What we learned about recycling at the Escondido Resource Recovery Center

Five of us from Chalice recently went on a fascinating  tour of the Escondido Resource Recovery Center. The facilities are state of the art and do an incredible job of recovering and using almost all of the refuse they receive in either the blue or green bins. We had no idea how effective they had become in recycling so many different things that enter our waste stream. Here is a rundown of what we learned on our tour. 

  1. Plastics containers of all types may now be placed in the blue bins. There is no more sorting by numbers. Also, containers don’t need to be washed before recycling. Just tap any food waste on them into the green bins. The only plastic that cannot be placed in either the blue or green bins are plastic bags. They get caught in the machinery and cause shutdowns. There are places like grocery stores that will still take them.
  2. Paper of all types including cardboard can be recycled using the blue bins. If the paper is soiled, put it in the green bins. This includes paper used in packing your delicious fast food meal.  As an example, think of a pizza box. Put the clean top in the blue bin and the soiled bottom in the green bin. In addition, at home put all yard waste into your green bin.
  3. Glass of all types may be placed in the blue bins. After their machines separate the glass by color, it is crushed and separated in the center’s conveyor belt system and sent off for reuse.
  4. If it’s metal or mostly metal, it can be recycled. They are very effective at separating out lighter metals like aluminum. What about cans made of mixed materials? Recycle them in the blue bins.
  5. The anaerobic digesters are large tanks which decompose all of the green waste that comes to the center. The byproducts are methane (natural gas) that is used to either power the EDCO trucks or is added to the SDG&E natural gas lines, and bulk material that is used as a soil additive or compost.
  6. Do not put any types of batteries in either the blue or green bins! Batteries have started fires in the recycling facilities on several occasions and in one case in Northern California, caused a recycling facility to burn down. Batteries are collected at EDCO offices.

NOTE: These recycling rules refer to EDCO pickup areas. If you happen to live outside the EDCO pickup areas, you will need to check on the rules for your area. 

    So, what about the bins at Chalice on Sunday mornings?   

    • Green bins are where all used paper products should be placed. This includes plates, bowls, cups, paper towels and napkins. In addition, all food waste should go in the green bins. 
    • Blue bins will take plastic utensils, plates and cups.   
    • Very little of what we use should end up in the trash cans. 

    Thanks and happy recycling!