Appliances

Small Appliances (free)
Berkeley Recycling Center.
Small metal appliances include toasters, toaster ovens, blenders, fans, etc. accepted free of charge.
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Large appliances ($20 per appliance)
Berkeley Recycling Center
Large appliances, including water heaters, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers and furnaces are all accepted for a $20 charge. No refrigerated appliances.
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Refrigerated Appliances
Berkeley Transfer Station
Refrigerated appliances such as freezers, air conditioners and refrigerators accepted. Fee charged.
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Microwaves
Computer & Technology Resource Center
Phone, hours, directions. Website
Berkeley Transfer Station - fee charged
Phone, hours, directions. Website

Automotive Parts & Products

Automotive Parts
Berkeley Recycling Center
Automotive parts that are mostly metal, such as automobile hoods, doors, frames, fenders, rims, et cetera, are accepted. All engine parts must be thoroughly drained of motor oil, gear oil, and antifreeze before arrival at the site. Note: Fuel tanks not accepted.
Phone, directions, hours. Website.

Motor oil and oil filters
Berkeley’s Transfer Station
Phone, directions, hours. Website

These Berkeley service stations also accept motor oil and oil filters:
Art’s Automotive, (510) 540-7093, 2871 San Pablo Ave.
Jim Doten’s Honda, (510) 665-0106, 2500 Shattuck Ave.
Jiffy Lube, (510) 843-3057, 960 University Ave.
Firestone, (510) 843-5454, 1974 University Ave.

Cleaners and solvents
Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Facility
Anti-freeze, old fuel and all types of automotive cleaners, solvents, and sprays. Bring proof of Alameda County residency.
Phone, directions, hours. Website

Tires
Berkeley Transfer Station
Phone, directions, hours. Website
Tires also accepted at
Don’s Tires, (510) 526-0335, 820 Gilman St.

Automotive batteries
Berkeley Recycling Center
We now accept automotive batteries at the drop-off no fees. Automotive and marine batteries may also be recycled at most automotive shops and dealers throughout Berkeley.

These service stations also recycle automobile batteries:
Toyota of Berkeley, (888) 300-0961, 2400 Shattuck Ave
Kragen Auto Parts, (510) 848-4568, 1950 Martin Luther King Jr
Art’s Automotive, (510) 540-7093, 2871 San Pablo Ave
Firestone, (510) 843-5454, 1974 University Avenue

Building materials

Construction/demolition
Berkeley Transfer Station
Concrete, sheetrock, unpainted wood and other construction/demolition debris can be dumped separately from ordinary garbage on the Transfer Station Floor for a fee. The materials are then tranfered separately to a C&D facility for recycling. 
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Papers, cardboard
Berkeley Recycling Center
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Metal scrap
Berkeley Recycling Center
Mostly scrap steel; for example, siding, flashing, re-bar, pipes and plumbing products. Accepted free of charge.
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Painted/unpainted wood
Berkeley Transfer Station
Unpainted construction grade wood or garden wood for a fee. Painted wood is not recyclable and must be discarded in the trash for a fee.
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Wood also accepted at
Urban Ore, (510) 841-SAVE. Website.

Asphalt, concrete
The Berkeley Transfer Station accepts asphalt and concrete at its regular disposal fee of $126 per ton. Asphalt and concrete are accepted at Dutra Materials in Richmond for $10 per ton for large trucks and $30 for a pick-up truck load.
Berkeley Transfer Station. Phone, hours, directions. Website.
Dutra Materials, (510) 970-7710. 961 Western Drive, Richmond
Syar Industries, (510) 215-1114. #5 Parr Boulevard, Richmond

Clean Dirt
Usually accepted at the Richmond landfill for road and landfill cover. Call ahead to make sure they are currently accepting dirt.
West County Landfill, (510) 233-4330. 1 Parr Blvd., Richmond

Building materials re-use
Most building materials, such as doors, windows, sinks, tubs, lumber, bricks, fencing and tile, are accepted at various re-use facilities, including:
Urban Ore, (510) 841-SAVE. Website.

