Yes: Aluminum and metal cans, plastic containers (1-7), plastic bags, hard plastics (including nursery pots, yogurt containers and toys), glass containers, paper and junk mail, newspaper, magazines, cardboard, cereal, cracker and shoe boxes.
No: Styrofoam, plastic bags or shrink wrap.
The City of Thousand Oaks has some additional tips about the quality of the City’s recycling: Keep plastic bags out of the recycling bin (even if you collect recyclables in them. Dump them out of the bag as it causes problems with sorting them. Rinse any food-contaminated containers before recycling them. And of course, keep all non-recyclables out of the recycling bin.
Yard Debris Bin:
Yes: Yard trimmings, weeds, leaves, grass, small branches, unpainted/untreated scrap lumber, plants and flowers.
No: Trash, garden hoses, animal waste, dirt/rocks, yucca/palm, plastic bags, food, recyclables, concrete, metal, flower pots and painted/treated wood.
Trash:
Yes: Well, just trash. Everything that doesn't go into the recycling and yard debris, with exceptions below.
No: Hazardous waste, TVs, computer monitors, fluorescent light bulbs, tires, batteries, oil/paint, medical needles.
Bin Spacing: 2 to 3 feet apart. Now there’s been some heated debate on NextDoor regarding whether to put the bins on the curb or in the street in front of the curb. E.J. Harrison says the carts should be placed “with the wheels facing the curb,” which to me infers they should be in the street. I’ve personally always place my bins/carts in the street, and find it quite obnoxious when folks block sidewalks with their trash bins. So I guess you know my feelings on the matter. :)
Hazardous Waste
Thousand Oaks residents can take hazardous waste for disposal by appointment 1 day per month. Click here to make an appointment.
Materials accepted includes acids, oil, antifreeze, paint, propane, pesticides, batteries, electronics, various household chemical, etc.
Looking for other places to bring recyclables and hazardous waste? Check out www.Earth911.org.
Batteries and Fluorescent Bulbs
For several years now it has been illegal to toss used batteries and flourescent bulbs in the trash. While I am not aware of anyone going to jail for dumping a AA battery into the trash, do the right thing by taking used batteries to a hazardous waste disposal event or taking your batteries to drop-off locations in the area.
Or better yet, switch to rechargeable batteries!
Given the Conejo Valley is named after a rabbit, I asked her if she had any bunny art to share with us. Oh she certainly does! I selected 3 of the 6 pieces she sent my way. If you like these, let me know and maybe I'll post more at a later date!
