Frequently Asked Questions

I am starting a home improvement project and I expect to generate a lot of extra trash? How can I get rid of it?
Please contact the Indian Wells Recycling Coordinator at (760) 674-1040 for an evaluation of your project. This free assessment will help you decide what containers/services are best suited for your job. For guidance on larger projects, please contact the Indian Wells Building Department at (760) 776-0230.

I will be moving soon. What do I do with my containers?
Please leave your recycling containers in place for the next occupant to use.

My recycling containers are badly worn. What can I do?
Please call Burrtec at (760) 340-2113 and your containers will be replaced at no charge.

How can we reduce the amount of trash we generate?
There are so many small changes we can make to reduce our impact on the environment. The California Integrated Waste Management Board has some useful tips at http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Recycle/
Additional ideas can be found at www.stopwaste.org

I like doing my own gardening. How can I dispose of my “green waste” in an environmentally-friendly way?
Here are a couple of suggestions:

Burrtec drop-off facility
Indian Wells residents may drop off green waste for free at Burrtec’s drop-off recycling center on Corporate Way in Palm Desert (just one block south of the post office at Hovley Lane East & Corporate Way). Please call Burrtec Customer Service at (760) 340-2113 for information on when green waste is accepted.

Backyard Composting
Composting harnesses the natural process of decomposition by turning organic matter into a useful product for your landscape or garden. Composting can also improve hard, depleted soils so that flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees can thrive in a nutrient-rich environment. Composting also improves the soil by boosting its fertility and moisture-holding capabilities. By composting, you return the earth's nutrients back to the soil, where your plants absorb them, thereby becoming healthier. Healthy plants are far more resistant to diseases and pests.

Many organics make great compost such as leaves, grass clippings, fruit & vegetable waste, egg shells, coffee grounds, and food scraps (no bones).

Anyone with a little extra room in a garden, a little extra time, and a continual source of compostable materials can produce good, high quality compost in as little as 4 weeks. Instead of throwing away your organic waste, compost it! You will be doing your part to divert this material from our landfills.

For additional information on backyard composting go to www.rivcowm.org

Brochures with composting information are available at Indian Wells City Hall.