We've all had that moment where you need to dispose of something and you're not sure what to do with it. It is garbage? Can you recycle it? Will it even fit into your trash bin? For those of you who are wondering what you can put in the dumpster at your Chico or Redding apartment, we have the answers...

The company that has the contract for all waste and recycling disposal sets most of the rules about what goes in the dumpster and what doesn't, but it's always good to check with the manager at your Chico or Redding area apartment to see if they have any specific waste disposal policies of their own.

Put it in the Dumpster

Most trash is easily identifiable as, well...trash, but here's some quick examples of what goes in the dumpster:

• Food Scraps, Food-soiled Paper (Pizza Boxes, Napkins, Take-out Containers)
• Diapers, Pet Waste, Disposable Gloves
• Polystyrene Foam & Packaging
• Plastic Utensils, Plastic Straws
• Aseptic Containers, Gable-top Cartons (such as milk cartons)
• Plastic Wrap, Bags & Other Plastic Film
• Broken Glass & Dishes (Please Wrap)
• Hoses, Cords & Wire

Trash is required to be in the dumpster with the lid closed for pickup. That means that if you can't fit your trash in without the dumpster overflowing or propping up the lid, it doesn't belong in the dumpster. This also helps reduce mess in the dumpster area and discourages scavenging animals. 

If you have a large item to dispose of that doesn't easily fit into the dumpster, you can usually schedule a pick up with the waste disposal company if you notify them 48 hours in advance.

Check in with your apartment manager to see how your facility deals with these kinds of special pick ups. The apartment manager may be able to notify the company and schedule it on your behalf. 

Typically, items must be ready for pick up by 5 a.m. Acceptable items include furniture and appliances. This is a common need when moving out of your Chico or Redding apartment, since people are often getting rid of old furniture or need to dispose of a worn out mattress.

Prohibited Items

The waste disposal company will not pick up: Hazardous Waste (Products labeled toxic, poison, corrosive, flammable or irritant), Medical Waste (Needles, Prescription Medication), Paint, Oil and/or Oil Filters, Batteries (Household and Automotive), CFL and Fluorescent Bulbs and Tubes, Tires, Hot Ashes, Electronic Waste (Computers, Televisions, Cell Phones, Kitchen Appliances), Ink Cartridges, Dead Animals.

What Can I Recycle?

If you are unclear on what you can recycle Waste Management has a lot of information for you here. The main categories of recyclables are: metals, paper/cardboard, glass and plastics. Check all your items for the recycle symbol and the terms: CA CRV, CA Cash Refund or CA Redemption Value.

More Questions?

Waste Management has a great FAQ on their website that should address most of your questions about garbage, recycling and yard waste.

As Usual, Common Sense Prevails

When in doubt, use your common sense when deciding what to put in the dumpster at your Chico or Redding apartment. If you were the person collecting the garbage, would you be displeased to see what had been thrown into it? A mattress half-hanging out of the dumpster with the lid propped open probably wouldn't put a smile on your face.

If items are potentially hazardous, look it up and see if it should go the hazardous waste. Recycle everything you can, we only have one planet, let's try to take care of it. E-waste can be especially toxic so make sure it goes to the right place and if possible, donate it somewhere that can still make use of it, like Computers for Classrooms.

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