. You can also call the Peanut Hotline at 1.800.828.2214.

Where do my recyclables, green waste, and garbage go?
Once your recyclables have been collected, they are prepared for delivery to a variety of recyclables processors in the US and abroad. Most newspaper and other paper is shipped to Asia and used to make new paper or packing boxes such as shoe boxes or cereal boxes. Cardboard is often shipped to the Northwest and used to make new cardboard.

Recyclable plastics are made into a wide variety of materials including plastic lumber that can be used for decking, lawn borders, and other landscaping products.

Recyclable glass is separated by color, melted, and made into new glass bottles, jars, and other containers.

Surprisingly, the single largest material collected for processing is not paper or bottles or cans, but green waste! This organic material is delivered to the West County Composting Facility, which sits on top of a closed portion of the local landfill. This material is composted into a rich soil amendment used by many local landscapers.

Garbage collected in West County goes to the transfer station at the Richmond Landfill, to be transported to the Potrero Hills Landfill within a day or two. Each day, 15 large trucks transfer about 1,000 tons of garbage from the transfer station to Potrero Hills landfill.

I am interested in recycling and the environment. How can I get involved?
Come to a meeting of the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority! The Authority Board of Directors meets most months (except August) and is composed of City Council Members from each Member Agency.

Let your voice be heard and participate in local government! Please see the link above for the schedule of board meetings.