Choose the Right Davis Recycling Route: 24/7 Drop-Off, CRV or Special Items
The Recology Davis Recycling Center at 2727 Second Street, Davis, CA 95618 combines a 24/7 separated-recyclables drop-off area with a staffed California Redemption Value buy-back service.
The key distinction is timing: accepted ordinary drop-off recyclables can go to the outdoor recycling area at any time, but CRV redemption, household batteries, sharps, mattresses and box springs require staffed buy-back hours.
Fast answer
Davis Recycling Center is both a drop-off recycling location and a staffed CRV redemption center, but those services do not share the same hours. Recology lists free separated-recyclables drop-off 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CRV redemption is Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There are no listed Sunday CRV buy-back hours. Sunday can still work for accepted 24/7 materials, but do not bring batteries, sharps, mattresses or box springs expecting staffed handling.
On this page
Davis Recycling Center Overview
Recology Davis operates its administration office, material recovery facility and recycling center at 2727 Second Street. The site has two especially useful public functions: free drop-off recycling for listed separated materials and a staffed CRV buy-back counter.
Those functions should not be confused with the Yolo County Central Landfill. The Davis site works well for ordinary separated recyclables, CRV, used motor oil, mattresses, batteries and sharps under the published rules. Electronics, fluorescent lamps, household chemicals and many other hazardous or universal wastes use Yolo County programs instead.
24/7 recycling
Outdoor drop-off accepts specific separated materials around the clock. Place each material in its designated bin rather than leaving mixed bags.
CRV redemption
The staffed buy-back center reimburses eligible California Redemption Value beverage containers during its published weekday and Saturday hours.
Special handling
Batteries, sharps, mattresses and box springs are handled during staffed buy-back hours rather than through the unattended 24/7 bins.
Do not use “24/7” as a rule for every material
The 24/7 access applies only to Recology’s listed separated drop-off materials. It does not mean every Davis recycling, CRV, hazardous-waste, medical-waste or bulky-item service is available after hours.
Davis Recycling Center Hours and Sunday Rules
The public drop-off recycling area and staffed buy-back center have different schedules. Check which service you need before loading the vehicle.
| Service | Current schedule | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 drop-off | 24 hours / 7 days | Listed separated recyclables, cartons, scrap metal, used motor oil and filters. |
| CRV buy-back | Mon-Fri 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | CRV reimbursement and staffed special-item services. |
| Saturday buy-back | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | CRV, batteries, mattresses, box springs and sharps. |
| Sunday | No published CRV hours | Use only the listed 24/7 recycling drop-off streams. |
Simple timing rule
If you only need to unload accepted cardboard, paper, bottles, cans, cartons, scrap metal or properly prepared used motor oil, the 24/7 route may be enough. If you need money back, staff assistance or special-item handling, use buy-back hours.
Holiday Planning: Do Not Confuse Collection, Customer Service and Buy-Back Hours
Recology publishes several different schedules. Its annual holiday information says customer service is closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. That statement should not automatically be converted into a claim that every outdoor recycling bin or the CRV counter follows exactly the same holiday availability.
For the remaining major 2026 holiday period, Thanksgiving Day is November 26, 2026 and Christmas Day is December 25, 2026. If your visit requires CRV redemption, batteries, sharps, mattresses, box springs or staff help, verify with Recology before traveling near those dates.
24/7 drop-off and holiday collection are different questions
A curbside truck schedule does not determine whether the outdoor drop-off bins are accessible, and an outdoor recycling area being accessible does not prove the buy-back desk is staffed. Use the service-specific Recology page for the final decision.
