Today, we talk all things Recycling with Deputy Director of Public Works Paul Clemens and Solid Waste Project Coordinator Leo Coleman. We all toss bottles, cans, and paper into those blue bins, hoping to make a difference—but what really happens after the truck drives away? Is your plastic water bottle destined for a new life, or does it end up somewhere you’d never expect?

In this episode, we’re going behind the scenes of Redding’s recycling program. We’ll follow the journey of your recyclables, from curbside pickup to processing, and find out how much of it actually gets a second life. Plus, we’ll get the inside scoop on some of the surprising—and sometimes head-scratching—items that end up in the bin.

We’ll also explore the big picture impact: How much waste does Redding keep out of the landfill through recycling? And what innovative technologies or creative solutions is the city exploring to boost recycling efforts? And, of course, we’ll have some fun with recycling trivia and bust a few myths.

So, whether you’re a dedicated recycler or someone just trying to figure out if you need to rinse that peanut butter jar (spoiler: we’ll settle that debate), this episode is packed with tips, insights, and hacks to help you step up your recycling game.

Use the Waste Wizard >>
Learn more about composting >>

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