Recology

Ever wondered which types of plastics get recycled most? Do you want to know what happens to your blue bin materials after they’re collected at the curb? In honor of #EarthMonth, we sat down with Julia Mangin, our Head of Sustainability, to discuss the truth about recycling and some of the mysteries that surround it. Check out our conversation at https://bit.ly/3VRLKwU.

We’re continuing our Weekend Cleanup Events, which help SF residents discard their bulky items and donate other belongings in resale condition to SF Bay Goodwill! This Saturday, July 13, we’ll be set up at James Lick Middle School to help District 8 residents discard/donate items that they no longer need. We’ll have free compost made from green cart materials available to take home with you if you’re interested, so bring a 5-gallon bucket! For more info, visit https://bit.ly/3VVhsrg

Did you know that 76% of all residential recyclable materials across the country don't make it into a recycling bin? However, when they do, it’s estimated that materials recovery facilities (MRFs) sort and process 87% of the recyclable materials they receive (The Recycling Partnership). This means that placing your recyclable materials – like paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and certain plastics – in your recycling bin is key to ensuring they get recycled. Recycling won’t solve the plastics problem entirely. However, by choosing to recycle and making small changes in your everyday choices like replacing disposable items with reusable ones, together we can reduce landfill waste and move towards a plastic-free future! Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3XCtdFB

Last weekend, we honored Liz, Berlie, Rick, and Ramiro for their exceptional work and service to San Francisco! Together, they represent 93 years of work experience as Recology employee-owners. We are proud to have dedicated and highly skilled workers who help educate, uplift, and serve our community. Thank you four for all that you do, and thank you, San Francisco Giants, for featuring our honorees and all your sustainability accomplishments!

Happy #PlasticFreeJuly! It can be tough to know exactly what is and isn’t recyclable, so it’s best to avoid single-use plastics when you can! If you find yourself unsure when disposing plastics, a good rule of thumb is to throw away flimsy plastics and recycle hard plastics. Always make sure your recyclables are empty, clean, and dry. Remember, each community has different recycling policies, so it’s important to check with your local collection company when you’re unsure!

We felt an overwhelming amount of #Pride for the community with San Francisco Pride this past weekend! Thank you to our amazing employee-owners who came out to celebrate love, unity, and support for the #LGBTQIA+ community. Keep loving loud and proud San Francisco! We can’t wait to celebrate again next year! 🏳️🌈

San Francisco residents, do you have any large items you would like to discard, like old furniture, appliances, or mattresses, that won’t fit in your cart? We have good news! Residential customers can receive at least one curbside bulky item recycling collection at no additional charge. All you’ll need to do is schedule your pickup, leave your items at the curb at the appropriate time, and attach a simple sign that says “Recology.” To get more info and schedule your pickup, visit: https://bit.ly/3VYpf9c

This Waste and Recycling Workers Week, we wanted to give one more employee-owner shout-out to Sixto Dela Cruz at Recology Vacaville! Because of his commitment to excellence, strong safety record, and unbridled zest for the job, Sixto was awarded Honorable Mention in the Regional Commercial category for the 2024 National Driver of the Year Awards at WasteExpo. “Sixto is one of a kind,” said Recology Foreman Randy Rositano. “He is a caring and giving person and brings that out in others, too. On the job, he is completely dedicated to doing what is best for his customers and the company.” Join us in congratulating Sixto and learn more about his work at https://bit.ly/4eEjFQK

We’re excited to shout out a couple of specific employee-owners this Waste and Recycling Workers Week, starting with Manuel Vera at Recology Sunset Scavenger in San Francisco! At this year's WasteExpo, Manuel was awarded Honorable Mention in the Regional Residential category for the 2024 National Driver of the Year Awards! This was no surprise to those who know him because he goes above and beyond his everyday duties regularly, helping older customers by bringing their bins to the house and chatting with them for a moment or two when he can. “I love it,” Manuel said enthusiastically when asked about his job. “I know the people on my route by name and they know me. [During the holidays], some customers even wait in the mornings and greet me with Christmas cookies or holiday cards. It’s wonderful. I love that Recology is really about customer service and making a difference.” You can read more about Manuel’s great work at https://bit.ly/4eEjFQK.

Happy Waste and Recycling Workers Week! This week, we want to celebrate and recognize the incredible efforts of our waste and recycling workers who work tirelessly to keep our communities clean. Every Recology team member plays a crucial role in making a positive impact in our communities, including our committed customer service representatives, dedicated drivers, hard-working mechanics, insightful Waste Zero teams, and every employee-owner. A huge thank you to our waste and recycling workers for all the hard work you do!