On June 21, 2005 the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted to ban the disposal of recyclable materials as garbage in the County’s Buena Vista Landfill and created new requirements for County residents and businesses to recycle. Provisions of the landfill ban and mandatory recycling ordinance are found in the County Code Title 7, Chapter 7.20.
The purpose of these actions is to extend the lifespan of the Buena Vista Landfill and to recover valuable resources.
Since January 1, 2006, the following materials cannot be disposed of as garbage in the Buena Vista Landfill or at the Ben Lomond Transfer Station. When discarded, they can be recycled at both locations.
These Materials are Banned from Landfill Disposal and MUST BE RECYCLED:
| Aluminum Cans, Trays and Foil |
Tin Cans |
| Corrugated Cardboard |
Steel Cans |
Mixed Waste Paper*: including junk mail, catalogues, paperboard, brown paper, paper grocery bags, colored paper, construction paper, writing pad backings, cereal and similar food boxes
*available when recycling market exists |
Rigid Plastic Containers Marked #1 and #2 |
| Computer Paper |
Used motor oil and used automotive antifreeze |
| Container Glass |
Oil filters |
| Electronic Waste: including monitors, televisions |
Household and auto batteries |
| Concrete and Asphalt |
Yard waste and wood waste |
| Gypsum Board |
Tires |
| Mattresses |
|
Since January 1, 2006, this ordinance has prohibited placement of recyclables in refuse containers in the unincorporated county area. Other materials not banned, but currently recyclable at County disposal sites, include: Plastic Bags and Film Plastic, Hard Plastic Products and Packaging.
Information on recycling collection, drop-off and other options can be obtained by calling 454-2160.