Waste Prevention Resources
What is Zero Waste?
Arcata is striving to achieve zero waste. Zero waste is a materials management approach that first prevents waste and then establishes reuse and recycling policies, programs, and infrastructure for all materials entering the community. The goal is to ensure that nothing is sent to a landfill or incinerator by ensuring that resources we take from the earth continue to be used efficiently without waste and excess burden on the environment. After you have done all you can to prevent waste and then reuse, download the materials management guide for City of Arcata residents to help responsibly manage your remaining waste.
How do we get to Zero Waste?
The Arcata City Council adopted a Zero Waste Action Plan written by Zero Waste Humboldt with input from Arcata citizens and businesses. The 10-year Plan identifies various waste prevention, reuse and recycling practices Arcatans can use to get as close as possible to zero waste.
The Zero Waste Action Plan outlines 8 implementation goals to help guide Arcata towards zero waste. The City of Arcata is currently striving for zero waste by fostering the following goals:
- Zero Waste public education will create behavioral change and a citywide Zero waste culture.
- City operations and policies will integrate zero waste strategies.
- Waste prevention is Arcata's top priority for sustainable materials management.
- Materials reuse is Arcata's second priority for zero waste strategies.
- Recycling drop-off and collection options are fully used by residents and businesses.
- Increase effective and efficient food and organics waste prevention and reuse options.
- reduce construction and demolition waste and promote reuse of materials.
- Zero waste and recycling market development is an integral component of local economic development.
What can I do to help?
- Prevent waste in your home and at your work.
- Recycle and compost whenever possible.
- Handle hazardous & special materials with care.
Preventing waste, or source reduction, is the first step towards a waste-conscious lifestyle. Recycling and composting manage waste after it is generated, but waste prevention reduces the amount of materials generated in the first place. Waste prevention means taking advantage of reuse, donation and other reduction opportunities to get the most environmental and economic benefits possible. The first step to achieving zero waste is to look at your current consumption habits and reduce them as much as possible. By purchasing only what you need, you are able to eliminate unnecessary waste from being generated. Click here for food waste prevention tips!
After you eliminate or reduce purchasing and acquiring unnecessary “stuff," the next step is to reuse as many items as possible. Switching to reusables instead of single-use not only benefits the environment, but also your wallet! If you look around, there are many single-use items you use every day that can be replaced with reusables. Some common everyday items that you can replace with reusables include water bottles, mugs, utensils and bags. It may also help to start your own “zero waste kit”, and get in the habit of keeping it with you. You can also reuse old clothing and textiles to give them a new life once they are no longer suitable to wear!
1. Reusable bag | 4. Reusable water bottle | 7. Reusable produce bag |
2. Reusable napkin | 5. Reusable coffee tumbler, bottle, mug | 8. Reusable utensils |
3. Beeswax wrap | 6. Mason Jar | 9. Reusable straw |
Local Donation Resources
If you no longer want/need something, the best thing you can do is to donate it. This ensures that your unwanted item does not end up in the landfill, and the person on the receiving end will save money and resources by not buying it new. There are many local stores that will accept gently used items that are in good condition.
Do not leave “free boxes” at the curb. Items left outside become garbage, costing the City and therefore you, thousands of dollars annually. If thrift stores won’t take your items, make sure to take it to the appropriate disposal site.
Please note: As always, please make sure all items are clean, dry, and in good working condition before donating, and please call or check ahead to confirm hours of operation and what items can be accepted.
