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A photo of the historic Auburn firehouse

Recycling Programs

Based on diminishing landfill capacity in the state and the desire to be more environmentally responsible in solid waste management, the State of California enacted the California Integrated Waste Management Act, Assembly Bill 939 (AB939). The law directs the State via the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) to oversee the design and implementation of local integrated waste management plans.

AB939 mandated local jurisdictions to meet diversion goals of 25% by 1995 and 50% by 2000. The diversion goals and program requirements are implemented through a disposal-based reporting system by local jurisdictions under CIWMB regulations.

By reducing, reusing, recycling, and buying recycled-content products, every Californian can help to protect our environment and assist in keeping our states cities and countryside clean.

The City Of Auburn, in response to the requirements of AB939, has implemented several programs to meet its reduction requirements. These plans have been implemented in conjunction with Auburn Placer Disposal Service (APDS), the franchise refuse collection company for the city. For additional information on recycling and reducing the refuse that goes to area landfills, call (530) 823-4211, ext. 145, or APDS at (530) 885-3735.

For more information, read the frequently asked questions.

Drop-off Locations

There are numerous drop-off sites for newspaper and cardboard recycling. In addition, there are several independent recycling businesses in the Auburn area.

City Programs and Incentives

The City of Auburn promotes and encourages programs which reduce the amount of waste that is sent to the county landfill near Lincoln. To that end we have sponsored or endorse the following:

Grasscycling

Grass clippings make up a large portion of California's waste stream. Therefore by practicing grasscycling we can potentially reduce the amount of green materials generated.

  • Grasscycling is the natural recycling of grass by leaving clippings on the lawn after mowing.
  • Using a mulching mower allows the clippings to be left on the soil to decompose, returning valuable nutrients back to the soil.
  • Grasscycling is simple, easy, and it works!

Composting

In April of 2001 the City of Auburn implemented a pilot composting program called "Leaf It Out." This program involved local Auburn residents receiving their own free composting bin to compost in their back yards. Auburn Placer Disposal Service (APDS), UCCE Placer County Master Composters, and the Placer County Air Pollution Control District sponsored the program. Participants were given instructions on the how to's involved in composting.

In late November 2002, the City of Auburn implemented a pilot green waste collection program encompassing over 500 households. Each household in the program was given an additional toter to be used exclusively for green waste. APDS picks up the green waste on a separate route and transports the waste, source separated to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) near Lincoln.

The green waste is used to produce composting materials for resale from the MRF. Tentative numbers of green waste collected and diverted from the waste stream are good. The city will continue to monitor and evaluate the pilot program, with the goal of expanding the program citywide in the near future.

Beverage Container Recycling

The city was successful in receiving grants from the Department of Conservation to be used specifically for beverage container recycling. The city purchased receptacles, and they have been placed within the city and located next to or in the vicinity of current garbage receptacles to allow the public to recycle glass, plastic, and aluminum containers.

Business Recycling

The City of Auburn and Auburn Placer Disposal Service (APDS) encourage businesses to recycle wherever possible. Many local businesses and schools participate in recycling programs for cardboard, aluminum cans, glass, and office paper recycling. For additional information, please call either the City of Auburn at (530) 823-4211, ext. 145, or APDS at (530) 885-3735.

Residential Recycling

The City of Auburn and Auburn Placer Disposal Service (APDS) have implemented a residential recycling program called the "Blue Bag Program." Through this program APDS will deliver "blue bags" to city residents for recyclable materials. The "blue bags" are then placed next to their garbage can on pickup day. To request your "blue bags" delivered to your home call APDS at 885-3735.

The following items can be placed in the "blue bags:"

  • All paper, including newspaper, envelopes, computer paper, copy paper, magazines, and junk mail
  • Plastic containers — lids removed
  • Glass containers — all types with lids removed
  • Aluminum, steel/tin cans

Bundle and tie newspapers and cardboard, when possible, and place them directly inside your garbage can. Place the "blue bags" either inside or beside your garbage can.

Other Refuse and Recycling Information

Contact Information

Recycling Programs
1225 Lincoln Way, Room 3
Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: (530) 823-4211, ext. 5
Fax: (530) 885-5508

Megan Siren, Administrative Analyst/Transit Manager
(530) 823-4211, ext. 145
msiren@auburn.ca.gov

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