Asbestos
Asbestos is typically contained in insulation, heat ducting, old furnaces and some siding. It is hazardous to your health and the particles should not be breathed into the lungs. Asbestos must be disposed of properly. Contact a licensed asbestos waste disposal company. Asbestos is not accepted at any Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

Cans

Aluminum cans
Berkeley Recycling Center
Aluminum beverage containers, such as soft drinks, beer and carbonated juice, are purchased at the Berkeley Buyback Center. We are a California Certified Recycling Center and pay California Redemption Value (CRV). All cans must be empty before recycling.
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Bi-metal cans - CRV
Berkeley Recycling Center
Bi-metal cans, such as Sapporo beer, are purchased by count at Berkeley Recycling’s Buyback Center. Cans under 24 ounces pay five cents per can; cans 24 ounces and above pay ten cents per can. All cans must be empty before recycling.
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Bi-metal cans – non-CRV
Berkeley Recycling Center
Non-redemption bi-metal cans are primarily pet food cans which may be added to aluminum foil at the Berkeley Recycling Center.  All cans must be empty and preferably rinsed before recycling.
Phone, hours, directions. Website.  

Tin cans
Berkeley Recycling Center
Tin cans, such as soup and other foods, are accepted at the drop-off center at Berkeley Recycling.  All cans must be empty and preferably rinsed before recycling.
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Aerosol cans
Berkeley Recycling Center
Empty aerosol cans may be recycled with tin or aluminum cans at the drop-off center at Berkeley Recycling.
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Non-empty aerosol cans, such as propane, butane and pesticides, should be recycled at
Alameda County’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility
Phone, directions, hours

Commerical/Industrial

Berkeley Commercial Recycling
City of Berkeley
The City of Berkeley offers recycling services to businesses in Berkeley; city staff will assist in designing and setting up programs to recycle glass, cans and paper.
City of Berkeley:(510) 981-7270.  Website

Commercial foodwaste
The City of Berkeley
Program for Berkeley businesses recycles food scraps, flowers, paper, waxed cardboard, and unpainted wood scraps. Supplies carts or bins for organics. Collects on different schedules.
Website

Recyclable hazardous waste
Berkeley Recycling Center
Includes such items as light bulbs, household batteries, and lamp ballasts. (Read about Universal Waste.) Berkeley Recycling accepts certain hazardous wastes such as fluorescent lamps and household batteries.[ref universal waste]
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Radio Shack (several locations) also recycles some of thes materials. Call for details.

Propane tanks and gas cylinders
Berkeley Transfer Station accepts propane tanks for a $30 fee. Gas tanks and cylinders (up to 20 pounds) may be recycled in San Francisco for a fee.  By appointment only.
Berkeley Transfer Station: Phone, directions, hours. Website
SF Recyling: (415) 330-1400. Website

Acids and caustics
Alameda County Hazardous Waste Facility 
All types of cleaners, paints, solvents, pesticides and sprays accepted. Proof of Alameda County residency required.
Phone, directions, hours. Website

Paints, Solvents and Cleaners
Alameda County Hazardous Waste Facility 
All types of cleaners, paints, solvents, pesticides and sprays accepted. Be sure to take proof of Alameda County residency.
Phone, directions, hours. Website 

Ink and toner cartridges
See House & Garden, left column.

55-gallon drums
Berkeley Recycling Center
Drums must be completely empty and dry and either cut in half or with a visible four-inch diameter hole. (Universal waste)
Phone, hours, directions. Website. 

Electronics

Televisions, monitors, laptops and flat screens
Berkeley Transfer Station
Phone, hours, directions. Website.
Computer & Technology Resource Center
Phone, hours, directions. Website

Microwaves
Fee may be charged.
Computer & Technology Resource Center
Phone, hours, directions. Website
Berkeley Transfer Station
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Cell Phones
Computer and Technology, Radio Shack or Office Depot
Accepts cell phones and some accessories such as ear phones and cell phone batteries. See attendant for recycling instructions for “Universal Waste.”
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Electronics
Computer and Technology Accepts electronics. Berkeley Recycling does not accept Electronics (see above).
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Refrigerated Appliances
See Appliances, left column.

Glass

Bottles - CRV
Berkeley Recycling Center
Glass beverage containers, such as soft drinks, beer and carbonated juice are purchased at the Berkeley Recycling Buyback Center. We are a California Certified Recycling Center and pay California Redemption Value (CRV). Bottles must be empty with caps removed and must be separated by color to sell or donate.
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Bottles and jars – non-CRV
Berkeley Recycling Center
Non-redemption glass containers accepted for drop-off. Bottles must have caps removed and must be separated by color. Window glass and drinking glasses are contaminants and must not be included with bottles and jars.
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Window glass, drinking glasses
Non-container glass such as windows, drinking glasses, dishes and other ceramics are not accepted at Berkeley Recycling and are not currently recyclable. For more information see "Ceramics" in House and Garden category, on left.

