Sacramento Recycling Frequently Asked Questions
Well, this section will be changing often as we will try to answer as many questions about the Set It Aside recycling program for the Sacramento and surrounding areas as we can. This list of questions will grow and we will do our best to stay on top of them as best as possible. If your question is not answered in this section, feel free to contact us and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Q: How do I sign up for your Sacramento recycling courier program?
A: To sign up is very easy. Simply go to the Register page and enter your information. If service is not currently available in your area, we will let you know, as well as notify you when service does become available.
Q: How does your Sacramento recycling courier program work?
A: We have worked to simplify the entire process for you. When your Sacramento recycling courier service begins, you will be notified by phone and/or e-mail. We will give you a call the afternoon before your scheduled route pick-up day. That first day, whether you have any recyclables to leave or not, our driver will leave a Welcome Package for you, which includes a welcome letter and a yearly calendar showing your scheduled pick-up day. All you do is load up your recyclables in some bags or maybe a box, and have them out front before your pick up date. Our Sacramento recycling courier route drivers will handle the rest.
Q: I don't have enough yellow bags, and I'm overflowing! Can I use my own bags?
A: Of course, by all means! The yellow bags we provide are a courtesy, and not absolutely required. In fact, a few of our existing customers have requested we not leave them new bags: they feel the ones they have are more than adequate. As well, there are times when we find we are not able to replenish the bags left for us.
Q: How will I know how much in recycling items I have turned in?
A: When our recycling courier route technicians arrive, they will clearly mark your bag with your account number, and upon return to our Sacramento recycling sorting facility, the contents will be sorted separately, and those recyclables that we can pay you for will be weighed. This weight will be available to view when you log in to your account.
Q: What kinds of items can I recycle?
A: Presently we are setup to accept what is known as "rigid" plastic (basically any plastic object which holds its own shape, and is NOT Styrofoam, plastic bags, or any other filmy plastic), most glass (ecxept plate glass), and pretty much anything metal. Obviously, beverage cans and bottles fetch a MUCH higher scrap price. Keep in mind that if the label has been removed, defaced, damaged, or otherwise rendered unreadable, from a bottle or can, any extra value of that container has been forfeit, and it goes into the scrap pile.
Please be aware that we can no longer take paper.
Q: Why haven't I received a confirmation e-mail?
A: When you first sign up for our services, you are immediately sent a confirmation e-mail to the e-mail address you provided during sign up. If you have not received this email within a few minutes (even up to ten minutes), make sure you check your Junk Mail folder. Often times, an e-mail from our site is shunted directly to that folder without the person receiving it ever knowing it came.
Q: When I looked at my tally, it says zero. What happened?
A: Congratulations. When your tally says zero, you have accumulated enough that a check has been sent out to you. Once the check is issued your tally is reset.
Q: How often am I paid?
A: Currently, we issue checks out at the beginning of every month after your balance total is over $15.00. So if you keep an eye on your tally and see it hit the zero mark, you know your check has been issued and should arrive shortly.
Q: Can you just take my currently issued recycle bin?
A: No. When you put your recycled items into the municipal recycle bin, they become the property of whoever issued you the bin. It would be a crime for us to take the items from your bin, which is why we try to supply you with a different container.
Q: Should I crush my cans before I give them to you?
A: That is totally up to you. It makes little to no difference, except that crushed cans will take up less space.
Q: How much do I get paid?
A: Because of the volume of recyclabes we collect, we have been able to secure a better per-pound price for those recyclables. We then split that money with you. Once the factors of fuel, time, and convenience are taken into account, most people find our service to be a much better option than traditional recycling methods.
Q: Is there a limit to how much I get paid?
A: No. Some people who take advantage of our program also bring items home from work, sporting events, and even church.
Q: Is there a restriction on who or what organization I can donate my money to?
A: No. It's your money. We don't care who you want to give it to. If you want Set It Aside to send it on your behalf, then we just need to know what percentage of your money you want to send, the name the check is being written to, and the address it will be sent to. You can give this information while registering, or if you decide later to add or change your donation, just give Set It Aside a call, or send us a message through the website.
Q: Is Set It Aside a recycler?
A: No. The State of California does not allow recyclers to pay residents through a curbside recycling program. Instead, Set It Aside is a courier service who does all the dirty work for you, and gets you the best scrap value for your materials.
Q: Do you service apartments?
A: Yes! We usually ask the bags be left right on your doorstep. Often, apartment complexes are gated. In that case, we would request information about how to access your door. Without that information, it would be difficult to access your complex and pick up your materials.
Q: I've been giving materials for what seems like a long time now. Why is it taking so long to see a return?
A: Every material type has a different value. Also, keep in mind that nearly all California recyclers work primarily by weight. Beverage cans and bottles pay out the highest, while scrap glass pays out the least (with cardboard being a close second). If the large majority of the materials you give consist of wine bottles, soap bottles, and various scrap plastic pieces, it does take a while. This doesn't mean it isn't worth doing, simply that it takes longer.
Keep checking back for more Q and A about our program
