Go Green This Spring: Recycle in Pleasant Hill

Spring cleaning and de-cluttering means plenty of old, unwanted items. So how do you keep it all out of the landfill? After all, one man's trash is another man's treasure.

The City of Pleasant Hill "is committed to recycling," according to the city's website, and has a partnership with Allied Waste to help residents and businesses go green. In addition to the recycling programs and centers, there are plenty of ways to give old things new life. Here's how.

Paper and Plastic: 

Contra Costa County Waste Reduction and Recycling provides information about where to recycle paper, plastic and much more in the county. A reuse and recycling guide is available online, as well as information about curbside recycling. Browse the website or call the County Recycling Hotline at 1-800-750-4096. 

Clothing: 

Local thrift stores that accept clothing include St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army and Goodwill.

A list of local thrift stores is available here.

Electronics, Computers, Cellphones: 

The Contra Costa County Waste Reduction and Recycling program has an entire section of its website devoted to e-waste disposal options.

Staples Office Supply Stores located throughout the Bay Area, also accept computers and electronic devices for recycling. Find out about the Staples recycling program here.

Paint: (Hazardous Waste)

It is essential to keep hazardous materials such as paint, pesticides, solvents and other chemicals out of the waste stream where it can pollute water, air and soil. Information about what is considered hazardous waste and how to dispose of paint and other toxic materials can be found on the county's recycling page.

There are hazardous waste drop-off sites in Martinez, Antioch and Richmond serving Contra Costa County residents. 

Household Goods, Furniture: 

In addition to the obvious purveyors of used household items, such as Goodwill, Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul, you might also try recycling your housewares at consignment stores.

In the East Bay you can consign your gently used household goods and furniture at places like, Consignment Plus, Consignment Arsenal, Chameleon Consignment, Second Home and Urban Island.

You might also try listing your items for sale on EBay or Craigslist. Post your items free of charge on Craigslist or the Freecycle network.

Where and how do you recycle in Pleasant Hill? Comment below.