Reduce, reuse, recharge for school!

A typical school lunch can generate up to 66 pounds of waste per student each year, much of it from single-use plastics such as snack bags, plastic wrap and juice boxes. By switching to a waste-free lunch, we can reduce food waste, plastic pollution and landfill waste while teaching kids about eco-friendly choices!

Here are a few eco-friendly tips to start the school year right:

Pack a waste free lunch: Choose reusable lunch bags, food containers, water bottles and utensils instead of single use items. A reusable water bottle can replace hundreds of disposable plastic bottles over time.

Shop Smarter: Buying snacks in larger containers reduces packaging waste. Reuse backpacks, lunch boxes and pencil cases instead of replacing them. Buy products made with recycling content.

Extend life of school supplies: Recycle notebooks, loose paper, and project boards. Repair backpacks and lunch bags. Donate gently used supplies to classrooms. Participate in supply swaps for books, backpacks and clothing.

Let's reduce waste this August and challenge yourself each week!

Week 1: Pack a waste-free lunch

Week 2: Reuse school supplies before buying new

Week 3: Join a community beach cleanup or recycling event

Week 4: Learn what belongs in your recycling, organics, and trash carts 

When in doubt, find out!

• Nonrecyclable items can disrupt recycling.  
• Nonorganic items can contaminate compost.  
• Hazardous materials can pollute trash carts and put workers at risk. 

Did you know?

Lithium-ion batteries are the leading cause of fires in collection trucks and facilities. 

Help protect workers who serve our community by properly disposing of household hazardous and electronic waste. Here are some tips to keep the heat out of the trucks and workers safe: 

• Hot coals, hot risk. Let them cool first!   
• Drop off hazardous waste and electronic items at your local drop-off site: Hazardous Waste 101 
• Donate workable electronics to a local donation center near you: Donation Guide 



A. Household hazardous waste (HHW) or E-Waste Drop-off

Long Beach residents can drop off household hazardous waste and e-waste at no-cost collection events or local recycling centers.

EDCO Recycling and Transfer HHW & E-Waste Drop-off has a new schedule!

Next EDCO Event:

2755 California Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755

Time: 9 am to 2 pm 

• August 8, 2026 
• September 12, 2026 
• September 26, 2026 
• October 24, 2026 
• November 14, 2026 
• December 12, 2026 

REMINDER

The City of Long Beach provides each City-serviced account with 12 special collections per calendar year at no additional cost*. Submit a Special Collection Request using the form Request a Special Collection Form or call (562) 570-2876 to schedule a special collection.  

*A regulatory fee may apply for items requiring handling 

LB Organics | LBRecycles | HHW| Report Illegal Dumping Form | FAQs 

@LBRecycles