In Presidio, regular trash includes most everyday household items that do not require special handling. These items can be placed directly into your household trash bin and thrown into dumpster bins. 

Food items, plastic, non-recyclable paper, hygiene products, etc. These are examples of regular trash. We also typically throw cardboard into the garbage.

While cardboard can be recycled, if you’re throwing away cardboard boxes, please break them up to reduce clutter in the dumpster bins.

Some items can be thrown in the trash, but it is advised to secure them in a box before disposing of them. These items include broken glass and other sharp objects.

Item Categories

These are common household waste items that can be safely thrown away in Presidio. To avoid odors, pests, and animals, all food waste should be placed in sealed trash bags before disposal. Most household items are okay to throw away.

  • Leftover food / Food Waste

  • Greasy or food-soiled paper

  • Paper towels & napkins

  • Used tissues

  • Coffee grounds & tea bags

  • Pet waste & litter (Bagged)

  • Diapers (Bagged)

  • Used sponges, mops, brooms, and other non-chemical cleaning supplies

Most office and school supplies can be placed in the trash when they are worn out or unusable. Paper can be thrown away, but you should recycle it whenever possible.

  • Pens, markers, highlighters

  • Pencils & erasers

  • Glue sticks

  • Tape & dispensers

  • Crayons

  • Dry-erase markers

  • Binder clips

  • Backpacks

  • Paper (recycle if available)

  • Binders

Clothing and fabric items that are damaged, stained, moldy, or unusable should be thrown away. If items are still in good condition, donation is encouraged. You can donate them to someone you know or the Santa Teresa Church.

The following are clothes that should be thrown away:

  • Ripped, stained, or moldy clothing

  • Single socks

  • Worn underwear

  • Old towels & rags

  • Fabric scraps

  • Shoes (damaged, unsalvageable)

Some paper products cannot be recycled due to contamination, coatings, or mixed materials. These items should be placed directly in the trash.

  • Tissues

  • Napkins

  • Paper towels

  • Receipts 

  • Laminated paper

  • Shredded paper

  • Greeting cards with glitter

  • Stickers & labels

  • Carbon paper

Used bathroom and personal care items should always be thrown in the trash. Things like shaving cream are typically contained in an aerosol can, so they should be completely empty before disposal. Sharp items like razors should be thrown in a bag.

  • Toothbrushes

  • Dental floss & picks

  • Toothpaste tubes

  • Razors (wrap blades)

  • Shaving cream cans (empty only)

  • Cotton balls, pads, swabs

  • Makeup wipes

  • Disposable face masks

  • Hair ties & clips

  • Used bandages & gauze

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Contact lenses & cases

  • Empty pill bottles

Many plastic and packaging items are acceptable for regular trash in Presidio, especially since they are not typically accepted for recycling.

Below are some examples of plastics to be thrown away:

  • Plastic bags & plastic wrap

  • Chip bags & candy wrappers

  • Styrofoam cups, plates, packing peanuts

  • Black plastic containers

  • Plastic utensils & straws

  • Toothpaste tubes

  • Cardboard containers (such as tissue boxes)

Medical supplies can be generally thrown away, if there are sharp objects like needles, please safely secure them in a container before disposing of them.

  • Needles & syringes (Sealed in a container)

  • Lancets

  • Bandages, Gauze, Band-Aids

  • Pill Bottles