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Follow these four easy steps to safely recycle your household batteries and cell phones:

• [1] GATHER YOUR BATTERIES This includes all single-use, rechargeable, button cell and 9-volt batteries.  You can also recycle your old cell phones.
• [2] DISCHARGE BATTERIES Soak the batteries in an open-topped container in a solution of three tablespoons of baking soda to a quart of water for 24 hours to make them safe for recycling.  This is a critical step since even partially charged batteries are highly dangerous!
• [3] PLACE IN
  PLASTIC BAG Put discharged batteries and cell phones into a clear plastic zip-type bag.  Don't forget to tape your button batteries, wrap your cell phones in paper, and seal it up.
• [4] LEAVE IT ON YOUR RECYCLING BIN Place the sealed bag on top of your mixed paper recycling bin and set it out on your collection day.  We'll make sure your batteries and cell phones are properly, and safely recycled.

ZAP the charge out of your batteries then ZIP them into a plastic bag for ZILCH effect on the planet!

Download the
ZAP then ZIP PDF

"Hosting the new Shoreway Environmental Center in San Carlos fits perfectly with our community's environmental values.  The newly expanded recycling services offered through the opening of the new center will benefit residents and businesses not only in San Carlos but in all 12 of the RethinkWaste Member Agencies.  We're proud to be part of making that happen."

"Californians lead the nation in their commitment to sustainability.  But it’s critical we have the facilities to accommodate that recycling commitment – to process what we divert for reuse every day. The Shoreway Environmental Center is a welcome addition to California’s campaign to turn our waste stream into a supply stream."

"We are excited to unveil this new community asset that provides critical green infrastructure to support financially sustainable and environmentally sound programs for our service area of over 450,000 residents. Our Environmental Education Center will also leave a lasting positive imprint in the community as we teach children the value of conserving our precious natural resources."

Did you know an estimated 2 to 5 million exposures to household poisons occur every year, and a significant number of them involve household cleaners?

Source: Ecomall

Use non-toxic or natural ingredients (baking soda, vinegar) whenever possible.

It is illegal to place “universal waste” in the trash. Universal wastes are hazardous and contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment and public health if they are not disposed of properly.

Examples are:

• household batteries
• electronic devices
• fluorescent tubes and bulbs
• mercury devices (e.g., thermometers or lighted shoes)

Do the right thing! You can recycle batteries in your curbside program. Take your universal waste to the Shoreway Household Hazardous Waste facility for environmentally safe disposal and recycling.

Reusable bags are widely used at farmers’ markets, but do you take those same bags to the grocery store with you? Start a new habit and BYOB the next time you enter any store. Each year the United States consumes 30 billion plastic and 10 billion paper grocery bags, requiring 14 million trees and 12 million barrels of oil.

Source: San Francisco Dept of Environment

Neither! Single-use shopping bags create a tremendous amount of waste for something that’s often in our lives for fewer than 5 minutes. Each year, the US consumes 30 BILLION plastic and 10 BILLION paper grocery bags requiring 14 million trees and 12 million barrels of oil.

Every time you shop for groceries, BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag). Be a role model. Other shoppers will watch, be inspired and learn. Learn more about the Bay Area BYOB Campaign by visiting igotmybag.org

Source: Ideal Bite and San Francisco Department of Environment

• Rent instead of buying new power tools or other infrequently-used items
• Start a neighborhood tool exchange
• See “Tools-Renting” in the Yellow Pages.

Get creative about waste prevention - Look at how you live and make different choices.

• Reduce the amount of lawn in your landscaping
• Plant water-wise and low-maintenance plants
• Create native plant gardens
• www.RecycleWorks.org