Recycling Guide

Milpitas is proud to serve commercial buildings, businesses, residential facilities, and homeowners as their recycling partner. We care about a cleaner environment and are committed to waste diversion efforts.

Our Disposal Guide

Not Sure How to Dispose Your Item?

Residential Recycling Guide: We are your dedicated partner for recycling nationwide. We offer single or multiple-dumpster collection, recyclables programs, green waste recycling, and more. Learn what you can recycle and how it works.

Waste Wizard

Our Recycling Services

Our Offerings Across Our Network Include

Single or multiple-dumpster collection service
Separated or combined recyclables collection programs
Green waste recycling programs
Recycling cardboard, newspaper, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, glass containers, and electronics service
VHS Tapes
Our Disposal Guide

What Residential Items Can’t Be Recycled via Curbside Collection

Residential recycling options may vary by location, so it's important to check with your local recycling options and guidelines in your area.

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Unacceptable Items

Items

  • Propane canisters
  • Flares
  • Needles
  • Electronics
  • Flammable liquids
  • Batteries for e-cigarettes
  • Helium tanks
  • Lighters and matches
  • Knives
  • Household batteries
  • Butane canisters
  • Ceramic plant pots
  • Bear spray
  • Paint
  • Ammunition
  • Straws

Plastic containers

  • Containers for motor oil, vehicle lubricant or antifreeze products
  • Garden hoses
  • Packaging labeled biodegradable or compostable
  • Plastic string or rope
  • Microwavable bowls with metal rims
  • Plastic paint cans
  • Plastic wrap
  • Pails for lubricants and oils
  • Plastic or foil lids from coffee and tea pods
  • Liquid-absorbing pads, e.g., in trays of meat, poultry, fish, etc.
  • Lawn edging, tarps, plastic furniture or toys
  • Plastic blister packs e.g. plastic/foil protective packaging for chewing gum and pills


Steel containers

  • Steel paint cans
  • Coat hangers (return to dry cleaners)
  • Pots, pans and baking trays
  • Propane cylinders
  • Metal toys
  • Appliances
  • Metal hardware or other scrap metal
  • Wiring or metal cords, extension cords

Misc. flexible plastic packaging

  • Plastic squeeze tubes
  • Plastic-lined paper
  • Cellophane wrap
  • Plastic strapping
  • 6-pack ring
  • Biodegradable plastic
  • PVC/vinyl
  • Squishy foam
  • Plastic blister packs e.g. plastic/foil protective packaging for chewing gum and pills

Paper packaging/cardboard

  • Cardboard boxes with wax coating
  • Paper bags with multiple layers that include a foil layer
  • Paper bags with a plastic layer
  • Paper towels, napkins
  • Tissues

Aluminum containers

  • Spray paint cans
  • Aerosol cans with any contents remaining
  • Propane cylinders
  • Foil-lined cardboard take-out containers and lids

Glass bottles & jars

  • Drinking glasses or dishes, cookware
  • Whole or broken window glass or mirrors
  • Ceramic products
  • Light bulbs and light fixtures

Foam packaging

  • Liquid-absorbing pads used in trays for meat, poultry, fish, etc.
  • Labels, tape, paper and cardboard on foam packaging
  • Foam peanuts, packing chips, or noodles
  • Blue or pink foam board insulation
  • Squishy or flexible foam
  • Furniture cushions

Plastic bags/Overwrap

  • Kitchen stretch wrap
  • Packaging labeled biodegradable or compostable
  • Lumber or construction wrap
  • Garbage bags

Paper

  • Hardcover or paperback books (donate or sell)
  • Ribbons or bows
  • Musical greeting cards with batteries
  • Rubber bands
Our Process of Recycling

How Does Recycling Work?

We collect full recycle dumpsters at curbsides, multi-family dwellings, or businesses. At recycling facilities (MRFs), materials are sorted, cleaned, compressed, and prepared for sale to end markets.

Clean every item

Clean items are crucial to avoid contamination during transportation.

Waste Collection

When recycle dumpsters are full, they are then collected by us at a curbside, multi-family dwelling, or business.

Recycling facility (MRF)

Materials are sorted and organized by material types, then inspected for final quality control clean-up before being baled (compressed) together and staged for sale to end markets.

Battery Disposal

Incorrect Battery Disposal Can Cause Fires

Common household items seem harmless, however, the batteries in them pose risks when disposed into regular garbage or recycling containers because of their highly flammable nature.

  • Remove the batteries

    Check the electronic devices you need to dispose of. If possible, remove the batteries. If not, bring the whole device to the drop off location.
  • Store batteries in a safe place

    Store batteries in non-metallic containers (plastic, cardboard, or glass) that do not conduct electricity if there is a spark.
  • Find your local drop off

    Find a local electronic disposal store, or find a drop off location near you.
For Your Home

More Residential Services

We offer convenient pickup times and reliable service. Residential garbage recycling is available wherever we offer garbage pickup.