Reduce, Recharge, Recycle

A multi meter is used to test battery life.

Batteries charge our world and power the devices that make our lives convenient. In an effort to reduce the amount of waste we generate, here are some simple tips for household battery use.

Recycle Used Motor Oil Filters (But NOT in Your Garbage or Recycle Bin)

A used oil filter may contain up to 10 ounces of used motor oil inside.

What happens when a used oil filter is improperly disposed of? The oil trapped inside the filter will ooze out and contaminate our streams, neighborhood streets, and the local landfill.

Once oil contaminates a landfill, over time it can gradually reach underground water sources. The California Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery (CalRecycle) estimates there are at least two million gallons of motor oil lost when filters are not properly recycled at a used motor oil and filter collection center.

Batteries, Batteries Everywhere!

Do you know how to recycle old batteries?

Have you ever opened a drawer in your home and found a pile of unwanted batteries you don’t know what to do with? You are not alone!

Batteries are used in so many of our everyday devices that we often find ourselves left with a drawer full of them piling up and don’t know what the next step is to get rid of them. Don’t fret, because we have the answers for you! There are many battery recycling options available in San Mateo County, and if you want to keep batteries from piling up in the first place, purchasing rechargeable batteries may be the solution you have been looking for.

Used Motor Oil and Oil Filters – Linked for Life

Crushed oil filters on their way for recycling.

What happens when a used oil filter is not properly disposed of? An oil filter may contain up to 10 ounces of used motor oil trapped inside, just waiting to ooze out and contaminate our streams, neighborhood streets and the local landfill. Once oil contaminates a landfill, over time it can gradually reach underground water sources. The California Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery (CalRecycle) estimates there are at least two million gallons of motor oil lost when filters are not properly recycled at a used motor oil and filter collection center.

How to Dispose of Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lights come in all shapes and sizes. Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) are the smallest ones.

Fluorescent lights may save you money on your electric bill, but once they burn out, you can’t toss them in the trash because the mercury contained in them is toxic, making burned-out fluorescent lights hazardous waste!

Fluorescent lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes, the most popular being tube-shaped and the compact “curly” style. The tube-shape lights have been in use for many years, mostly in garages and commercial buildings. Compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s) became a more recently popular product to replace the use of common incandescent lights. Many utility companies offered deep discounts to buy CFL’s because, according to Energy Star, they use about 70-90% less energy than traditional incandescent lights and last 10 to 25 times longer. But now the problems associated with disposal of these bulbs is causing the industry to develop new options.