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Recycling - Do's and Don'ts

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contact:
hollyc@cityofalhambra.org
Building Division Counter Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Plan Check counter hours: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (Effective October 31, 2019, our new business hours will be 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday - Thursday, Closed on Fridays. New Plan Checker counter hours will be 7:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday - Thursday)

Maintaining Alhambra’s Local Quality of Life

Join the Conversation

Alhambra prides itself on being a desirable, safe place to live, do business and raise a family.

After years of State takeaways of local funds, Alhambra is facing budget deficits. As part of our transparent budget process and to inform future strategic planning, we have identified several community priorities for local funds including:

  • Preventing property crimes, like thefts and burglaries
  • Maintaining police, fire and 9-1-1 emergency response
  • Keeping public areas safe and clean
  • Maintaining essential City services
  • Helping ensure young people have safe places to play
  • Repairing streets and potholes
  • Maintaining local control of local funds

The City is committed to continuing to reflect your priorities in our decision-making through our community-centered budget process and planning for the future. We want to hear from you!

Please join the conversation TODAY and tell us what is important to you by completing a Community Feedback Survey. Thank you for participating!

If you have questions regarding Alhambra’s current fiscal challenges and service priorities and would like to hear more, please contact Lucy Garcia in the City Manager’s office at 626-570-3257 or Conversation@cityofalhambra.org.

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COMMUNITY SURVEY PRESENTATIONS

Chamber of Commerce Presentation on October 8, 2019

Presentation to Chamber of Commerce, people sitting in chairs in a meeting room listening to presenters

Rotary Presentation on October 15, 2019

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Blue Recycle Bin

BLUE RECYCLE CONTAINER    

WHAT IS THE BLUE CONTAINER TO BE USED FOR? 

The blue container for recyclable items is for disposing glass jars and bottles, plastic jars and bottles, metal and aluminum cans, and all clean paper. View a list of items you can and can't recycle. Do not place clothes in your recycling cart or leave large bags of clothes on the curb as Republic Services will not pick them up. Take them to a charity or Goodwill collection site. (Download a list of items accepted/not accepted by Goodwill).  Local donation centers include:

  • The Salvation Army, 1010 East Main Street, Alhambra, call 626-281-2100 or 1-800-SA-TRUCK
  • Vietnam Veterans of America, call 1-800-775-VETS or 1-800-775-8387
  • Goodwill Pasadena Donation Center, 112 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, call 626-449-3721
BLUE CONTAINER MEASUREMENTS:

