A detailed list of what is accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection event taking place Sept. 26. Photo courtesy of Riverside County Department of Waste Resources

Richard and Karin Greenwood are a well-known staple in Idyllwild for their endless efforts in helping keep our environment cleaner by recycling.
When the word was spreading on Facebook earlier in the month that recycle bins were full and people were having to throw their recycling in the trash at the Idyllwild Transfer Station, Karin quickly took action.
Karin contacted CR&R out of Perris, who oversees the Idyllwild Transfer Station, to help educate the public about what they can do if they run into this issue so recycling doesn’t have to go into the trash.
“The attendants are there to help the public if there are ever any issues you should find an attendant to help you,” Karin wrote in an email to the Town Crier. “This includes not being able to reach the roll-off bin to put your recycling in as well as if the bin is too full already. If you need assistance putting recycling in the bin, they will help you.”
There are two recycling bins at the transfer station. One bin is labeled as cardboard while the other is labeled for all other recycling. However, both bins go to the same location and are sorted from there.
If one of the bins is full, it is OK to use the other bin for all recycling. If both bins are full, be sure to let an attendant know and they should be able to provide an additional bin.
“Near the office at the transfer station are pallets where customers can set electronic-waste items,” Karin said. “These pallets are located near the roll-off bin for large metal items. If you need help putting the large metal items in the bin, the attendants can help you with that as well.”
According to the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources website, household latex and oil-based paint can be recycled at the transfer station on the third Saturday of every month, as well as antifreeze, household batteries, auto batteries, and used oil and filters.
Karin visited the transfer station Saturday morning and said, “Today, I went up to the transfer station and things are marked better. Both of the recycle bins were empty, so that’s a huge improvement.”
There’s a household hazardous waste event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 26 at the County Road Yard located at 25780 Johnson Rd. next door to the Idyllwild Fire Department.
This event usually happens twice a year, but due to COVID-19, it’s uncertain after Saturday when the county will schedule the next event.
Items that will be accepted are paint products, automotive products, universal waste, electronic waste, lawn or garden products, household products and health care products.
Karin wants to make sure that in these difficult times we don’t lose sight of keeping up with the environment.
“I just think it’s important that we don’t forget or take advantage of all the opportunities to dispose of things correctly,” Karin said.
Lastly, if there is ever an issue or concern at the Idyllwild Transfer Station, call customer service at 800-755-8112.