What Goes Where?
Find out how to properly dispose of your items by viewing the tabs below or by searching for an item. You can also view or download the printable sorting guides. If you’re unable to find what you’re looking for, please reach out!
- COMPOST
- RECYCLE
- TRASH
- HAZARDOUS & ELECTRONIC WASTE
- SEARCH
We accept all food scraps, soiled paper, and plants in the green compost cart. Please do not place compostable material in plastic or compostable plastic bags, as the current regional compost facilities are unable to process those materials. Paper bags are acceptable.
Accepted Compost Materials |
Unaccepted Compost Materials |
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Food Scraps![]()
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Plants![]()
Other
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Please do not place recyclable materials in plastic bags, as the recycling facility is unable to process those materials. Paper bags are acceptable.
Few materials, once used, are actually trash. Among such materials are non-recyclable plastics and other complex materials that were not designed to be recycled. See the list below for an overview of materials that belong in your garbage bin.
It is illegal to put items such as electronics, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, and other chemicals in the trash. When household hazardous wastes end up in a landfill, they can cause serious threats to humans, wildlife, and the environment.
RESOURCES
Toxics: The Novato Sanitary District operates a drop-off facility for household hazardous waste. Located at the Novato Recycling Center, 7576 Redwood Blvd., the Household Hazardous Waste Facility is open to Novato residents with no appointment necessary on the first and third consecutive Sundays and Mondays of each month. For more information, please call 415.892.7344. Print your own HHW Facility schedule.
Electronic Waste: The HHW Facility now accepts all types of electronics, including computers, TVs, small household appliances, and microwaves. No large appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, or washer/dryers. North Bay Conservation Corps offers free pick-ups of E-Waste. Call them at 415.454.4554 to schedule a pickup. Search for additional recycling options.
CFLs: The Novato Recycling Center at 7576 Redwood Blvd. will accept fluorescent tubes and CFLs for recycling during normal business hours: Tuesday- Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM. There are also many locations in Marin County that will accept fluorescent lights for recycling. Find the location nearest you.
Sharps and Medications: View info about Safe Medication & Sharps Disposal locations
Batteries: The Novato Recycling Center at 7576 Redwood Blvd. accepts all types of household batteries for recycling during normal business hours: Tuesday- Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM. There are also many locations in Marin County that will accept batteries for recycling. Find the location nearest you.
- Motor Oil: The Household Hazardous Waste Facility accepts used motor oil and oil filters during their normal business days. Call 415-892-7344 or go to www.novatosan.com/HHW to learn more. There are also many locations in Marin County that will accept motor oil for recycling. Most locations also take filters. Find the location nearest you.
Treated Wood Waste: Starting August 31, 2022, treated wood (any wood that has been treated with a chemical preservative to protect the wood against attacks from insects, microorganisms, or fungi) is considered hazardous waste per California State law. The Novato HHW Facility does not accept treated wood waste. Please visit the State Water Resources Control Board’s website to find out where to properly dispose of this material.