As Students Move Out, Residents Reminded To Keep Berkeley Clean

BERKELEY, CA — As UC Berkeley students move out for the summer, tenants and landlords can help keep city streets clean and safe by planning ahead, the city of Berkeley said in a May 9 news release.

By using city of Berkeley services and properly disposing of the items they no longer need, both tenants and landlords can avoid costly fees that can come with illegal dumping, the city said.

"Dumping mattresses and other items on the sidewalk creates a mess, can be a safety hazard, and doesn't promote reuse," the city explained. "It is also illegal and punishable by fines that can reach up to $500 a day. Please use the available mattress collection and recycling options for mattresses and box springs."

Using your building's refuse and recycling bins or other resources listed below to reuse, recycle, or discard what you don't need is the proper way to dispose of unwanted items, the city said.

By planning ahead landlords and tenants can make the moveout process an easy one for everyone involved.

Take advantage of the following city services:

• Order extra trash pickup or a short-term dumpster by calling (510) 981-7270.
• Properties of four units or smaller can schedule a free Bulky Waste Pickup for extra refuse.
• Drop off up to two mattresses, box springs, or futons for free at the Berkeley Transfer Station (1201 Second St).
• Purchase city of Berkeley's prepaid trash bags if you live in a single-family home or a property of 1-4 units. Up to 10 prepaid city bags, if left at the curb, will be picked up by the city's Zero Waste Division on regular pickup days. The city's prepaid trash bags can be purchased at the Transfer Station. The total number of bags must not exceed 10 each week.
• Take items or bags of materials directly to the Transfer Station.
• Recycle up to two electronic items at the Transfer Station for free.

Find Ways To Reuse Unwanted Items

Keep reusable items out of landfills. Try to find someone to use what you don't need. Don't leave it on a sidewalk. Abandoned furniture and debris on sidewalks or in the public right-of-way can result in citations and fines of up to $500 a day.

• Unopened Food: Help neighbors in need by donating unopened food to the Berkeley Food Network.
• Furniture and Household Goods: Reuse stores like Urban Ore accept some furniture and household items in good condition. Check their website or call before visiting to confirm they will accept your items and are receiving donations at this time.
• Textiles: Drop off textiles, including clothing, shoes, handbags, backpacks, and linens/bedding at the Textile Recycling Drop Box at the Berkeley Recycling Center for reuse.
• Consider calling nonprofits that work in Berkeley to inquire about their need and capacity to accept donations.

Recycle Items That Can't Be Reused

For recyclable items that can't be reused, recycle using your building's recycling bins. Review guidelines to see if an item is recyclable, the city said.
For single-family homes or small apartment complexes with Ecology Center Recycling collection, review the Ecology Center's recycling guidelines for program specifics. Extra cardboard can be bundled and placed curbside next to your Ecology Center recycle cart on your recycling service day.
For items that can't be recycled curbside:

• The Recycling Center located at 669 Gilman Street accepts a variety of recyclable items, including clothing and household textiles, scrap metal, appliances, cooking oil, and cardboard boxes.
• The UC Berkeley Cooperative Reuse program takes place at the Clark Kerr Campus from May 19- May 30, and is an excellent way for UC Berkeley students to recycle mattresses and furniture upon move-out.
• Electronics: Computers, televisions, microwaves, stereos, and programmable gadgets should never be put into garbage cans or debris bins, nor placed curbside. They are hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. Recycle up to 2 electronic items at the Transfer Station for free. The Computer & Technology Resource Center (located at 2nd & Page St. in Berkeley) takes most electronic devices for free. Learn more about the items they accept at ewaste Collective or call them at (415) 883-1428.
• Household Hazardous Waste: Hazardous items like paint, cleaning supplies, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs cannot be placed in curbside containers, and must be disposed of properly. Visit Stop Waste for drop-off sites.
• Check the RE:Source Guide to find local reuse, repair, recycling, and safe disposal options for almost anything.

REPORT ILLEGAL DUMPING

"We can all play a valuable role in keeping our streets clean and safe," the city said. "If you see illegal dumping, call 311 or (510) 981-2489 to report."