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August 2025
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Recycling Right
With the new waste hauler transition coming next month, now is the perfect time to brush up on how to recycle right. Proper sorting keeps more materials out of landfills and ensures
they can actually be recycled. Even small mistakes—like leftover food or liquids—can contaminate an entire batch.
For example, when liquids spill inside the blue cart, they soak paper and cardboard, making them unrecyclable. Leftover food in plastic containers or sauce in glass jars often means
material recovery facilities have to send otherwise good recyclables to the landfill.
How to Recycle Right:
* Keep it clean, empty, and dry. Rinse containers and let them dry before putting them in the blue cart. No food, no liquid, no grease.
* Never bag recyclables. Plastic bags jam sorting machines and aren't accepted in curbside recycling. Use bags only for trash—or drop them off at retailers like Sprouts or Walmart that
collect them separately.
* Not all plastics are recyclable. Flimsy items like plastic wrap, food pouches, and film packaging cannot be recycled.
* Avoid tangle dangers. Hoses, cords, wires, and clothes do not belong in recycling. They tangle in machinery and cause costly shutdowns.
* Beware of hazardous residues. Aerosol cans and motor oil containers can be recycled—but only if completely empty. Leftover chemicals can spark fires or harm the environment. Check
the Diamond Bar Hazardous Waste Disposal Guide <https://www.diamondbarca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12025/HHW-Resources-Guide-2024> for items like paint, batteries, medications, and used
oil, attend a County HHW (Household Hazardous Waste) event, or call your hauler for proper disposal.
* When in doubt, throw it out. Wishful recycling causes more harm than good. If you are unsure, it is safer to toss it in the trash. You can also find out if something is recyclable
by calling the Environmental Services Team at 909-839-7015.
What Not to Recycle
* Pizza Boxes: Under new Valley Vista Services (VVS) guidelines, greasy pizza boxes are not recyclable. Only clean, grease-free portions (like the lid) can go in the blue bin.
* Sanitizing and Baby Wipes: These are made from plastic fibers and are not recyclable. Do not flush them either—they clog pipes. Always throw them in the trash.
* Napkins and Tissues: Even though they're paper, used napkins and tissues are not recyclable. Compost them in your green organics bin.
* Polystyrene (Styrofoam): A new California law classifies polystyrene as non-recyclable. Avoid using it when possible and look for compostable or reusable alternatives.
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Reduce, REUSE, Recycle!
While recycling gets a lot of attention, reusing items can be more impactful. Giving items a second life reduces waste, cuts demand for new products, and avoids the energy use and air
pollution emissions in the manufacturing process.
Here are a few free resources and simple ideas to get started:
* Post and pick up free items through the Freecycle <https://freecycle.org/> platform, promoting local reuse.
* Use online classifieds, such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor to give away or sell items to others in your area.
* Exchange reading materials with neighbors or start a Little Free Library.
* Donate gently used items to local thrift stores or shop secondhand yourself. The Goodwill donation center at 21070 Golden Springs Drive is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. every day.
* Use churches, clubs, or businesses to organize donation drives or swaps.
Reusing is a simple and powerful, yet often overlooked, aspect of the circular economy. It keeps valuable materials in circulation, cuts down on waste, and brings communities together.
So, get involved, and be part of the reuse movement!
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How to Create a Pollinator Garden
Tired of spending too much time mowing your lawn and too much money on pesticides? A pollinator garden requires some initial effort and investment, but once established, it demands far
less maintenance while offering far greater rewards. By planting native species with biodiversity in mind, you create a self-sustaining habitat where nature does the work for you. The
right mix of plants attracts a variety of beneficial insects that help keep each other in balance, reducing the need for chemical sprays or constant upkeep. Plus, your yard becomes
a vital refuge for threatened pollinators like bees and butterflies.
This quick-start guide is adapted from an article by Sierra Club Magazine:
* Start Small. Begin with a simple 5x5-foot patch. Good spots include lawn edges, fence lines, or foundation beds—areas that are easy to convert.
* Prepare the Site with Sheet Mulching. Lay down cardboard and cover it with wood chips to smother grass without digging. It’s simple, effective, and builds healthier soil.
* Choose Native Plants. Pick plants that are native to your region and match your site’s light and soil conditions. Choose a mix that blooms from spring through fall.
* Plant Densely. Close planting suppresses weeds, locks in moisture, and creates a stronger plant community—just like in nature.
* Avoid Pesticides. Native plants don’t need chemicals. Skip mosquito sprays and ask nurseries if their plants are pesticide-free, especially avoiding neonicotinoids.
* Be Patient. Native gardens take 2–3 years to fully mature. In the meantime, enjoy the steady transformation and the increasing variety of pollinators your garden attracts.
For the full article, visit SierraClub.org <https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/pollinator-garden-how-to-create-your-own-earth-day?promoid=701Po00000sYLaxIAG&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sierraclub&db_t
oken=e55eccbcec69294bc9b7e4dc33e6830c81173ce1ff066922382b151dd2266b3191ab56b6b33414c0bc4a1947e8940d27&utm_content=PollinatorA> .
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National Wellness Month: Green Choices for a Healthier You and a Healthier Planet
August is National Wellness Month—a time to prioritize health, well-being, and self-care. But true wellness extends beyond personal health to encompass the health of our planet, which
directly impacts our own well-being. Here are three activities that can simultaneously boost your health and make a positive difference for the environment:
* Spend Time in Nature. Whether it is a morning hike, a bike ride, or simply a walk in the park, time outdoors can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost mental clarity. Regular nature
exposure has been shown to lower blood pressure, enhance immune function, and increase overall life satisfaction while fostering a deeper connection to the environment we depend on.
* Switch to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products. Making the switch to natural or eco-friendly cleaning products reduces your exposure to harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients that can irritate
skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. Many effective green cleaners are made from simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, creating a healthier indoor environment
for your family while reducing harmful chemicals in waterways.
* Eat Seasonally and Locally. Seasonal produce is often fresher, more flavorful, and more nutritious than items shipped from distant locations. Buying local also significantly reduces
the carbon footprint associated with food transport and packaging. Visit farmers' markets or join a community-supported agriculture program to discover what's growing in your area each
season.
Our well-being and the planet's health are deeply interconnected, and each green choice we make creates a positive ripple effect that benefits both our personal wellness and the environment
we all share.
Contact Information
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City of Diamond Bar
Environmental Services Team
21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
909-839-7000 | greendb@diamondbarca.gov <mailto:greendb@diamondbarca.gov>
For information about this newsletter, contact the Environmental Services Team at 909-839-7015 or greendb@diamondbarca.gov <mailto:greendb@diamondbarca.gov> .
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