What Goes Where

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

Sustainability is one of the city’s top priorities. We can all contribute to a sustainable Carlsbad by diverting waste away from the landfill through proper recycling and composting. Here's how:

Blue bin is for recyclables

  • Plastics: Look on the bottom of containers for a number inside the recycling arrows and recycle plastics numbered 1 through 7 
  • Metal cans, aluminum foil: Recycle all food and beverage metal cans – steel, tin, bi-metal and aluminum
  • Cardboard, newspaper and magazines: You can also include newspaper inserts, catalogs, paperback books, phone books and brochures
  • Paper food containers: Recycle food boxes including juice boxes, egg, ice cream and milk cartons, and cereal and pasta boxes
  • Paper: Recycle envelopes, office paper, junk mail, greeting cards and file folders; paper must not be food soiled

Green bin is for organics

  • Food waste: Fruit, vegetables, meat, bones, dairy, eggshells, coffee grinds and prepared food 
  • Yard waste: Recycle yard trimmings, plants, leaves, branches and grass
  • Food-soiled paper: Soiled napkins and paper towels, tea bags, paper plates, pizza boxes and coffee filters

Learn more about organic waste composting.

Grey bin is for landfill

  • Everything else should go in your grey bin

Empty headin

Empty heading

Why it’s important
How you can help
Recycle right
Other recycling tips
Laws and regulations
Contact