95-96 GALLON CONTAINER: 180 lbs; H 46-3/8 x W 25-1/4 x D 26-3/8

65-65 GALLON CONTAINER: 90 lbs; H 42-1/8 x W 25-1/4 x D 26-3/8 

32 GALLON CONTAINER: 50 lbs; H 38-1/2 x W 19 x D 22-1/4

 Permits, Licenses, & Applications

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More Resources

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Recycling Do's and Don'ts

ITEM
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Do/Don't
COMMENTS
ITEM
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Do/Don't
COMMENTS
Glass Jars
Rinse out. Remove the metal or plastic tops and place in the recycle cart.
Do
The tops are only recyclable when they are removed from the glass jars and placed in the cart separately.
Glass Jars
Rinse out. Remove the metal or plastic tops and place in the recycle cart.
Do
The tops are only recyclable when they are removed from the glass jars and placed in the cart separately.
Plastic Jars
Rinse out.
Do
The plastic tops may remain on the plastic jars.
Plastic Jars
Rinse out.
Do
The plastic tops may remain on the plastic jars.
Glass Bottles
Rinse out. Remove the twist or pop tops and place in the recycle cart.
Do
The tops are only recyclable when they are removed from the glass bottles and placed in the cart separately.
Glass Bottles
Rinse out. Remove the twist or pop tops and place in the recycle cart.
Do
The tops are only recyclable when they are removed from the glass bottles and placed in the cart separately.
Aluminum Cans
Rinse out.
Do
The pull-tops are recyclable as long as they stay on the can or are inside the can.
Aluminum Cans
Rinse out.
Do
The pull-tops are recyclable as long as they stay on the can or are inside the can.
Wine/Alcoholic Beverage Bottles
Rinse out. Remove the screw tops and recycle them separately.
Do
Corks do not need to be removed from the wine bottles. The screw tops need to be removed and placed in the recycle cart.
Wine/Alcoholic Beverage Bottles
Rinse out. Remove the screw tops and recycle them separately.
Do
Corks do not need to be removed from the wine bottles. The screw tops need to be removed and placed in the recycle cart.
Plastic Bottles (including squeeze bottles)
Rinse out.
Do
If the tops are plastic and the bottom is plastic, they do not need to be separated before placing into the recycle cart.
Plastic Bottles (including squeeze bottles)
Rinse out.
Do
If the tops are plastic and the bottom is plastic, they do not need to be separated before placing into the recycle cart.
Plastic Bags (see specific bags below)
These have to be fairly clean, wipe out - do not rinse with water as it contaminates the plastic. All bags must be clear (no colored bags) and have only a small amount of ink on the bag (about 10% of the bag).
Don't
All recyclable bags need to be bagged in a plastic bag.
Plastic Bags (see specific bags below)
These have to be fairly clean, wipe out - do not rinse with water as it contaminates the plastic. All bags must be clear (no colored bags) and have only a small amount of ink on the bag (about 10% of the bag).
Don't
All recyclable bags need to be bagged in a plastic bag.
Grocery Bags
Do
Grocery Bags
Do
Produce/Bulky Bin Bags
Do
Produce/Bulky Bin Bags
Do
Potato, Apple & Carrot Bags
These bags must be clear bags with a minimal amount of ink on the bag.
Do
Potato, Apple & Carrot Bags
These bags must be clear bags with a minimal amount of ink on the bag.
Do
Ziploc Bags
Wipe Out. Cut off the zipper top and throw in the trash.
Do
The zipper is not recyclable.
Ziploc Bags
Wipe Out. Cut off the zipper top and throw in the trash.
Do
The zipper is not recyclable.
Sandwich Bags
Do
Sandwich Bags
Do
Home-Delivered Newspaper Bags
Do
Home-Delivered Newspaper Bags
Do
Dry Cleaner Bags
Do
Dry Cleaner Bags
Do
Plastic Wrap & Bubble Wrap
Do
Plastic Wrap & Bubble Wrap
Do
Floral Wraps
Do
Floral Wraps
Do
Plastic over Individual Juice Cartons & Over Case Drinks
Do
As long as the plastic is clear.
Plastic over Individual Juice Cartons & Over Case Drinks
Do
As long as the plastic is clear.
Plastic Wrap around CD/DVDs
Do
Place in your bag that has other recyclable bags in it
Plastic Wrap around CD/DVDs
Do
Place in your bag that has other recyclable bags in it
Snack Cracker Plastic Wrap
Do
Place in your bag that has other recyclable bags in it