What You Can Drop Off 24/7 at Davis Recycling Center
Recology and the City of Davis currently list free around-the-clock drop-off for several separated recyclable materials. Do not arrive with one mixed trash bag and expect staff to sort it.
| Material | Accepted examples | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Cardboard | Corrugated cardboard boxes | Empty and flatten. Remove packing material. |
| Paper | Newspaper and mixed paper | Keep dry and separate from garbage. |
| Plastics | Accepted plastic containers and bottles; City guidance lists plastics #1-#7 for drop-off | Empty containers and use the correct bin. |
| Aluminum / metal | Aluminum cans, metal cans, steel cans and tin foil | Keep separate according to posted bins. |
| Glass | Food and beverage container glass | Use container-glass guidance; do not treat ceramics or cookware as bottle glass. |
| Scrap metal | Accepted metal scrap | Use the designated scrap-metal area. |
| Cartons | Aseptic, gable-top and ice-cream cartons | Rinse when possible. Cartons may be crushed or uncrushed; caps can stay on. |
| Used motor oil | Household used motor oil | Bring in tightly secured containers and follow posted oil-drop instructions. |
| Oil filters | Used automotive oil filters | Keep separate from ordinary recycling. |
Cardboard preparation
Completely empty boxes and flatten them. For normal Davis curbside service, the City says small flattened pieces under two cubic feet can go into the recycling cart, while larger flattened boxes may be placed next to the cart on collection day. The Recycling Center remains another free cardboard option.
Carton preparation
Milk, juice, soup, broth, shelf-stable and similar accepted cartons can go to the 24/7 carton drop-off. The City says cartons can be crushed or uncrushed and caps can remain attached.
CRV Buy-Back at Davis Recycling Center
The Davis facility is a California Redemption Value buy-back location. To receive CRV payment, bring eligible containers during staffed buy-back hours rather than simply placing them in the free 24/7 recycling bins.
5¢ CRV
Eligible glass, aluminum, plastic and bimetal beverage containers under 24 ounces generally carry a 5-cent California Redemption Value.
10¢ CRV
Eligible glass, aluminum, plastic and bimetal beverage containers 24 ounces or larger generally carry a 10-cent refund value.
25¢ CRV
Eligible wine and distilled-spirit bag-in-box, multilayer pouch, paperboard-carton and similar covered containers can carry a 25-cent refund value.
California count and weight rules
| CRV method | Current state rule | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Payment by count | Up to 50 containers of each ordinary material type per transaction | Consumers may ask to be paid by count within these state limits. |
| Wine/spirit specialty containers | Up to 25 of each covered bag-in-box, multilayer pouch or paperboard-carton type | These newer CRV formats use different count limits. |
| Aluminum | 100-lb daily load limit | Larger loads exceed normal consumer redemption limits. |
| Plastic | 100-lb daily load limit | Keep eligible CRV plastic separate from non-CRV plastic. |
| Glass | 1,000-lb daily load limit | State fraud-control and redemption rules apply to large loads. |
Look for the CRV label
Not every recyclable bottle, jar or carton earns CRV. California advises consumers to look for wording such as “CA CRV,” “California Redemption Value” or “California Cash Refund.” Food containers, milk, infant formula and medical-food containers are among the items that are not ordinary CRV containers.
Items Accepted During Buy-Back Hours Only
Some items can be handled at the Davis Recycling Center but should not be left in the 24/7 bins.
Mattresses & box springs
Recology and the City of Davis list mattresses and box springs for free recycling during buy-back hours.
Household batteries
Household batteries are accepted for free recycling during buy-back hours. Follow battery packaging guidance before transport.
Sharps
Sharps are accepted only during buy-back hours and must be secured in an appropriate puncture-resistant, labeled container.
For broader planning, see the site’s mattress recycling guide and battery recycling guide.
Battery Recycling in Davis
Household batteries should not go into curbside trash or recycling. Recology Davis accepts household batteries during CRV buy-back hours, and the City lists several additional battery drop-off locations around Davis.
Bag each battery or tape the terminals
The City recommends placing each battery in its own clear plastic bag. If a bag is unavailable, cover the terminals with suitable clear packing, non-conductive electrical or duct tape while keeping the battery label visible.
Store batteries cool and dry
Use a plastic storage container rather than a metal or cardboard container and keep batteries away from excessive heat or moisture.
Do not keep old batteries indefinitely
City guidance recommends taking stored batteries to an appropriate recycling location within six months.
