Sustainability Resources

As a certified California Green Business, the City of Martinez is committed to being environmentally sustainable. A big part of that commitment is to ensure that we provide the resources our residents and businesses need in order to reduce their carbon footprint. Click the icons below to learn easy ways you can go green, save money, and so much more!

News Updates

NEW: Styrofoam/Cardboard Drop-off Recap

At the Styrofoam and Cardboard Drop-off event on October 22nd, 65 Martinez residents brought over 260 pounds of Styrofoam and over 1,000 pounds of cardboard to be recycled! Thanks to all who attended and helped to divert this waste from the landfill, and to Republic Services for making this event possible.

Coastal Cleanup Day Recap

In 2020, due to the pandemic, the Martinez Marina missed out on its annual Coastal Cleanup. In 2021, participation was still slim with only 71 volunteers.

This September, over 200 members of the community came together to clean up the shoreline, removing nearly 1500 pounds of trash from our vital watershed ecosystem!

Thanks to East Bay Regional Parks for putting the event together, and to the volunteers who spent their Saturday morning helping to improve our environment. *Fun Fact: Some of the weirdest items collected were a bathroom rug and squid and frog lures!

Compost Giveaway Recap

The Martinez Compost Giveaway on August 20th was a great success! Out of 80 cubic yards of compost, 65 cubic yards were picked up by 100 Martinez residents. A few people even came back for seconds!

Thank you to everyone at Republic Services who supported this event, and we look forward to the next one. Happy gardening!

Martinez Seniors Are All About Sustainability!

On September 19^th, the City Sustainability team was joined by guests from MCE Clean Energy, Republic Services, Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development, and Contra Costa Water District to share resources and education about clean energy, recycling, and composting, and more at the Senior Center!

Plenty of candy, potted plants, seed packets, informational handouts, and all 50 kitchen compost pails were collected by seniors who are excited about living more sustainably here in Martinez. Thanks to all who attended!

What Goes Where?

Do you have trouble remembering where to discard your trash? Is it compostable or recyclable? Take the Sorting Quiz and test your skills on some of those tricky items, like pizza boxes and cotton balls.

For a printable answer sheet to put on your fridge or share with your friends, click the image to the right.

Join the Sustainable Martinez Challenge!

Take part in the Sustainable Martinez Challenge! Learn about easy actions you can take to reduce your environmental impact and track your progress! Join individually, as a household, or form a team and help Martinez to reduce emissions and improve both environmental and community health.

Click here to get started!

How to Conserve Water at Home

California is in the worst drought period since 2010. Fortunately there are many steps you can take at home to help with water conservation efforts that preserve vital water supplies. Learn more about the simple ways you can reduce your water usage and help mitigate this drought.

The City of Martinez Declares Climate Emergency

The City of Martinez has Declared a Climate Emergency. In response, our sustainability team is implementing solutions to reduce our city's environmental impact and establish resilience for our residents, both present and future. Read Resolution 047-21 adopted by City Council.

Sustainability Education Resources

When we use the phrase "throw it away," we forget that "away" actually means the landfill, where our waste will sit for generations. In this video from New Leaf Collaborative and Boys and Girls Clubs of Contra Costa, learn how to properly sort your trash so you recycle and compost more than you send to the landfill. You can find more educational videos on our Resource Library Page.

Mattress Takeback Law

Every retailer that delivers a new mattress to a consumer in California (including online sales) must also offer to pick up a used mattress at no additional cost to the consumer. Learn more about recent amendments to California’s mattress recycling law through AB 187.

Greenbelt Alliance and 4CL Host Workshop on Driving Climate Policy as a Community

Engaging an audience of over 100 attendees, the workshop included guest speakers including Lynda Deschambault of 4CL and Julia Foote of the Sierra Club. Watch the recording to to learn more, and discover how you can influence local climate policy in your community by using this General Plan Toolkit.

Martinez Ranks in Top Half of Climate Leader Cities in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County Climate Leaders recently released a report ranking the top cities in Contra Costa County that have shown leadership in climate policy. Martinez ranked in the top half of all cities!

511 Contra Costa Launches E-Bike Rebate Incentive Program

Purchase an Electric Bicycle and get a $150-$300 cash rebate from511 Contra Costa.E-bikes provide an easy,fast, fun, and pollution-free way to get where you need to go.

Visit 511CC.org/rebate for details.

Big Belly Waste Stations Installed in Downtown

Three automated recycling and landfill waste stations have been installed by the City on Main Street to enhance public space cleanliness and reduce the carbon footprint of trash collection. Read the full press release.

Our Sustainability Partners