Fruit in a reusable bag

Recycling & Waste Reduction

The prevention and elimination of solid waste is a critical step in sustainability. The production of goods is one of the main contributors to global climate change. Avoiding the purchase of single-use items reduces the upstream impacts (the production side) and the downstream impacts (waste, litter, and marine pollution). And, greenhouse gas pollutants are generated when organic materials (e.g., food waste, paper-based items, plant debris, and wood) are landfilled.

Below are various resources to help you reduce waste including Recycling & Waste Reduction Tools, Recycling & Waste Reduction Actions, and Recycling & Waste Reduction FAQs.

Recycling & Waste Reduction Actions

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Refuse/Avoid single-use plastics including shopping bags, straws, water bottles, and polystyrene food containers

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Reduce the generation of food waste and try backyard composting food waste

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Reuse functioning products by donating them to thrift stores or to a neighbor

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Repair stuff rather than throwing it away and buying something new

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Recycle properly and avoid contaminating recyclables with trash

Recycling & Waste Reduction FAQs

What is zero waste?

Zero waste refers to products that are designed, used, and managed at the end of life, based on the waste reduction hierarchy (prevent waste, reduce and reuse first, then recycle and compost) in a concerted effort to avoid disposal.

What items should and should not be placed in my recycling cart?

Visit the Sonoma Garbage Collectors website for information.

Can I recycle my plastic bags and polystyrene food containers?

These items are not recycled in Sonoma so they need to be properly disposed of.

Where can I recycle my old paint?

Find drop-off locations on the Zero Waste Sonoma website.

Is there a location to I bring my unwanted/expired prescription medicines?

You can drop-off any unwanted and expired drugs/pharmaceuticals for safe and proper disposal inside the Sonoma Police Department.

I have hazardous wastes at home. How can I safely get rid of them?

Zero Waste Sonoma offers periodic household hazardous waste collection events.

Can I place used paper towels, napkins, and tissue in my organics/green cart?

Yes, these items are not recyclable but are compostable provided they do not contain hazardous materials (e.g., cleaners, motor oil, etc.).

Can I recycle used plastic shopping bags?

Please do NOT place plastic shopping bags in your curbside recycling tote.

The best option is to avoid getting new bags. But if that is not possible, try to reuse them or you may be able to donate them for reuse by local thrift stores. Otherwise, there are receptacles for recycling your plastic bags at Whole Foods Sonoma.

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