Recycling and Waste Disposal Treasure Trove
Yes/No Recycling Guidelines
Long Beach 2021
Yes -- Plastic Bottles, Jugs and Tubs
THESE ARE THE ONLY PLASTICS ACCEPTED IN LONG BEACH
Laundry detergent, shampoo, sanitizing wipes go in recycling!
Plastic tubs for margarine/butter, hummus, salsa, or yogurt is recyclable
Milk jugs can be recycled (but NOT milk cartons)
Plastic water bottles can be recycled although avoiding them in the first place is the best.
Yes -- Metal Cans and Aluminum
all cans can be placed empty, clean, and dry loose(no bag) in your purple cart.
Keep the lid with the can, so it doesn't become a hazard
Empty aerosol cans like hairspray or whipped cream can be recycled. If possible, remove the plastic tip.
Aluminum trays and containers are OK, but don't recycle the plastic lids!
Yes -- Paper and Cardboard
Be sure to flatten the boxes!
The boxes are good to recycle; the plastic lining is not.
Yes, all paper envelopes are recyclable. The thin plastic comes off during the pulling process.
Toilet paper tubes are "good to go." But don't recycle the plastic wrapper.
Yes - Glass Bottles and Jars
(with lids ON. If they are loose, the recycling machinery gets messed up.
All glass bottles and jars can be recycled. Keep the lid on -- never recycle the lid separately.
Beer Bottles good, but throw the cap into regular trash.
Jars with the lids on.
Wine bottle, but not with corks.
NO!
NOT RECYCLABLE
Plastic cups cannot be recycled in your purple cart. If you are having a party, consider using glass jars for your beverages!
. If disposing of gift bags, only all paper bags can be recycled. Any metallic, plastic, glitter or a shiny decor and it needs to go in the trash.
Plastic form packaging goes in the trash. Long Beach only accepts bottles, jugs, and tubs.
Can't recycle any to-go containers, straws or utensils. Unlined paper containers and paper straws are compostable though.
Cartons of any kind, including soup, milk(and alternative milk), broth, juice, or any other carton should be disposed of in the trash. This mixed material packaging cannot be recycled!
Remember to dispose of photos in the trash, not recycling. Chemicals in photo paper make them not recyclable like regular paper.
Some coffee packaging is recyclable like plastic tubs and metal cans, but Mylar (foil like plastic) bags should be disposed of in the trash.
Plastic packaging from deodorant is not recyclable in your purple cart.
Soil bags and the thin plastic planter pots from garden stores cannot be recycled in your purple cart
Balloons are not recyclable. Invest in reusable decorations like lights and banners to avoid the waste and save money over time.
Nope. Some nurseries take them back though.
Plastic utensils cannot be recycled, please place in the trash. Choose to refuse unnecessary single-use plastic items by opting out of plastic utensils and bringing your own reusable utensils.
No, these items cannot be recycled in your purple cart.
Freezer boxes are different than regular boxes and are not recyclable because they have chemical additives to prevent moisture and shrinkage in the freezer. Unlike regular boxes, these should go in the trash
Toothpast tubes are often made of different types of plastics, as well as containing a metal layer. Not recyclable. Neither is your toothbrush.
Plastic cling wrap is not recyclable. Use reusable containers, used bags from other products or your beautiful beeswax wraps instead! Let us know if you need some new ones!
Styrofoam anything is not recyclable. Styrofoam take-out containers are not allowed in Long Beach.
Not only are hoses not recyclable, but they can damage sorting equipment.
Even clean paper towels, napkins, and tissues can’t be recycled?
the fibers are so thin that they can’t be recycled further.
No, these layered packaging envelopes are not recyclable. Please reuse when possible but ultimately dispose of in the trash.
No, sponges of any kind cannot be recycled. Please dispose of in your trash.
Nope, not even clean ones! Treat yourself to cloth napkins!
Plastic food containers are NOT recyclable! Try not to purchase food packaged this way.
Not recyclable. Try to stay in the habit of bringing your own.
Long Beach residents have access to free disposal of hazardous waste at the following locations & times:
Los Angeles County EDCO Recycling and Transfer Environmental Collection Center
2755 California Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755
(Open 2nd & 4th Sat. of each month - 9:00am to 2:00pm)
Gaffey Street S.A.F.E. Center
1400 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro, CA 90731 1-800-98-TOXIC (86942)
(Open Sat & Sun only - 9:00am to 3:00pm)
COVID-19 Safety Precautions
For the health and safety of all staff and participants, the following COVID-19 precautions must be followed at all HHW collection events and collection centers. Anyone not complying will be turned away.
Face coverings are mandatory at all times.
Stay in your vehicle with the windows closed.
Materials must be in an unlocked trunk.
Do not attend if you have:
Any COVID-19 symptoms
Been asked to quarantine
Recently traveled internationally