Service Updates

Here’s what you need to know about our services and disposing of waste from household and workplace cleaning related to  COVID-19.

• Garbage, recycling and compost collection is an essential public service and continue as normal.
• Our facilities are also currently operating as normal.  City (NRWS) bulky item coupons go out in November and are valid until the end of February.  County (NCRWS) bulky item coupons are valid for the entire year.
• Our Napa Payment Center has reopened as of May 3, 2021. You can still contact us via phone or email for service questions, and here is the link to all NRWS/NCRWS bill pay options. 

• The Devlin Road Buyback Center and all other facility operations are unaffected and remain open as usual. 

• If you need to modify your service level due to COVID-19 impacts, please contact us for assistance.

Safety Updates

To keep our employees and customers healthy and safe, Napa Recycling adopted a full Pandemic Plan, which includes:

• All employees are provided masks and gloves and follow public health guidelines on their use.  All customers and visitors are also required to wear masks at our facilities.
• Every driver, equipment operator, mechanic and scalehouse attendant is supplied hospital-grade disinfectant to spray down their equipment pre- and post- usage. Managers have disinfectant and are spraying all common areas multiple times throughout the day.
• To protect our recycling sorters from any virus present on boxes or containers, all recycling was dumped out of the truck and left to sit for 3 days before being processed (This process was discontinued when it became apparent that the virus was not spreading via surfaces).
• Supervisors conduct morning wellness checks for symptoms with employees.  Staff is required to stay home if they are feeling ill.
• We closed breakrooms, discontinued physical punchclocks, and required social distancing by moving to virtual meetings and remote work for non-operations staff. Everyone is educated on frequent hand-washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

FAQs

As we all wash our hands and clean our houses and workplaces, here are some general FAQs:

What should we do with cleaning wipes?
Single-use/anti-bacterial wipes should be disposed of in the gray landfill cart. This includes so-called “flushable” wipes, which aren’t actually flushable and can clog sewer pipes. Certified compostable wipes are the only cleaning wipes that can go in the compost cart.

Are wipes and hand sanitizer containers recyclable?
Yes, the cylindrical plastic cleaning wipes containers can go in the recycling when empty, along with empty soap or hand sanitizer plastic bottles.

Where do we toss used plastic gloves and disposable masks?
Disposable gloves and face masks need to go in the landfill cart – they are not recyclable or compostable.

What do I do with used facial tissues – compost or landfill?
In general, facial tissues are okay in the compost. However, if you or anyone in your household is sick, used tissues should be bagged and disposed of in the gray landfill cart.

What do I do with paper towels – compost or landfill?
Paper towels go in the compost cart, unless they have been used with a non-biodegradable cleaner (in which case they should go in the trash).

Should we still place cans, bottles, cardboard and clean paper in recycling?
Yes, keep recycling!

Should we wash used food containers more than usual before placing them in recycling?
Not more than normal – please make sure they are empty and rinsed out as usual.

I’m cooking more at home since I’m sheltered-in-place – should I keep putting food scraps in the brown compost cart?
Yes, please compost all food scraps and food-soiled paper  (including paper takeout containers) with your yard trimmings!

I have a lot more plastic bags and plastic film packaging from online shipments – can I recycle it?
No, please place plastic bags and plastic film packaging in the landfill cart – it’s not recyclable and tangles in our equipment.

Can I still purchase your organic compost for my farm or garden?
Yes, and we deliver! See details on our compost page.

Can I use reusable bags when I shop at stores?
Yes, reusable bags are allowed – please use them to help reduce waste!  Please note that you will just need to bag your own groceries.  

COVID-19 General Waste Handling Info:

Household Waste

The CDC determined the COVID-19 virus is not a Category A infectious substance, therefore solid waste from households that is or is suspected to be contaminated with the virus can be managed as it would be for the flu. In an abundance of caution, generators should ensure waste bags are tightly closed and curbside containers are not overfilled so the lids close completely. Please notify us (or your local hauler) if you know or suspect your waste is contaminated with the COVID-19 virus. Remember to wear a mask and wash your hands thoroughly after dealing with any objects you suspect could be contaminated.

Business Waste

Solid waste from commercial generators may also be managed as normal unless directed otherwise by the local health department. Again, to the extent possible, generators should ensure waste bags are tightly closed and containers are not
overfilled so the lids close completely. Please notify us (or your local hauler) if you know or suspect your waste is contaminated with the COVID-19 virus. Remember to wear a mask and wash your hands after dealing with objects you suspect could be contaminated.

If your business needs to modify service levels during the pandemic, contact us for help.

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As the situation continues to evolve, waste handling measures may change. Be on the lookout for additional information from local health authorities, as well as on this site and via our Facebook and Twitter feeds.