House and Garden

See also Batteries & Household Hazardous Waste, on left.

Residential Curbside Recycling
Weekly collection of bottles, cans, plastics, newspaper, mixed papers and cardboard for single family homes and apartment buildings up to nine units.
Ecology Center, (510) 527-5555. Website
City of Berkeley: Website

Plant debris and foodwaste
Berkeley residents may put plant debris and food waste kitchen paper(soiled paper napkins and towels)into green waste debris containers provided by City of Berkeley. Others may take their garden and lawn clippings to Berkeley’s Transfer Station at a reduced fee.
City of Berkeley: Website
Non-residents may take garden and lawn clippings to:
Berkeley Transfer Station
Phone, hours, location. Website.

Paints, solvents and cleaners
Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Facility
All types of cleaners, paints, solvents, pesticides and sprays accepted. Bring proof of Alameda County residency.
Phone, directions, hours. Website

Housewares and furniture – Re-Use
Urban Ore and other re-use facilities buy and sell used furniture, housewares, collectibles and other items. Goodwill Stores also accept clothing and household goods.
Urban Ore: (510) 841-SAVE Website
Goodwill Industries: Website

Mattresses and box springs
Berkeley Transfer Station
Accepts these articles for a $14 charge each.
Phone, hours, location. Website.

Clothes, shoes and textiles
Berkeley Recycling Center  usagain.com/items-we-accept
We accept clothes, shoes and household textiles of good quality, that are ready to be re-worn and re-used. Household textiles include tablecloths, towels, beddings, blankets, bedspreads, etc.
We do not accept mattresses, furniture, appliances, carpet, or other household items such as toys or trash. Please bag clothes for easy handling.

Clothes, shoes and textiles must be clean and dry and dropped off in tied plastic bags. A sturdy plastic bag protects the clothes from dirt and simplifies handling.
Phone, hours, directions. www.usagain.com

CDs, cassettes, DVDs
We no longer accept tapes or discs for reuse or recycling. Check the Re:Source database at www.StopWaste.org for other options.

Ink and toner cartridges
Most ink and toner cartridges can be returned to the manufacturer free of charge by mailing the packing box via UPS. 
Or bring ink and toner cartridges to:
Office Depot, (510) 525-0176, 1225 Gilman Street, Berkeley. Website

Cell Phones and Accessories
See Electronics in left column.

Ceramics
Most dishes, pottery, crystal, clay flower pots and other ceramics are not recyclable and must be discarded in the trash. Some nurseries will accept flower pots. Re-use organizations such as Urban Ore will accept certain ceramics.
Berkeley Transfer Station
Phone, hours, location. Website
Urban Ore: (510) 841-SAVE, Website

Helium tanks
Empty aluminum helium tanks may be dropped off at Berkeley Recycling. (Universal Waste) They should have visible 4" hole. Full tanks should be taken to Alameda County Hazardous Waste Facility.
Berkeley Recycling Center
Phone, hours, directions. Website
Alameda County Hazardous Waste: (800) 606-6606. Website

Fluorescent Light (fees may apply)
(Universal Waste can not go into garbage)

Berkeley Recycling accepts several different types of fluorescent lights. Including 8ft and 4ft tubes as well as compact and circle light bulbs. We also accept metal halide and sodium vapor bulbs in small quanities.  This sevice is for Alameda County Residents and small businesses owners.   small quanities can be dropped off for free, and anything above that we charge a fee for.

We cannot accept broken fluorescent lights - you may enclose in a bag or wrap and tape and dispose in the trash. We do not accept incandescent lights bulbs because they are free of mercury, they can be safely discarded in the trash.  

For more information, please contact
Berkeley Recycling: Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Lamp Ballasts
Berkeley Recycling accepts most fluorescent light ballasts for a fee.  Ballasts must be removed from the light fixture and must be marked "PCB free". (Read about Universal Waste)
Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Household batteries
Residents and small business can drop off household batteries up to a specified limit for free, and above that we charge a fee. This includes non-rechargeable and re-chargeable AAA, AA, C, D, button batteries, cell phone batteries, tool batteries, iPod and PDA batteries.
Berkeley Recycling: Phone, hours, directions. Website.

Cell Phones and Accessories
Cell phones and accessories such as ear phones and cell phone batteries; accessories should be taken to Computer Technology and Resource Center or Office Depot. 

