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Five Tips for Spring Cleaning

Check out these five tips to make an impact and earn a little cash back along the way!

Step 1: Less Kitchen Waste

When clearing out fridges and pantries, separate materials for the most impact:

• Food scraps (e.g., fruit and vegetable peels, spoiled meat or produce, coffee grounds, bones, and eggshells) can be placed in the curbside green bin to help reduce methane emissions at the landfill (local composting rules vary; check your local requirements to see what food scraps are accepted.)
• Food packaging: Empty condiment bottles, jars, and other food containers, and toss them into your curbside blue bin for recycling (local recycling rules vary; check your local requirements to see what plastics are accepted.)

Step 2: Closet Clean-Out

• Give forgotten fashion a new spark by repairing clothes, repurposing fabrics, or donating items to help with textile waste reduction. 
• Other gently used household items, from decor and shoes to electronics and appliances, can also be donated to nonprofits or given away in local free-exchange groups to give them a second life.

Step 3: Cash in Beverage Containers

You might find some empty or unwanted beverages while cleaning your home. 

• Collect eligible beverage containers (soda cans, plastic water bottles, juice bottles–and don’t forget wine and spirit bottles, which are also CRV eligible) to redeem at your nearest recycling site. Every recycled CRV container puts money back in your pocket while saving natural resources and energy.

Step 4: Clear Clutter

• Recycle unwanted paper (junk mail, magazines, newspapers) in your blue recycling bin. Remove any plastic (film, wrap, or stickers) first. If you shred documents, place the shredded paper inside a paper bag before recycling. Smart Move: opt for digital statements and bills to stop the clutter before it starts! 
• Drop off e-waste (broken gadgets, used batteries, etc.) at local drop-off locations or special collection events for proper, safe recycling.

Step 5: Bathroom Refresh

• When restocking essentials, buy in bulk or in solid form, and prioritize products with refillable containers, ideally made from aluminum or glass. It’s an effortless way to cut down on single-use plastic and waste in your daily routine. 
• Swap for Sustainability: Eliminate disposable items like paper towels and cotton rounds and opt for washable towels and reusable makeup pads. 

Remember: Small Actions Lead to Big Impact

This spring, consider embracing these simple waste reduction and recycling tips from CalRecycle. You’re not just decluttering your home, you’re contributing to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future for California.

Be sure to download this helpful poster (PDF) to share with family and friends.

Learn More

You can learn more by visiting the following resourceful pages:

• Articles, How-To’s, and Quick Tips
• Think Beyond the Bin
• Cash for CRV
• Curb Your Food Scraps
• Frequently Asked Questions
• About This Campaign