Please do not place recyclable materials in plastic bags, as the recycling facility is unable to process those materials. Paper bags are acceptable.

Accepted Recycling Materials (Empty, Clean, and Dry)			Unaccepted Recyclables
Glass (no liquids or food) Glass bottles and jars only (metal caps and lids too) Metal (no liquids or food) Aluminum cans Aluminum foil and trays (ball foil up to softball size) Caps and lids from bottles, jars, and steel (tin) cans Paint cans (must be empty or dry) Spray cans (must be empty) Steel (tin) cans Plastic bottles, tubs, and jugs Bottles (leave caps on) Containers and clamshells Laundry detergent bottles Tubs and lids (yogurt containers and Tupperware)	Paper Bags (paper only, no plastic) Cardboard (non-waxed) Cereal boxes Computer and office paper Egg cartons Envelopes (windows okay) Juice or soy milk type boxes with foil liner Junk mail and magazines Newspapers Packing paper Phone books Sticky notes Waxy paper milk or juice cartons Wrapping paper (non-metallic)		Batteries Ceramic dishware or glassware Clothing, linens, and rags Coat hangers Electronics Foil-backed or plastic-backed paper Food scraps Glass mirrors and windows Incandescent, Fluorescent, LEDs, or HID Lightbulbs Plastic bags, wrappers or film Plastic items mixed with metal, fabric, or rubber Plastic labeled “Compostable” or “Biodegradable” Scrap metal Shredded paper Soiled paper Styrofoam Waxed cardboard and paper Wood Yard trimmings

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.

Accepted Landfill Items			Unaccepted Trash Items
Cat litter and animal feces (bagged) Ceramic dishware or glassware Clothing linens and rags Cigarette Butts (extinguished – run under water prior to disposal) Dental floss Diapers Feminine Hygiene Products Foil-backed or plastic-backed paper Glass mirrors and windows Incandescent light bulbs (no fluorescents or HIDs) Mylar (shiny metal) bags (potato chips, candy bars, balloons, etc)	Pens and pencils Plastic bags, wrappers, and film (not labeled “Compostable”) Plastic items mixed with metal, fabric, or rubber Plastic labeled “Biodegradable” only Rubber bands Six-pack ring holder – please cut up Sponges Styrofoam™ Twist Ties Wood – small pieces of plywood, pressboard, and painted or stained wood		Appliances Asbestos Batteries Construction debris Cooking oil and grease Dirt, rocks or stone Electronics Fluorescent, LED, or HID lightbulbs Household hazardous waste or chemicals Large items (furniture, metal, plastic, wood) Liquids or ice Motor oil Needles or syringes Paint Tires Toys with electronics or batteries Treated wood

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 by APPOINTMENT ONLY for Novato residents on the first and third consecutive Sundays and Mondays of each month. For more information and to make an appointment, please call 415.892.7344 or click here. For a printable HHW Facility schedule, click here.

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. Search here to find the location nearest you.

Sharps and Medications: View info about Safe Medication & Sharps Disposal locations

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. Click here to search for additional recycling options.

• 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. Search here to find the location nearest you.
• Motor Oil: The Household Hazardous Waste Facility accepts used motor oil and oil filters BY APPOINTMENT during their normal business days. Call 415-892-7344 or go to www.novatosan.com/HHW to make an appointment. There are also many locations in Marin County that will accept motor oil for recycling. Most locations also take filters. Search here to find the location nearest you.
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  • Treated Wood Waste Now Accepted: 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 accepted for disposal and considered hazardous waste per California State law. It must be disposed of properly. Find a disposal site near you.