Tri-CED’s goal is to provide reliable and efficient recycle collection service to Union City residents, who can help by sorting your recyclables properly and avoiding placing prohibited items in the recycle cart.
All items placed in Union City residents’ recycle carts are sorted at Tri-CED’s material recovery facility (MRF). Sorted materials are compacted into large rectangular blocks called bales. The bales are shipped to facilities to be recycled into new products. During the sorting process at the MRF, prohibited items must be removed and sent to landfill so that they do not end up in the bales. Bales containing prohibited items cannot be recycled into new products.
The most common prohibited items Tri-CED finds inside recycle carts are plastic bags, non-recyclable plastics (#3-7), styrofoam, food waste, textiles and small appliances. Plastic bags, non-recyclable plastics, bagged materials, and styrofoam belong in the landfill cart. Food waste belongs in the green compost cart.
Proper sorting of materials is required under California state law SB 1383, the Alameda County Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance, and the Union City Municipal Code. To learn how to sort materials properly, use the RE:Source tool on www.StopWaste.org.
Placing batteries in your curbside landfill, recycle or compost carts is dangerous and illegal. Batteries are classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of safely. Tri-CED’s battery collection program is offered at no additional charge to help residents dispose of batteries safely and conveniently. To request a free battery bag, call Tri-CED at 510.471.3850. They will deliver a battery bag on the next service day. Simply put all the batteries inside the bag and place the bag on the ground next to the recycle cart on your next service day. Tri-CED will pick up the batteries when they service the recycle cart. Then, they will ship the batteries to their final destination to be recycled.
To help Tri-CED service carts consistently, follow these tips:
• Set out all carts the night before or by 6am on collection service day.
• Place carts at least two feet apart from each other and other objects.
• Place all items inside the recycle cart loose with the lid completely closed.
• Set out carts with wheels and handles facing the curb.