Snack Cracker Plastic Wrap
Do
Place in your bag that has other recyclable bags in it
Bread & Rice Cake Bags
Don't
These have too much color on the bags to be recyclable
Bread & Rice Cake Bags
Don't
These have too much color on the bags to be recyclable
Candy Wrappers
Don't
Candy Wrappers
Don't
Chips Bags
Don't
Chips Bags
Don't
Frozen Vegetable & Fruit Bags
Don't
Frozen Vegetable & Fruit Bags
Don't
Reusable Bags with Ziploc Top
For example: croutons, dried fruit, salad, etc.
Don't
These bags have too much color and are not recyclable.
Reusable Bags with Ziploc Top
For example: croutons, dried fruit, salad, etc.
Don't
These bags have too much color and are not recyclable.
Rice, Bean, Pasta Bags
Don't
These have too much color on the bags to be recyclable
Rice, Bean, Pasta Bags
Don't
These have too much color on the bags to be recyclable
Tortilla Bags
Don't
These have too much color on the bags to be recyclable
Tortilla Bags
Don't
These have too much color on the bags to be recyclable
Torn, Empty Trash Bags
Don't
Torn, Empty Trash Bags
Don't
Individual Cheese Wrapper
Don't
Individual Cheese Wrapper
Don't
Plastic Seal on Frozen Food Container
Do
Plastic Seal on Frozen Food Container
Do
Plastic Food Containers
Rinse & dry containers.
Do
For example, microwave/frozen food, deli takeout box and/or tuna lunch-to-go containers (bottom half)
Plastic Food Containers
Rinse & dry containers.
Do
For example, microwave/frozen food, deli takeout box and/or tuna lunch-to-go containers (bottom half)
Styrofoam
Rinse off.
Don't
Place all Styrofoam in a transparent plastic bag (like you are doing with the plastic bags above).
Styrofoam
Rinse off.
Don't
Place all Styrofoam in a transparent plastic bag (like you are doing with the plastic bags above).
Wax-Coated Box Covers and Similar Products (i.e., Dixie Cups)
Don't
These are not made from Tetra Pak. Vanity Fair® plates and Dixie coated paper cups are not recyclable.
Wax-Coated Box Covers and Similar Products (i.e., Dixie Cups)
Don't
These are not made from Tetra Pak. Vanity Fair® plates and Dixie coated paper cups are not recyclable.
Milk/Juice Cartons Broth Cartons, etc.
Rinse out.
Do
Tetra Pak containers only (products that have been aseptically packaged using a system of plastic-coated paperboard).
Milk/Juice Cartons Broth Cartons, etc.
Rinse out.
Do
Tetra Pak containers only (products that have been aseptically packaged using a system of plastic-coated paperboard).
Juice Containers with Pull Tabs
For example, coconut juice
Do
Tetra Pak containers only (products that have been aseptically packaged using a system of plastic-coated paperboard).
Juice Containers with Pull Tabs
For example, coconut juice
Do
Tetra Pak containers only (products that have been aseptically packaged using a system of plastic-coated paperboard).
Energy Gel" container
Don't
Energy Gel" container
Don't
Juice Pouches
Do
You may leave the straw in the pouch when putting in the recycle cart.
Juice Pouches
Do
You may leave the straw in the pouch when putting in the recycle cart.
Uncle Ben's Ready Pouches
Don't
Uncle Ben's Ready Pouches
Don't
Yogurt/Applesauce Fruit Cups
Don't
These are too small to get sorted off the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) line.
Yogurt/Applesauce Fruit Cups
Don't
These are too small to get sorted off the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) line.
Aluminum
Aluminum foil must be clean and free of food debris.
Do
Yoplait pull tops and Hershey's Kiss wrappers CANNOT BE RECYCLED. These are too small to get sorted off the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) line.
Aluminum
Aluminum foil must be clean and free of food debris.
Do
Yoplait pull tops and Hershey's Kiss wrappers CANNOT BE RECYCLED. These are too small to get sorted off the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) line.
Tin Cans with Lids
Rinse
Do
Tin Cans with Lids
Rinse
Do
Cardboard Boxes
Break down before placing in the recycle cart.
Do
No wax-coated, glossy-coated or distinctively yellow corrogated soft cardboard. These are not recyclable.
Cardboard Boxes
Break down before placing in the recycle cart.
Do
No wax-coated, glossy-coated or distinctively yellow corrogated soft cardboard. These are not recyclable.
Pizza Boxes
Don't
