Recycling Frequently Asked Questions
Recycling Questions:
Q Do I have to rinse out my cans and bottles before throwing them into the Recycling bins?
A No. Simply empty cans and jars of all food and debris then place them in the curbside container. Make sure as much of the food debris is cleaned out as possible. For example, make sure the pickles and juice are emptied from the glass jar. Peanut butter, Mayonnaise, and Margarine should all be scrapped clean from the sides of the container, but you don’t need to wash out the container. Please don’t waste valuable drinking water on recycling of glass, plastic, and metal. The recycling process will kill germs and eliminate small amounts of food debris left on recoverable materials.
Q I would like to recycle some electronics in the Idyllwild area, where do I take them?
AYou can recycle electronics at the Lamb Canyon landfill, but not at the Idyllwild Transfer Station at this time.We will accept up to two CRT's (TV, Monitor) for free at the landfill from residents. Additionally, we have Household Hazardous Waste Events and accept electronics along with hazardous waste – please check the web site or call for the latest information. Riverside County residents can bring in the above materials for FREE.
Q I have a 5 gallon container of used motor oil that I would like to recycle, but I’ve heard I need a special container, is this true?
A I have not found any specific wording for limitations on the types of containers that you can use to transport your oil to a certified collection center (ccc). Please see the description below for details. I don't know what your container is, but as long as it does not leak, can be secured with a lid, and is clean, there is not reason why the ccc should turn you away. We have free containers that we give away through our rural Household Hazardous Waste program. If you would like to pick-up a container at our office in Moreno Valley, please let me know and I will have one brought from storage and set it aside for you.
You should always disclose if you think your oil may be contaminated before giving it to a recycler. They should refer you to a Household Hazardous Waste or ABOP Collection where you can recycle the oil and filters. For more information and events visit http://www.rivcowm.org/Recycling/HHW-events.htm for locations in your area.
The California Integrated Waste Management Board oversees the Used Motor Oil Grant program and would be very interested in know if there is a certified site that is requiring users to purchase the store's oil containers in order for the resident to participate in the recycling program. The CIWMB website is www.ciwmb.ca.gov. However, in the description below, you will see that they can determine what types of containers they can accommodate:
Tips on Collecting Your Used Motor Oil
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Once you are finished draining the oil from your car’s crankcase, pour the used motor oil into a clean, leak proof container with a screw-top lid or use a drip pan that serves as both a collection and holding container. Check with your local collection center to determine what types of containers they can accommodate. Some collection centers may want you to leave behind the container for disposal if they are not set up to empty it immediately on site. Containers specifically designed to hold used motor oil can be purchased at your local automotive supply store. |
Certain everyday household containers can also be used for used motor oil collection, including milk and water jugs or the original motor oil bottles. DO NOT use a container that previously held household chemicals, such as cleaners, solvents, fuels (gasoline), paint or bleach.
Make sure the chosen storage container has a secure lid so motor oil will not spill or leak.
Keep the collection containers clean.
Always clearly label the container “Used Motor Oil”.
Keep collected used motor oil out of reach of children and pets at all times.
Q I live in an apartment complex in the La Quinta/Indian Wells area and would like to recycle my bottles and cans. But the complex does NOT have any recycling containers in my complex, aren’t they required to provide them and recycle?
A Thank you for your inquiry into recycling. There are a few locations for recycling in your area. These are the portable facilities located in grocery store parking lots. The sites have attendants that weight the material, then they print a receipt and you can take the receipt into the store for cash.
20/20 Recycling Center, 87-630 Highway 111, La Quinta, 800-969-2020
Tomra Recycling, 50-929 Washington St., La Quinta, 951-980-1203
Mobile Recycling Inc., 74-895 Highway 111, Indian Wells 714-891-7766
For more listings please visit our website: http://www.rivcowm.org/recycling_resources_02.htm
Or the California Department of Conservation: www.bottlesandcans.com
The second part of your inquiry refers to recycling for businesses and multifamily dwellings. At this point, it is not required that businesses sort and recycle their waste, so very few do. There are many issues involved with getting the State to require a business to recycle waste. Many businesses have already evaluated their waste stream and found that recycling costs less than disposal, and they have made the effort to implement changes in operations to achieve recycling.
