There are better alternatives to single use plastic! Nowadays, there are a whole lot of items – such as plastic bottles, utensils and wrap – that are designed to be used once and then thrown “away.” That may feel convenient,
Did you know that California is the top exporter of contaminated plastic in the nation? Contamination occurs when anything from food waste to the wrong kind of plastic is bundled with truly recyclable plastic. This contaminated recycling is then often
If you’re like us, you’re cooking a lot more at home these days and you’re probably producing more food waste as a result. Before you put that leftover food in your green Compost Cart, consider these suggestions from EcoWatch to
Waste 360 posted an article sharing some alarming statistics around the estimated 42 million metric tons of plastic waste the U.S. generates (more than any country worldwide) and the true state of global plastic recycling markets. “What happens with this
You sort and recycle, compost your food scraps and avoid plastic bags. That’s great! Moving to zero waste also means making sure that the stuff you no longer want gets used by someone else, and that we all buy less
The Marin IJ posted an article about Christmas tree recycling options in Marin County including those offered by Mill Valley Refuse. “For us, our goal is to keep as much green waste and compost out of the garbage stream,” said
The alternative management standard (AMS), which allows waste haulers to accept treated wood waste (TWW) from residential and commercial customers, expired on December 31, 2020. As of January 1, 2021, waste haulers in the County of Marin cannot accept TWW at
One philosophy that has gained a huge following is the zero waste movement. At the individual level, the definition of zero waste is sending as little garbage to a landfill or incinerator as possible. In the bigger picture, a zero
We’re calling upon our Marin neighbors to recommit to reducing plastic use, recycling and composting in the New Year. It’s a gift Mother Earth will all thank you for. Gen Z will thank you as well, knowing we will have
California had a goal to hit 75 percent diversion by this year, but it’s falling substantially behind, with a 40 percent rate in 2018 (from CalRecycle’s most recent reporting). Some of the main hindrances to reaching its target have been
MVRS is Requesting a Rate Increase Mill Valley Refuse Service will be requesting a rate increase from all the jurisdictions it services at upcoming city council and board meetings during the month of September. (Actually, by the time you read
A bill up for vote in the California Assembly this week could have a big impact on how and what we recycle. The bill seeks to push manufacturers toward more sustainable packaging and products, denying them the ability to sell
Check your mailboxes during the week of June 28, 2020 for our Dual Stream Pickup Calendar flyer. It was mailed to all MVRS residential customers. Your family won’t forget what recycling week it is with this handy Dual Stream Pickup
Collection Service Continues Our garbage, recycling and compost collection service continues to operate as an essential service in our communities. Please put your carts out as usual on your regularly-scheduled collection day. Service Tips Please do not overfill your carts.
For those of us lucky enough to have a yard, gardening can be a great way to get fresh air, relax and spend time with the family outside. Even better if your garden work creates zero waste or even reduces
After staying at home for weeks, you may be more aware of clutter and be moved to remove! Are you looking at piles of items to donate or recycle? Unfortunately, during the shelter-at-home order, many facilities for drop-off and
Are you ordering in more during Stay-at-Home? As we get more deliveries and can’t use our reusable bags at stores, paper and plastic bags and cardboard boxes are piling up! Here are some tips from Zero Waste Marin: Paper bags:
During this difficult time, moving toward zero waste may not be at the top of our to-do lists. The COVID-19 restrictions present multiple challenges to our usual waste reduction habits. For example, the ban on reusable bags and cups forces
The team at Mill Valley Refuse wants to offer our sincere and enthusiastic gratitude to Kylie Frame of Feed the Frontlines Marin for bringing our crew not one, but two days of delicious breakfasts. Kylie, a senior at Tamalpais High School, contacted
The idea of a “zero waste” lifestyle is a growing trend, particularly online, where YouTubers, bloggers, chefs, and scientists have all started embracing the movement. But for the average person, the concept of “zero” can be intimidating. It