Wondering what goes where? Use the tools and guides below to determine whether items belong in the recycling, trash, or compost.

Coming Soon: Updates to the What Goes Where guides to reflect changes in collection of plastic clamshells.

• Recology's What Bin Widget Search Tool
• What Goes Where
  • What Goes Where (English)
  • What Goes Where (Spanish)
  • What Goes Where (Russian)
  • What Goes Where (Chinese)

Non-Collection

The driver will leave a non-collection notice if your container is significantly contaminated with the wrong materials, overfull, or was set out improperly. The curbside split-cart is collected by a split-truck, so keeping the items separated inside and placing the cart with the wheels against the curb is important to keep items separated in the truck and improve sorting at the SMaRT Station. If a container is significantly contaminated, it must be collected as trash and fees apply.

Additional Information

Cardboard

• Small cardboard pieces should be placed in the split-cart under the mixed paper side of cart (grey lid) if it will fit easily.
• Large cardboard should be cut or folded into no more than 3 feet by 3 feet to fit in the truck, and placed against the recycling cart.
• Multiple large cardboard pieces should be bundled and tied and placed against the recycling cart.
• Call Recology 650-967-3034 for large amounts of cardboard from new resident move-in or from home deliveries.
• Remove any plastic wrap around cardboard boxes (e.g. soda cases).
• Please do not put clean cardboard in the compost cart.
• Businesses and schools may place cardboard in the mixed recycling or cardboard dumpsters.

Motor Oil and Oil Filters

Place used motor oil and filters in containers provided by Recology and set on top of curb near the split-cart on trash collection day. You may also take used motor oil, filters, and antifreeze to the SMaRT Station, 301 Carl Road, Sunnyvale for free disposal 408-752-8530 or make an appointment with the County Household Hazardous Waste Program.

Household Batteries

Place used household batteries in the bag provided by Recology and set on top of split-cart. Recology collects the items and replaces the used bag with a new battery bag. For home safety, it is recommended that you tape battery terminals before putting them in the battery bag to reduce the risk of fire and other hazards.

 

You may also take used household batteries to either the Mountain View Recycling Center or to the SMaRT Station for free disposal at their Drop Off Center (408) 752-8530.

Plastic Clamshells