Deciding to recycle items is just the first step, you also want to make sure the items are recycled correctly. Below you will find a list of what can and cannot be recycled. More information can be found here. 

What CAN Be Recycled (Note: All items must be empty, clean, and dry)

• PlasticEmpty beverage bottles with caps onBucketsLarge plastic tubsEmpty laundry detergent bottlesPlastic flower pots & traysPlastic toysRigid plastic greater than 6”
• Paper & CardboardPaper bagsNon-waxed cardboardCereal boxes & paperboardComputer & office paperEnvelopesJunk mailNewspaperPacking or kraft paperPhonebooks
• All MetalsAluminum cansAluminum foil & trays Caps & lids from bottles, jars, & steel cansEmpty paint cansEmpty spray cansScrap metal & metal parts
• GlassBottlesJars

What CANNOT Be Recycled

• PlasticStyrofoamPlastic bags & film plasticSaran wrapFood bags & wrappersFlexible plastic wrappingPlastic labeled “Compostable” or “Biodegradable”Yogurt cupsClear plastic produce or food containersPlastic straws, cups, & utensils
• Paper & CardboardPaper food & beverage containersMilk cartons, Tetrapack, or Aseptic containersPizza boxesWaxed cardboard
• GlassKitchen glassware and other tempered glassWindow glass
• E-waste (anything that has an electrical cord or runs on batteries; see below for more information)

Recycling E-Waste 

E-waste is anything that has an electrical cord or runs on batteries. E-waste cannot be put in trash or recycling containers since it contains hazardous materials. In fact, it has been illegal to dispose of electronics with hazardous components since February, 2006.

Common E-waste Items Include:

• Computers, laptops, components & accessories (CPU, monitor, keyboard, mice, cables, external hard drives)
• TVs of any kind (CRT*, plasma, LCD, etc.)
• Stereos and accessories (speakers, cables)
• All phones (mobile phones with batteries removed; landline phones plus cords)
• Electric & battery-operated tools
• Light fixtures/lamps (remove bulbs)
• Electronic toys/games, cameras
• CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, and other media

How to Recycle E-waste

MarBorg Industries offers free e-waste drop-off in Santa Barbara and Goleta for the following items: Antifreeze, batteries, oil, paint (oil-based and water-based), fluorescent light bulbs, e-waste (small household appliances like microwaves, blenders, vacuums, anything with an electric cord), or household recyclables (paper, cardboard, glass, metal, etc.). Note: Batteries are acceptable to be recycled from home if placed on top of the recycling bin in a sealed plastic bag. 

Goleta Recycle Center

Hours: Monday - Friday 8AM- 4PM

(805) 963-1852

20 David Love Place, Goleta, CA, 93117

Downtown Recycle Center

Hours: Monday - Friday 8AM - 4PM

(805) 963-1852

132 Napolitos Way, Santa Barbara, CA, 93103

For more information on how to recycle, visit Marborg Industries.