Cannot be recycled when contaminated with food.
Pizza Boxes
Don't
Cannot be recycled when contaminated with food.
Paperboard (from the following)
Don't
FOIL on any paperboard (or on the inside of any plastic bag, etc.) is not recyclable
Paperboard (from the following)
Don't
FOIL on any paperboard (or on the inside of any plastic bag, etc.) is not recyclable
Gift Boxes
Do
Gift Boxes
Do
Shirt Boxes
Do
Shirt Boxes
Do
Back of Notepad
Do
Back of Notepad
Do
Tissue Boxes
Tear out the plastic around the dispenser area and place in the trash cart.
Do
Tissue Boxes
Tear out the plastic around the dispenser area and place in the trash cart.
Do
Toothpaste Boxes & Other Similar Boxes
Do
Toothpaste Boxes & Other Similar Boxes
Do
Dry Food Boxes
Recycle the outer box, but take out the inside bag and place it in the trash cart.
Do
Dry Food Boxes
Recycle the outer box, but take out the inside bag and place it in the trash cart.
Do
Paper Towel & Toilet Paper Inside Roll
Do
Paper Towel & Toilet Paper Inside Roll
Do
Poster Board
Do
Poster Board
Do
Beverage Carton Container
Do
Beverage Carton Container
Do
Pasta Boxes
Remove the plastic window and put in the trash cart.
Do
Pasta Boxes
Remove the plastic window and put in the trash cart.
Do
All Paper Computer/Copier, Ledger Wrapping Paper (no foil), Arts & Crafts, Paper, Unwanted Mail, Flyers, Telephone Books, Note Cards, Newspapers, Blueprints, Magazines, File Folders, Paper Bags, Post-It-Notes, Catalogs, Envelopes (including those with windows)
All paper must be dry.
Do
All Paper Computer/Copier, Ledger Wrapping Paper (no foil), Arts & Crafts, Paper, Unwanted Mail, Flyers, Telephone Books, Note Cards, Newspapers, Blueprints, Magazines, File Folders, Paper Bags, Post-It-Notes, Catalogs, Envelopes (including those with windows)
All paper must be dry.
Do
PAM (Cooking Oil Spray Can)
Must be empty.
Do
PAM (Cooking Oil Spray Can)
Must be empty.
Do
New Tuna Containers
Rinse out the tin before placing in the recycle cart.
Do
The paper and/or plastic pull-top needs to be removed from the tin can and placed in the trash cart. Tuna pouches are NOT recyclable.
New Tuna Containers
Rinse out the tin before placing in the recycle cart.
Do
The paper and/or plastic pull-top needs to be removed from the tin can and placed in the trash cart. Tuna pouches are NOT recyclable.
Containers (like Deviled Ham)
Remove the paper from the can and place in the trash cart.
Do
The tin can is recyclable, but the paper is not.
Containers (like Deviled Ham)
Remove the paper from the can and place in the trash cart.
Do
The tin can is recyclable, but the paper is not.
Instant Meal Soups
Don't
For example, dry soups, ramen noodles, etc.
Instant Meal Soups
Don't
For example, dry soups, ramen noodles, etc.
Dog/Cat Food Bags (Paper)
Don't
These are contaminated by the dog/cat food inside.
Dog/Cat Food Bags (Paper)
Don't
These are contaminated by the dog/cat food inside.
Bag Material with Plastic lining (i.e., 20-lb. rice bags)
Don't
Mixed material cannot be recycled.
Bag Material with Plastic lining (i.e., 20-lb. rice bags)
Don't
Mixed material cannot be recycled.
Vitamin/Supplement Bottles
The lid should be removed from the glass bottles and placed separately in the recycle cart.
Do
Vitamin/Supplement Bottles
The lid should be removed from the glass bottles and placed separately in the recycle cart.
Do
Toothpaste Tubes
Don't
These are too small to get sorted off the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) line.
Toothpaste Tubes
Don't
These are too small to get sorted off the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) line.
Cosmetic Jars & Bottles
Rinse out. Remove the lid if the container is glass.
Do
The lid should be removed from the glass bottles and placed separately in the recycle cart.
Cosmetic Jars & Bottles
Rinse out. Remove the lid if the container is glass.
Do
The lid should be removed from the glass bottles and placed separately in the recycle cart.
Soap Bottles with Pump Tops
Do
Do not remove the pump top if it is of the same material as the bottle.
Soap Bottles with Pump Tops
Do
Do not remove the pump top if it is of the same material as the bottle.
Plastic Toys
Take off any metal.
Do
Plastic Toys
Take off any metal.
Do

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