Marin Sanitary Service Tour Recap

On June 25th, members of our Resilient Neighborhoods community enjoyed an engaging tour of the Marin Recycling Center. The enthusiastic group of 28 participants was led by the knowledgeable Marin Sanitary employees, Renee Goddard and Shannon Reever.

The visit began with an informative slide presentation by Renee, where she emphasized the importance of Re-thinking, Re-fusing and Re-using plastic and recycling only what can’t be reused. Following her talk, we proceeded to the Marin Recycling Center, where we had the opportunity to see the machines and workers sorting our recyclables to prepare them for repurposing

We learned that Marin Sanitary uses a “dual stream” recycling system, where paper recycling is kept separate from bottles and cans to protect it from moisture and contamination. We also learned that one bale of paper can save up to 17 trees!  Just as with paper & cardboard, special machines are used to separate plastics, metal, aluminum, and glass. Employees then sort all the materials by hand before they are made into bales and sold to a recycler.

*Plastic bottles, tubs, and jugs are accepted for recycling.  #1 plastic clamshells and berry containers are now the list of accepted materials.

The glass recycling is processed in Fairfield and can be transformed into new glass bottles in as little as 30 days (and can be recycled again and again). Aluminum cans are processed in the South and can be made into new cans in about 6-8 weeks. Aluminum is also infinitely recyclable as opposed to plastics such as #1 bottles which are mostly downcycled into non-recyclable items like synthetic clothing. #2 HDPE plastic is sturdier and can be transformed into toys or playground equipment.

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We also learned about the Food to Energy program, which takes food waste from qualified local restaurants and grocery stores and converts it into biogas through anaerobic digestion. This process turns organic material into methane, which then serves as a power source for the Central Marin Sanitation Agency, helping to power the sewage treatment facility.

So what happens to the food waste we place in our green carts? It is transferred to WM EarthCare, adjacent to Redwood Landfill & Recycling Center in Novato, where it is turned into organic compost! 

Thank you to all who participated. It was wonderful to see everyone in person! We also extend our gratitude to Marin Sanitary Service for creating such an eye-opening educational experience for us. We truly value your partnership!

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