Think green as you spring clean!

Spring is just around the corner, and that means spring cleaning! As we get ready to roll up our sleeves and clean out our garages, it’s important to remember that most of the items that will be disposed of can be recycled or reused.

From cans to appliances and cleaning supplies to paint, proper disposal options exist throughout the county. The County of San Diego’s Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Hotline, 1-877-R-1-EARTH, is available to connect residents to recycling and disposal options that match their needs.

In August 2004, a cleanup of an illegal dumping site near Pala removed tons of trash, including cars, furniture, appliances, children’s car seats and construction debris. The trash was 10 feet deep in some places and may have polluted the San Luis Rey River.

An easy alternative to illegal dumping: residents of county unincorporated areas can call the County of San Diego’s toll-free Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Hotline at 1-877-R-1-EARTH (1-877-713-2784) to learn more about facilities, special one-day collection events and door-to-door pick-ups for qualifying residents.