February & March 2020
Yes, we do! All local waste haulers separately collect recyclables and work hard to find viable markets for collected materials. However, markets for recyclables have fluctuated dramatically over the last couple of years. For instance, sorting centers have recently been unable to find stable markets for recycling plastics #3 - #7. When there is no viable market, specific materials are either stockpiled for later sale or sent to the local landfill. Hauling companies continue collecting these materials, avoiding the confusion of frequently changing lists of acceptable items. Here are some additional notes:

Representative of 95% - 99% of material sent to Gold Coast Recycling
  • Cardboard, glass bottles, and metal cans have stable domestic markets for recycling.
  • Mixed paper has a strong overseas market for recycling. It is important that this material is dry and free of food waste. Contamination is a primary concern and can cause rejection of material at foreign ports.
  • Plastics #1 PET (e.g., soda and water bottles) and #2 HDPE (e.g., milk and detergent bottles) have stable domestic markets for recycling.

Representative of 1% - 5% of material sent to Gold Coast Recycling
  • Plastics #3 (PVC), #5 (PP), and #7 (other) have unstable markets. Given the uncertainty of these commodity markets, avoid the purchase of these items to improve the waste stream. Currently, these items are not being recycled.
  • #4 film plastic (i.e. plastic bags, newspaper sleeves, product wrap, dry-cleaning bags, etc.) should be taken back to your local grocery store. Most of it is recycled into plastic lumber. Do not place in recycle bin.
  • #6 polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam) has no viable market and will not be recycled if placed in the recycle bin.
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Environmental Program Updates
Green Business
2019 Environmental Excellence Award Winner: The Refill Shoppe

The Refill Shoppe is an eco-awesome bath store making a difference one bottle at a time since 2010. Born and bred right here in Ventura, The Refill Shoppe is an early pioneer of the zero-waste industry. Bring your own bottle to fill with one of the fifty unique eco-friendly (and often customizable) bath, body, home & cleaning products. Simply put, The Refill Shoppe works to make eco easy & efficient. 

Already a certified 'B Corp' and 1% For the Planet member, the Refill Shoppe recently became the very first 'Innovator Tier' Certified Green Business in Ventura! To become an Innovator Business, the Refill Shoppe had to show leadership as a green business steward and mentor, exceed 90% waste diversion, show influential business innovations to propel our community towards sustainability, and implement practices to promote social equity and sustainability. Learn more about Green Businesses in Ventura!
Green Schools
Local schools will compete to green their campus and win some green!

In a state-wide competition, a few local schools will participate in the Keep California Beautiful K-12 Recycling Challenge, where schools will sort, measure, and record their recycled and/or composted material for the whole month of February! Schools with the most recycled materials and the highest recycling rates will win cash prizes.

Locally, schools within the City of Ventura are eligible to enter the Green Schools Award through the Green Schools Program. Teachers and staff can apply for a grant to implement a new sustainable project on campus. Winners will be announced in April, in honor of Earth Day!

Learn more about our Green Schools Program and what some local schools did to win the Keep California Beautiful Challenge and the Green Schools Award last year.
Food Waste
The fungus among us! Mushrooms are ever-fascinating and down-right delicious, but what’s the best way to store them?

According to SaveTheFood.com mushrooms should be used as quickly as possible after purchasing. Store mushrooms in the refrigerator (inside paper bags is best to help absorb moisture) and only wash just before they are going to be eaten. Storing food correctly is one tool we can use to reduce food waste. Checkout SaveTheFood.com for tips on how to store fruits, veggies, dairy, and meat.
Recycle Coach Tip
Did you know that plastic bags and film plastics can be recycled at your local grocery store?

Plastic bags and film plastics (think plastic produce bags, plastic "baggies", air pillows, and bubble wrap) can all be taken back to your local grocery store to be recycled. Never place these items in recycle bin . Here are a few locations that accept plastic bags and film plastics (Photo 2).

Download the Recycle Coach App to learn more!
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