Separate damaged batteries from routine drop-off
A swollen, bulging or visibly damaged battery needs special handling and should not be placed in the ordinary Recycling Center bins.
Swollen or damaged lithium battery?
The City directs residents with swollen or bulging batteries to isolate them safely in sand or kitty litter in a cool, dry place and bring them to the Yolo County Household Hazardous Waste facility as soon as possible. Do not leave a damaged lithium battery in the unattended recycling area.
For general preparation rules beyond Davis, see the battery recycling center guide.
Sharps and Needle Disposal at Davis Recycling Center
Recology accepts used household sharps for free during CRV buy-back hours only. They cannot be left after hours.
Use a puncture-resistant container
A biohazard container is preferred, but Recology also describes a suitable puncture-proof container as an option.
Close and secure the lid
The lid should be tightly closed and taped shut before transport.
Label the outside
Write “Sharps Waste” on the outside when using an alternative puncture-resistant container.
Go during staffed hours
Do not place the container beside a bin or attempt an after-hours drop-off.
Never place loose needles in recycling
The Davis material recovery facility hand-sorts recyclables. Loose needles and lancets can injure workers, so sharps belong only in an approved sealed container using the proper drop-off program.
Electronics, Hazardous Waste and Yolo County Central Landfill
The 24/7 Davis recycling bins are not the correct destination for most electronics, fluorescent lamps, chemicals or household hazardous waste. Yolo County operates the broader hazardous-waste and e-waste programs at the Central Landfill.
Household hazardous waste
Yolo County’s HHW program is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for eligible Yolo County residents.
Electronics
Yolo County states that batteries and electronics can be accepted in designated recycling areas daily at the landfill. Resident e-waste such as monitors, laptops and televisions is listed for free recycling, while some appliances have fees.
HHW examples
- Paint and paint products
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Solvents and household cleaners
- Gasoline and automotive chemicals
- Fluorescent lamps and tubes
- Mercury-containing products
- Containerized medical sharps
- Other toxic household chemicals
Yolo County Central Landfill address
44090 County Road 28H, Woodland, California. HHW service hours are narrower than the landfill’s general operating schedule, so use the HHW schedule when transporting chemicals.
For general preparation help, see the site’s household hazardous waste recycling guide and used motor oil recycling guide.
UC Davis Campus Residents Have a Different HHW Route
This distinction matters because a Davis mailing address does not automatically mean the Yolo County household hazardous-waste program is the correct route.
On-campus UC Davis residents
Yolo County and Recology state that UC Davis manages a separate household hazardous-waste program for University staff, faculty and on-campus residents. On-campus residents are therefore not eligible to use the County household HHW collection program in the same way as other Yolo County households.
Use current UC Davis Zero Waste or campus hazardous-waste instructions for campus-generated material.
Davis Recycling Center vs Curbside Collection
A trip to Second Street is not necessary for every recyclable. Davis households with regular collection can use curbside carts for eligible materials and reserve the recycling center for overflow cardboard, special drop-off items, CRV redemption or other needs that do not fit normal cart service.
| Need | Best starting route | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Routine paper and containers | Curbside recycling | Follow the split-cart labels and keep trash out. |
| Large flattened cardboard | Curbside next to cart or 24/7 drop-off | Empty and flatten first. |
| CRV cash refund | Buy-back center | Do not place containers in the free drop-off bin if you want CRV payment. |
| Household batteries | Staffed battery drop-off | Use buy-back hours or another listed Davis battery site. |
| Electronics or chemicals | Yolo County program | Do not use ordinary recycling bins. |
Recology asks curbside customers to set recycling, organics and garbage carts out by 6:00 a.m. on collection day. Check the current collection calendar for route-specific holiday adjustments.
Before-You-Go Checklist
Decide whether you need drop-off or buy-back
If you want money back for CRV containers, use staffed buy-back hours. If you simply want to recycle eligible separated material, use the 24/7 drop-off route.
