1. Someone else will sort through my waste bins and containers if I don’t sort my materials properly. FALSE: Republic Services collects waste from more than 230,000 residents and 2,000 businesses every day. Recycling bins and containers are sorted by humans and machines at the Fremont Recycling and Transfer Station. Garbage bins and containers are not sorted. Anything in these containers goes directly to the landfill without being opened or sorted. Make sure to sort your waste properly into the correct bins and containers.

2. Used paper towels, paper plates, and paper cups belong in recycling bins and containers because they’re made of paper. FALSE: While they are made from paper fibers, they are often contaminated with food waste and cannot be recycled. Composting is the best option.

3. Tossing food scraps in garbage bins and containers is acceptable since the scraps will go back into the soil after being dumped into the landfill.
FALSE: Food scraps, plant debris, and other organic materials placed in the garbage stay trapped in the landfill without oxygen and water. When these materials break down without oxygen, they release methane into the air and that contributes to climate change. Toss food scraps in the green organics/compost bin or container.

4. Styrofoam™ can be recycled. FALSE: Styrofoam™ cannot be recycled in Fremont. All styrofoam™ must be placed in garbage bins and containers, whether it’s packing material like peanuts, cups/plates, or solid blocks of styrofoam™. Fremont restaurants cannot use styrofoam™ containers for takeout.

5. Plastic bags are easily recycled. FALSE: Since 2018, Fremont no longer accepts common household plastic bags in recycle bins and containers due to changes in recycling markets. Toss plastic bags in garbage bins and containers.