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What Belongs in Blue Recycling Bins in California?

For residents of California, cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento provide homes and businesses with blue bins in which recyclable materials may be discarded. These bins are designed to help residents separate their recyclables from perishables and other debris that is not recyclable.

  1. Materials Allowed

    • Use your blue bin for recyclable materials only. City regulations for recyclable materials vary. The cities of Los Angeles and Sacramento advise residents to use the bins for aluminum cans, plastic bottles, plastic containers (types No. 1 through No. 7 specifically in Los Angeles) as well as cardboard, glass jars and bottles. Also allowed in the bin is aluminum foil, clean paper, magazines and plastic bags. In San Francisco, the same items are allowed in the blue bin, but plastic bags or not. Check with your own sanitation agency to verify which types of plastic and other materials it accepts.

    Materials not Allowed

    • From the south to north of California, cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento prohibit residents from discarding certain items and materials in these blue bins. These prohibited items include dangerous or toxic materials. Common items prohibited by these cities include chemicals, electronics and construction debris (such as scrap metal). Stryofoam is prohibited in San Francisco and Sacramento but allowed in Los Angeles.

    What to Do with Prohibited Items

    • City authorities advise residents on proper removal of prohibited items like hazardous materials. Sacramento refers its residents to the Regional Solid Waste Authority, while San Francisco directs its residents to contact the city dump for instructions on removal. Throughout Los Angeles, the city operates collection centers, known as SAFE Centers (Solvent/Automotive/Flammable/Electronics), where residents can dispose of their hazardous materials.

    Bulk Items

    • Given the size of the blue bins, large and bulky items may not be discarded in it. To properly discard large items such as couches or mattresses, residents must contact their city to arrange for removal service. In Los Angeles, this service is provided free of charge to residents. In San Francisco, the Recology Residential Recycle Program removes bulk items at no cost for a resident's first 10 items.

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