Computer Technology and Resource Center: (415) 883-1428
620 Page St. Berkeley
Office Depot: (510) 525-0176, 1025 Gilman Street, Berkeley
 

Metal

Steel scrap
Berkeley Recycling accepts mostly metal scrap free of charge, including bicycle parts, washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, and metal toasters. Lawnmowers and small engines must have fluids drained prior to arrival. Berkeley Recycling does not accept 55-gallon drums (unless cut in half), cylinders or propane tanks. About Drop-off.
Berkeley Recycling Center
Phone, hours, directions. Website
Berkeley Transfer Station: Phone, hours, location. Website

Aluminum scrap
Berkeley Recycling Center
Aluminum scrap includes foil, signs, aluminum windows, aluminum shavings, rims, scraps, car and bicycle parts. Berkeley Recycling will purchase your aluminum scrap, or accept it at the drop-off. Purchases limited to a maximum of $20.
Phone, hours, directions. Website

Aluminum foil, pet food cans
Berkeley Recycling Center
Aluminum foil must be separate from aluminum scrap and cans; it should be free of food. Bi-metal cans, primarily pet food cans, may be added to aluminum foil at the drop-off or Buyback Center.
Phone, hours, directions. Website

Bi-metal cans - CRV
See Cans category on left.

Paper

Newspaper/phone books
Berkeley Recycling Center
Newspaper usually includes newsprint, phone books and newspaper inserts. They should be dry and and may not include strings, boxes, brown paper bags, cardboard or plastic bags. These materials are accepted for drop-off.
Phone, hours, directions. Website

Cardboard/paper bag
Berkeley Recycling Center
Cardboard includes corrugated cardboard and brown paper which are purchased or accepted for drop-off. We do not accept wax coated cardboard. (Buyback)
Phone, hours, directions. Website

Mixed paper
Berkeley Recycling Center
Dry mixed papers, such as office paper, junk mail, magazines, and telephone books, are accepted for drop-off.
Phone, hours, directions. Website

Books
Berkeley Recycling Center
Drop off for reuse in the speciial book bins. Includes both hard bound and paperback books.
Phone, hours, directions. Website

Milk and juice cartons
Packaging such as milk and juice cartons are not currently recyclable with mixed paper.   Paper beverage cartons and aseptic packages (Tetra-pak)  that include plastic or foil should go intothe grey refuse bin. For more information, contact:
Berkeley Transfer Station
Phone, hours, location. Website

Plastics

The following are all accepted at the Berkeley Recycling Center unless otherwise noted.

#1 PET narrow-neck Bottles and Jugs – CRV or non-CRV
These are purchased at our Buyback or donated at the drop-off. They include carbonated soda, water and juice bottles, and spring water bottles and jugs. We are a California Certified Recycling Center and pay California Redemption Value (CRV). 
Important: Bottles must be empty.

#2 HDPE narrow-neck Jugs and Bottles – CRV or non-CRV
Purchased at our Buyback or donated at the drop-off. Include large water, milk and juice jugs. Other narrow-neck non- beverage containers such as detergents, fertilizer, and motor oil bottles marked #2 are accepted at the drop-off.
Important: Bottles must be empty.

#3 through #7 CRV Containers
All CRV beverage containers (#3 through #7) are purchased at our Buyback or donated at the drop-off in the Plastic Containers bin.

Plastic Containers
These must be clean and empty and are accepted for donation only. Plastic Containers is a new category of plastic now being accepted at Berkeley Recycling. It typically includes food containers such as yogurt and dairy tubs, food take-out containers, clam shells and drink cups. This category also includes non-food rigid packaging.  No plastic bags, film plastic or styrofoam. See Plastics, on this website.

Rigid Plastics
A new category of plastic now being accepted at the http://berkeleyrecycling.org/page.php?id=5. Typically includes items such as 5-gallon buckets, crates, large plastic containers, nursery pots, plastic lawn chairs and other scrap plastic. Rigid plastic should be clean and nursery pots should be emptied of dirt. No rubber, PVC pipe, vinyl or laminated plastic. See Plastics.

Bags and film plastic
Plastic bags and film plastic are not recycled at Berkeley Recycling. Some grocery stores have recycling bins to drop-off your clean and dry plastic bags, including produce bags.  You may also contact stopwaste.org for more information. 

Milk and Juice Cartons
See Paper, on left.

Styrofoam/Bubble wrap
Clean and dry styrofoam, bubble wrap and other packing materials may be accepted for re-use at some packaging stores such as UPS stores and Handle with Care, in Berkeley. For more information contact stopwaste.org.