What Goes Where?
Find out how to properly dispose of your items by viewing the tabs below or by searching for an item (last tab). 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
Food Soiled Paper
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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.
| Accepted Recycling Materials | Unaccepted Recyclables |
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|---|---|---|---|
 Glass (no liquids or food)
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 Paper (clean, dry and unsoiled)
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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 | ||
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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
Please be advised: In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic the Novato Sanitary District will be closing the Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Novato until further notice. Visit them at www.novatosan.com or call the HHW hotline at 415-892-7344 for further updates.
Toxics: The Novato Sanitary District operates a drop-off facility for household hazardous waste. Located at the Novato Recycling Center, 7576 Redwood Blvd., the facility is open on the first and third consecutive Sunday and Monday of each month from 8:30-1:30. For more information, 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-Sunday 10-4. 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 pick up. Click here to search for additional recycling options.
Batteries: The Novato Recycling Center at 7576 Redwood Blvd. accepts all types household batteries for recycling during normal business hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10-4. 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 Novato Recycling Center at 7576 Redwood Blvd. accepts used motor oil and filters for
recycling during normal business hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10-4. 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.
- NEW – Treated Wood Waste: Effective January 1, 2021, 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. Recology is no longer able to haul treated wood waste. More information can be found here.