Separate materials before driving
Keep cardboard, paper, metal, glass, plastics, cartons, scrap metal and oil in the appropriate separate groups.
Flatten cardboard
Remove Styrofoam, plastic film and other packing material before flattening boxes.
Prepare batteries safely
Bag batteries individually or tape terminals according to City guidance. Damaged or swollen batteries should use the Yolo County HHW route.
Secure sharps
Use a puncture-resistant container with the lid tightly closed and taped, then label it before taking it to staffed buy-back hours.
Keep used oil sealed
Transport motor oil in tightly secured containers and keep other automotive chemicals out of the oil container.
Route electronics and HHW correctly
Do not leave TVs, computers, fluorescent lamps, paint or chemicals beside the Davis Recycling Center’s ordinary drop-off bins.
Verify unusual or holiday trips
Call Recology Davis at 530-756-4646 if the item is unusual or your trip depends on staff being present near a holiday.
Davis Recycling Center Map and Directions
The Recology Davis Recycling Center is at 2727 Second Street, Davis, CA 95618. Use the map for navigation and Recology’s official page for the final decision on service availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Davis Recycling Center?
The Recology Davis Recycling Center is at 2727 Second Street, Davis, CA 95618.
What are Davis Recycling Center CRV buy-back hours?
Current published buy-back hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Is Davis Recycling Center open 24/7?
The separated-recyclables drop-off area is listed as available 24/7 for accepted materials. CRV buy-back and staffed special-item services are not 24/7.
Is Davis Recycling Center open on Sunday?
Recology does not list Sunday CRV buy-back hours. Accepted 24/7 drop-off materials can still use the around-the-clock recycling area.
What can I recycle at Davis Recycling Center 24 hours a day?
Current listings include used motor oil and filters, aluminum and metal cans, plastic containers and bottles, newspaper, cardboard, mixed paper, hard rigid plastics, scrap metal, cartons and food-and-beverage container glass.
Does Davis Recycling Center pay CRV?
Yes. Recology Davis operates a CRV buy-back service for eligible California Redemption Value beverage containers during staffed redemption hours.
How much is California CRV?
Eligible ordinary beverage containers generally have a 5-cent refund when under 24 ounces and 10 cents when 24 ounces or larger. Covered wine and distilled-spirit boxes, bladders, pouches and similar formats can carry a 25-cent refund.
Can I recycle household batteries at Davis Recycling Center?
Yes. Household batteries are accepted for free recycling during CRV buy-back hours. Do not leave batteries in the unattended drop-off area.
What should I do with a swollen lithium battery?
Do not place a swollen or damaged battery in ordinary trash or recycling. City guidance directs residents to isolate it safely and take it to the Yolo County Household Hazardous Waste facility as soon as possible.
Does Davis Recycling Center accept sharps?
Yes, during buy-back hours only. Sharps must be inside a sealed puncture-resistant container with appropriate labeling; they cannot be dropped off after hours.
Does Davis Recycling Center accept mattresses?
Yes. Recology and the City of Davis list mattresses and box springs for free recycling during staffed buy-back hours.
Where should Davis residents take electronics and hazardous waste?
Yolo County Central Landfill handles the broader electronics, universal-waste and household hazardous-waste programs. HHW drop-off is currently Thursday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Can UC Davis campus residents use the Yolo County HHW program?
Yolo County states that UC Davis manages a separate program for campus staff, faculty and on-campus residents, so on-campus residents should follow the University’s own hazardous-waste guidance.
What is the Davis Recycling Center phone number?
The current Recology Davis contact number published for the Recycling Center is 530-756-4646.
Official sources checked for this update
This independent guide was refreshed using current Recology Davis, City of Davis, Yolo County and California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery information.
- Recology Davis — Davis Recycling Center & CRV Buy-Back
- City of Davis — Solid Waste and Recycling
- City of Davis — Which Bin Does It Go In?
- City of Davis — Hazardous Waste
- Recology Davis — Hazardous & Universal Waste
- Yolo County — Household Hazardous Waste
- CalRecycle — Beverage Container Recycling Program