Single-Family Recycling Cart Tagging Project

A 2022 study found that 57% of items placed in San José single-family recycling carts were not recyclable. Beginning March 2024, a new initiative provides direct and household-specific feedback through cart tags to improve recycled material recovery and reduce the quantity of materials landfilled.

City staff are checking recycling carts placed curbside on collection days from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. City staff are reviewing contents that are visible at the top to determine if there are non-recyclables or dirtied recyclables with left-over food and/or liquid. Depending on what is found, residents may receive an “Oops!” tag for non-recyclables or soiled recyclables, or a “Good Job!” tag for recycling properly. These feedback tags are intended to serve as an educational piece to increase the amount of clean recyclables collected and to inform future initiatives. 

Seven City of San Jose employees are standing in front of a white mini van with the City of San Jose's logo on it. The employees are wearing neon safety vests over their clothes and have a bag strapped over their chest. One employee is wearing plastic gloves.A man in a green hoodie with a neon safety vest over it is holding an iPad while inspecting the contnets of an open recycling bin.

All tagged carts will be collected unless Household Hazardous Waste is found. If Household Hazardous Waste (such as batteries, electronic devices with embedded batteries, paint, motor oil cans, and aerosol cans) is present, the recycling service provider will leave a Non-Collection Notice tag.

Front side of a Good Job tag with four categories that are accepted in the recycling.  Clean plastic #1-5 & 7 category: Empty laundry detergent, empty water bottle, empty milk jug, empty peanut butter jar, and empty takeout container.  Clean paper category: Clean newspaper and cardboard.  Clean metal category: Clean metal food can and metal soda can.  Clean glass jars and bottles category: Two clean glass bottles and a clean glass jar.Front side of an Oops tag with nine categories that should stay out of the recycling.  Bagged recyclables category: Recyclables in a plastic bag.  Dirty recyclables w/food/liquid category: A dirty glass jar, a dirty plastic takeout container, and a dirty aluminum tin.  Non-recyclable plastics category: A plastic bag, a mixed-material delivery envelope, and a Styrofoam tray.  Dirty or non-recyclable paper category: A greasy pizza box, a used paper cup, and a used napkin.  Bulky items category: A car seat and a microwave.  Household hazardous waste category: Single-use batteries, a smartphone, a cannister of motor oil, and a light bulb.  Food and garbage category: An eaten apple core, a soiled diaper, and a garden hose.  Clothing, shoes, and textiles category: A single shoe, a T-shirt, and an area rug.  Yard waste and construction debris category: Tree branches, grass, and construction wood.

(Click on the images to view the full tags)

 

Three tips to Recycle Right

Recycling can be confusing. Here are three easy tips:

  1. Keep recyclables loose; do not bag recyclables.
  2. Recycle plastics #1-5 and #7 (unless labeled compostable).
  3. Empty and scrape containers before recycling.

Look up what’s recyclable at SanJoseRecycles.org.

Please provide feedback by taking our survey.

Questions? Contact us at (408) 975-2550 or via email to ZeroWaste@sanjoseca.gov.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What happens to recycling cart materials after they are collected?
What is recycling contamination?
Why should I bother sorting my recycling if it's sorted again at the MRF?
Why does recycling contamination matter?
Why is recycling so confusing and different across cities?
What items are accepted in the recycling cart?
What are some examples of non-recyclables?
Why is the City of San José doing this work?
What is meant by "checking carts"?
Will I be issued a fine if I receive an "Oops" tag?
Will my cart still be collected if I receive an "Oops" tag?
How can I provide feedback on this project?
Who should I contact if I have more questions?