The City of Clovis currently utilizes 18-gallon tubs for its residential curbside recycling program. This method is referred to as "source-separated" recycling because each tub is for a different type of material; one tub is for paper, and the other tub is for metal, glass and plastic. Recently, the City implemented a pilot program in two areas using 96-gallon blue carts (similar to the refuse and greenwaste carts) for recyclables. This method is referred to as "single-stream" recycling because all recyclable material is placed in the same container. The single-stream method is more convenient for residents, and has proved successful at increasing recycling. Starting in August 2008, the City began phasing in the single-stream method, with the entire City converted to the carts by 2011. Until residents receive the new cart, they should continue separating the recyclable material into their tubs as follows:
One tub for paper/fiber
- Newspaper (including inserts, advertisements, and coupons)
- Office paper
- Computer paper
- Magazines
- Junk mail
- Catalogs
- Telephone books
- Brown paper bags
- Colored paper
- Construction paper
- Paperboard
- Shoe boxes
- Cereal and similar food boxes
- Paper milk cartons
- Paper egg cartons
- Corrugated cardboard
- Beverage boxes
One tub for glass, metal and plastic
- Glass bottles of any color
- Aluminum (including beverage containers, foil, and food containers)
- Tin or bi-metal cans
- Small pieces of scrap metal weighing less than 10 pounds and fitting in container
- Plastics number 1 through 7
- Lids or caps should be removed from all recycled containers, and all recycled materials should be rinsed clean of food residue.