News Details

Recycling Center Changes You Need to Know

Effective today, there are two important changes at the SMaRT Station^® Recycling Center:

• Paper is no longer accepted (cardboard is OK)
• The buy-back operation will close at 4 p.m.

Here’s why the changes are happening

Paper currently has no value
The SMaRT Station no longer accepts paper at the Recycling Center because we are now paying to recycle it. Cardboard is still accepted. Our usual resources, overseas markets, are limiting what material they take. They are now imposing stringent contamination standards on programs like ours. We are optimistic the change will be temporary as new markets become available. Note: there is no change in curbside collection of paper.

Increased demand impacts buy-back at SMaRT Station
California’s container redemption centers recently closed 284 centers. Closures were due to challenges with recycling markets and increases in operating costs. Fewer locations increased demand at the SMaRT Station resulting in long lines. To allow us to finish customer transactions by 5 p.m., we must close the buy-back center an hour earlier.

How you can be part of the solution

Knowing how to sort your stuff for recycling is vital for the success of our program. Find out what can and can’t be recycled:

How to Get Rid of Anything
Recycling's Dirty Dozen

Schedule a Recycling presentation for your neighborhood or community group. Call 408-730-7262

October 9, 2019