Major improvements to the Recycle@Work program have been implemented, with many more items accepted for recycling and new labels on the shared centralized recycling containers located in lunch rooms and shared work areas. New posters placed near recycling and garbage containers provide more detailed information and easy reference.

There are still three centralized recycling containers, (two for recyclables and one for garbage). Among the new items that can now be recycled at work:

• Clear plastic food containers, aluminum foil, trays and tins, plastic bags, shrink wrap, bubble wrap, foam plastic packaging, as well as scrap metals. (At this time, the white foam cups and take-out containers still cannot be accepted.)
• See What is Recyclable on this website for more detailed information on other recyclable items that may be included in the recycling containers.

Since the program began, over 6,000 tons of paper, cardboard, cans and bottles have been recycled, enough to save 85,000 trees and 15,000 barrels of oil. All 7,000 employees have shown their dedication to the environment, reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and serving as a model for recycling as a major employer in Santa Clara County.

But more can be done – we’re only recycling 30% of our waste stream – not quite the 35% level that residents achieved awhile back (50% if you include yard trimmings). Every City employee is a steward of the program! We’re all responsible for familiarizing ourselves with what is and is not recyclable, sorting materials correctly so we don’t contaminate the recyclables with garbage, and recycling as much as possible.