The SmartBusiness Recycling Program has compiled a list of valuable resources and tools to effectively help you reduce the amount of trash your business generates and discards.

RECYCLING COMPANIES
Use the "Recycler Locator" at the top of this page (and displayed on all pages on this site) to access more than 350 recycling companies that can recycle or reuse almost everything from bottles, cans, papers and plastics, to computers, concrete, textiles, tires and wood. To find a recycler for the type of materials you are interested in, go to the Recycler Locator above and choose the category from the drop-down list in the upper box, then click the GO button. Displayed will be a list of recycling companies that accepts the material you have selected. The list will appear in alphabetical order, but you can also sort the list by zip code for easier access to recyclers in your area.

If you have a specific material to recycle that is not found in the drop-down list, such as toner cartridges, type the material you want to recycle in the lower box and click the GO button. Again, displayed will be a list of recycling companies that accepts the material(s) you want to recycle.

Please remember to always contact the recycler to verify location, hours of operation, minimum quantities, restrictions on materials, etc. before delivering materials. Inclusion of recycling companies in the database does not constitute an endorsement of any business entity, product, process, or service by the County of Los Angeles. The County has attempted to include all appropriate recycling companies in this database, but is not responsible for the omission of companies to this list.

CITY RECYCLING COORDINATORS
If your business is located in an incorporated area (city) within Los Angeles County and you need information on the recycling services offered in your city, click to the list of Recycling Contacts in Los Angeles County, a web site operated by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County.

MATERIALS EXCHANGE
A materials exchange is designed to help businesses find markets for materials traditionally discarded, helping to save resources and money.

The Los Angeles County Materials Exchange Program (LACoMAX) is a materials exchange web site operated by the Department of Public Works that features updated listings of available and wanted materials within Los Angeles County that would otherwise be discarded. There is no charge to list materials on the site, and items can be offered free of charge or for sale. Listings are updated frequently on this site.

The California Materials Exchange (CalMAX) is a statewide materials exchange operated by the California Integrated Waste Management Board. There is no charge to list materials that you want to donate, sell, or acquire on this materials exchange board. For more information, contact CalMAX by email at CalMAX@ciwmb.ca.gov or toll free by phone at (877) 520-9703 (CalMAX)

JUNK MAIL
In 1990, 418,000 tons of bulk mail was thrown away unopened in the United States. To help you reduce the amount of junk mail your business receives, the County of Los Angeles has created a web site that contains information on how to remove your name from advertising lists. For more information, visit www.888CleanLA.com and click on the Junk Mail page.

TIRES
In Los Angeles County, 10 million waste tires are generated every year. Old tires are particularly problematic when improperly or illegally disposed because they provide the ideal habitat for disease-carrying mosquitoes, pests, and rodents that can affect nearby communities. Tires, and especially tire stockpiles, are also prone to uncontrollable fires resulting in significant air, soil, and water pollution.

For a list of waste tire disposal and recycling facilities or for more information on waste tire management practices, visit www.888CleanLA.com and click on the link to the Waste Tire Recycling Home page.

CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION DEBRIS RECYCLING
Construction and demolition debris is various materials generated during the building, remodeling, or removal of buildings, roads, homes, tenant improvements, and landscaping projects. Materials resulting from these activities include, but are not limited to: concrete, asphalt, gypsum, wood, glass, metal, red clay brick, soil, tree trimmings and shrubs.

If your business generates and wants to recycle any of these materials, call us at
(800) 741-9236 to request a 16-page guide listing companies throughout Los Angeles County that accept these materials for recycling. To download a copy of the guide, click the Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling Guide (PDF, 500 KB).

WASTE HAULER
If you're looking for a waste hauler that can best meet your disposal and recycling needs, check your local yellow pages under "Rubbish" or call the SmartBusiness Recycling hotline at (800) 741-9236 for a list of licensed haulers in Los Angeles County.

STATE LOAN PROGRAM
The State of California makes available low interest rate loans for manufacturers that use recycled materials in their products. The Los Angeles County Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) can provide assistance with the loan application and help you through the funding process. Contact the Los Angeles County RMDZ coordinator at (626) 458-3584 or visit the Los Angeles County RMDZ website for more information.

ILLEGAL DUMPING
Illegal dumping refers to the improper disposal of solid waste, which is primarily non-hazardous material dumped in open areas or on the property of others to avoid either disposal fees or the time and effort required for proper disposal.

Illegal dumping is not only an eyesore, but also costs taxpayers millions of dollars in cleanup costs. Moreover, it can pose serious hazards to human health and the environment. Illegal dumping on public and private property is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail (California Penal Code Section 374.3, California Health and Safety Code, Section 117555).

SMARTBUSINESS RECYCLING NEWSLETTERS
Spring 2000 Issue (PDF, 411 KB)
Winter 2000 Issue (PDF, 248 KB)
Fall 2001 Issue (PDF, 264 KB)
Spring 2002 Issue (PDF, 126 KB)