Organization | Address | Phone | Business Hours | Donation Information |
1309 11th St. | (707) 822-5019 | Mon & Sun: 11am-6pm Tues-Sat: 10am-6pm | Donations accepted: Wed-Fri: 11am-4pm Sat: 11am-2pm We love men's/women's/kid's clothing, clean blankets and linens, kitchen items, small household electronics, knick-knacks, jewelry, shoes, accessories, art, pet supplies, records, tapes, DVDs, books, and FURNITURE!!! **FREE FURNITURE PICKUP from Arcata, Eureka, or Mckinleyville | |
11th & G St. | (707) 822-1321 | Tues & Thurs 12:30pm-4:30pm | Donations during business hours No furniture or electronics | |
1109 11th St. | (707) 822-8288 | Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm Sun: 11am-5pm | Instead of taking donations or taking consignment items you can sell your items outright or get in store credit for twice the amount. No children's clothes | |
Companion Animal Foundation | 88 Sunny Brae Center Arcata, CA 410 Railroad Ave Blue Lake, CA | (707) 826-7387 (707) 668-1800 | Both stores open: Tues-Fri: 10am-5:30pm Sat: 10am-5pm | Donations accepted Tues-Sat 10am-5pm in Sunny Brae Donations accepted every day the store is open in Blue Lake. |
2942 F St. Eureka, CA | (707) 443-2155 | Mon-Fri: 9:30am-5pm Sat: 10am-5pm | Donations accepted Mon, Wed, Fri from 11 am - 4 pm. Separate donations into bags/boxes by categories. For example: accessories, toys, shoes, books, etc. Working electronics accepted. No car seats, mattresses, pillows, or medical equipment. Furniture pick-up offered for $10-$20 fee, depending on location. | |
307 W. 14th St. | (707) 445-3166 | Tues, Wed, Fri: 10:30am-3:30pm | Donations can be dropped off in Eureka at 716 West Cedar St. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm Accepts sealed, non-perishable food. Most Needed Food Items:
*Please no homemade foods or glass For questions or inquiries please contact Local Food Resources Coordinator Allison Kenney at (707)445-3166 ext. 312 or akenney@foodforpeople.org Check the food pantry you would like to donate to for specific hours and information. | |
Eco-Groovy Deals | 813 H St, Arcata, CA | (707) 834-7220 | Sun-Fri: 10:30am-6pm Sat: 10am-6pm | Furniture donations will be accepted by appointment only. Call or text 707-834-7220 to make an appointment. |
1085 K St. | (707) 825-1004 | Wed-Sat: 11am-4pm | Buys gently used furniture & housewares. Email photos of what you would like to sell to Humboldt.Furniture@gmail.com and include a description and dimensions of your items. Call for additional information or to schedule appointments. | |
575 H St. | (707) 826-2545 | Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm Sat: 10am-4pm | Donations accepted Mon - Thurs from 12 pm - 2pm. Offers pick-up and delivery of large furniture. No children's items, electronics, mattresses or medical equipment. | |
Nelson Hall West 216 (Cal Poly Humboldt) | (707) 826-4162 | Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm or by appointment. | Cal Poly Humboldt Students only.' On campus resource for used free school supplies that gives vulnerable student populations an opportunity to acquire necessary school supplies without cost. School/office supplies accepted. email wrrap@humboldt.edu to schedule an appointment or ask questions. | |
1031 Broadway | (707) 443-2523 | Mon-Sat: 10-5:30 | Donations accepted every day the store is open from 10am-4:45pm. Call (707) 443-2523 for more information or to arrange for a pick-up of donated items. Take donations to the bay door in the alley during donation hours. Curbside "pick-up" services are offered. Please call for more information. | |
1000 H St. | (707) 822-1307 | Mon-Thurs: 10am-6pm Fri & Sat: 10am-7pm Sun: 12pm-6pm | Buys books for cash or store credit. Books will be inspected. Call for details. Purchasing by appointment only every day the store is open. Accepting boxes or bags the size of a filing box or smaller. Can only accept 9 boxes a day. | |
434 2nd St Eureka, CA | (707) 442-8121 | Tues-Sat: 12:30am-5pm | Vinyl records, CDs and DVDs. Donations accepted with approval, best around midday. Buy & trade option available. | |
BrainWash Thrift | 40 Sunnybrae Center Arcata, CA | 9707) 683-6234 | Mon-Wed: 12pm-6pm Thurs & Fri: 12pm-7pm Sat: 11am-7pm Sun: 12pm-5pm | Donations accepted during open hours. Adults clothes only with no stains or tears. No undergarments accepted. Online store: Shop Brainwash – Brainwash Thrift |