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Reuse, Recycling & Disposal Resources

How to reuse, donate, recycle or dispose of nearly anything. Zero Waste Marin Recycling Guide

Not sure what to do with old electronics, used motor oil, household chemicals or other items? Visit Household Hazardous Waste or call 415-892-7344

  • Where to donate or recycle electronic waste (working or not)
  • Drop-off sites for used motor oil and filters
  • Tips for safe and responsible disposal
Have questions about your solid waste collection schedule, composting, recycling, trash carts, or bulky item pickup?  Recology Sonoma Marinor call 1-(800) 243-0291

Waste Cart Sorting Guidelines: What Goes Where? | Recology - Recology Sonoma Marin

To schedule an appointment for FREE residential e-waste pickup in Novato contact Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB) at recycle@ccnorthbay.org or call (415) 454-4554

Holiday Reuse, Recycling, and Disposal Guide

Colorful art of three waste carts, recycling, trash and compost with examples of items that belong in each one. Text says: Choose the Right Cart this holiday Season.

Did you know?
During the holiday season, households can generate up to 25% more waste than at other times of the year. Many holiday-related items contain plastics, metals, wiring, glass, and batteries that do not break down and can persist in landfills for generations. Reusing items whenever possible is the most effective way to reduce waste, followed by proper recycling and safe disposal.

Live Holiday Trees

  • Curbside Christmas tree collection takes place January 5–9, on your regular collection day by Recology, the District’s Franchise Waste Hauler.
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and tree stands.
  • Trees may also be cut into pieces and placed in the green cart on any collection day, with the lid fully closed.
  • Flocked trees are not accepted. They can be cut up and placed in the trash cart on any collection day, with the lid fully closed. Zero Waste Marin Christmas Tree Recycling Guide 2025-26

Artificial Trees

  • Reuse year after year or donate if in good condition
  • Replace failed light strands to extend indoor use
  • When disposal is needed, schedule pickup through Recology Sonoma Marin Bulky Item Collection (Residential customers receive 4 free pick-ups per year) https://www.recology.com/recology-sonoma-marin/novato/

Electronic Toys and Devices

Includes remote-controlled toys, game consoles, computers, phones, etc.

  • Reuse or donate working items.
  • Remove batteries before disposal.
  • Take broken items to the Novato Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility or an approved e-waste recycler.Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB) provides free e-waste pickup in Novato.

Batteries

  • Includes single-use and rechargeable batteries
  • Do not place in trash or recycling carts
  • You can put household batteries inside a tightly sealed plastic bag and place them on top of your closed recycling cart on collection day. Please place rechargeable batteries in a separate sealed plastic bag or take them to the HHW Facility or an approved battery drop-off location.

Packaging Materials

Includes molded plastic inserts, cardboard, and twist ties.

  • Reuse packaging to store decorations or protect items for future use
  • Separate materials before disposal
  • Cardboard: flatten and place clean, dry cardboard in the recycling cart
  • Molded plastic packaging and twist ties: place in the trash

Ribbons, Bows, Garland, and Wrapping Décor

  • Reuse the ribbons and bows you already have year after year
  • Choose recyclable wrapping paper or plain, uncoated paper when possible
  • Many store-bought ribbons, bows, and garlands are plastic or metallic and not compostable
  • Place plain, uncoated wrapping paper and tissue paper in the green cart
  • Dispose of non-compostable items in the trash

Inflatable Outdoor Decorations

  • Reuse or donate if fully working
  • Remove batteries or power components and take them to the HHW Facility
  • Dispose of inflatable material in the trash

Bulbs and Holiday Light Strands

  • Repair and reuse by replacing burned-out bulbs
  • Donate working light strands
  • Recycle unrepairable lights through the HHW Facility, mail-in recycling programs, or seasonal retail drop-off

Which Produce Bag Is Best? A Shopper’s Guide

When it comes to bags reusable is best cartoon image of three bags, compost bag, paper bag and reusable bag. Text Reads: say NO to the green tinted "compostable" produce bags. They can't go in the green compost cart. Our regional facility produces "organic" compost and cannot process the bioplastic in these bags. say YES to brown paper produce bags! They’re compostable plus you can reuse them to line your kitchen compost bucket. The BEST option is reusable produce bags. Made of cloth, they’re washable, reliable, sturdy & sustainable. USE, REUSE,REPEAT!

California's Shift to Sustainable Bagging. California stores have transitioned to offering compostable or recycled paper bags for produce, meat, and bulk items, eliminating the plastic in-store bags that contributed to environmental pollution and harmed wildlife.

Choosing the Right Produce Bag. When selecting a produce bag in the store, opt for recycled paper bags—they are fully compostable and strong enough for bulk goods. You can also reuse them to line your kitchen compost container at home.

Embrace Reusables. Better yet, bring your own reusable bag. They are by far the best choice: sturdy, washable, and long-lasting—ideal for fruits, vegetables, and bulk items. They're the ultimate zero-waste option. Use. Reuse. Repeat.

Compostable Bags: Not for the Green Cart. Even if labeled "compostable," these bags aren’t accepted in the green compost cart. Our regional facility produces "organic" compost and cannot process the bioplastic in these bags. If you use them, dispose of them in the trash—not the green or recycling carts.