Watsonville residents can increase their recycling by taking advantage of the City's Free Curbside Recycling Program and reduce their garbage bill by filling a smaller garbage cart. Not only will you save money, but you are helping the planet by increasing the amount of recyclable materials that are given a new life instead of getting buried in the landfill.
The Peña family is a great local example who was able to lower their utility bill while helping to conserve valuable space in the landfill. They learned about recycling at the City's Earth Day event years ago. Since then, recycling has gradually become a habit and a way-of-life in their family. Over time, they have been able to reduce their waste by 80%. thank you to the Peña family for doing your part.
Recycling is the right thing to do and is required by law. The City encourages our residents to recycle according to posted guidelines. To reduce contamination of valuable materials and to avoid any associated fines for incorrect recycling, make sure your blue cart only includes materials that can actually be recycled. City employees regularly check our resident's recycling carts to make sure everyone is recycling correctly.
Quick tips:
- Rinsing your recyclable materials with water (canned goods, condiment jars, yogurt containers, etc.) makes the recycling process cleaner and easier.
- Old computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, phones, copiers, and fax machines, etc. are electronic waste or E-waste and cannot be disposed of in the trash or recycle bins. Some of these items contain lead, mercury, arsenic and other heavy metals and chemicals that cause pollution, even in our landfill. Functioning electronics can be sold or donated, prolonging their useful life. Broken electronics can be taken, free of charge to the City's Drop-off Center at 320 Harvest Dr. Gate 4. (831) 768-3133 and can also be taken to A&S Metals 1080 W. Beach Street, (831) 722-3597
- Mattresses can be dropped off, free of charge to the City's Drop-Off Center at 320 Harvest Drive.
- Bag your plastic bags! Remember to bring your reusable bags with you when you grocery shop. To recycle any additional plastic bags (bread bags, produce bags, etc.) stuff them together into a larger plastic bag and place at the top of your blue bin.
For more information on how to reduce your waste and recycle properly, please visit the City's Nature Center located at 30 Harkins Slough Rd. or call (831) 768-1622. You can also visit our Public Works' page and learn more about recycling and reducing waste.