Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Recycling is one means of ensuring that the items we have finished using are returned to the resource pool and either turned into something else or cleaned and reused. Recycling not only helps conserve raw materials but also saves additional energy that would otherwise be used to produce new products. More importantly, for Calaveras County, it reduces the amount of materials going into our Rock Creek landfill.
With some understanding of the benefits of recycling to our community, it will become second nature. Please find ways to reduce the amount of trash and the toxicity of the trash thrown away, reuse containers and products, recycle as much as possible, and buy products made with recycled content.
Visit the following sites for helpful information on incorporating the 3 R's into your everyday life.
Before throwing it away, consider donating unwanted and unused items instead.
Habitat for Humanity accepts appliances in good working condition, cabinets, doors, windows, flooring, furniture, hand and power tools, hardware, light and plumbing fixtures, tiles, and unused construction lumber. For more information, contact them at (209) 754-5331.
Habitat for Humanity will also accept vehicle donations. It is quick and easy to donate automobiles, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles, construction equipment, and other vehicles, running or not! For more information on donating a vehicle for Cars for Homes™, call (877) 277-4344 or visit www.habitat.org.
Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, and other patient rehabilitation devices can be donated to the Angels Murphys Rotary Club. They will accept all items in any condition. Visit www.angelsmurphysrotary.org for more information.
The local Animal Shelter may accept old sheets, towels, washable rugs, durable rubber toys, pet supplies, food, and dishes. Please contact Calaveras County Animal Services at (209) 754-6509.
Local Thrift Stores
- Calaveras Humane Society Thrift Store - 2182 Highway 4, Arnold, CA 95223. Donations of perfectly serviceable items are accepted 6 days per week. Call (209) 795-4483 or visit calaverashumane.org/thrift-stores/
- The Salvation Army - For pick up of large donations or items, call (800) SA TRUCK to schedule a pickup.
- Salvation Army donation drop box - Calaveras Mini Storage, 1031 S. Hwy 49, San Andreas.
- Hospice Thrift Store: 570 N. Main Street, Angels Camp. For acceptable items, contact (209) 736-4830.
- The Thrift Store is located at 200 Hwy 12 in Valley Springs. You can contact them at (209) 772-2490.
- Donate your new or used books, videos, and DVDs to the Library. For questions about book donations, call (209) 754-6701.
- Textbooks can be recycled through Independent Book Buying Services, IBBS. Books can also be recycled at Rock Creek Landfill.
- Books and More will take donations of books. Contact them at (209) 736-9020 for more information.
- Hein & Co at 204 Main Street in Jackson will take VHS tapes, DVDs, and CDs. They also accept hard-bound and paperback books. You can contact them at (209) 223-9076.
Social Media Opportunities
- Facebook Marketplace is an online resource for reusing items within your community.
- Sell unwanted items at yard sales, Amazon, eBay, or online thrift stores.
- Try listing your items on local bulletin boards, including online ones.