Berkeley Recycling Center: Holiday Hours, Fees & Items
Use this Berkeley Recycling Center guide to check official drop-off hours, buyback hours, holiday half-days, appliance fees, CRV pay rates, accepted items, preparation rules, address, phone, map directions and the main differences between Berkeley Recycling, the Berkeley Transfer Station and nearby e-waste options.
🧭 Berkeley Recycling Center Open Today: What to Confirm First
The berkeley recycling center is operated by Community Conservation Centers, Inc. and serves Berkeley residents and nearby users who need a dedicated place for recycling drop-off and CRV buyback. The official location is 669 Gilman Street, Berkeley, CA 94710, at the corner of 2nd Street.
The center has two different service windows that people often mix up: the drop-off area and the buyback area. The official hours list drop-off Monday through Friday from 8AM to 4PM, buyback Monday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM, Saturday service from 9AM to 4PM, and Sunday closed. Some official facility-map text also references Saturday drop-off as 8:30AM to 4PM, so early Saturday visitors should verify before arriving right at opening.
Berkeley Recycling Center Overview for Drop-Off, Buyback and CRV Recycling
The berkeley recycling center is one of the key recycling locations in Berkeley, California for people who need to drop off recyclable paper, cardboard, cans, bottles, jars, scrap metal, selected batteries, selected bulbs and certain appliances. It also operates a certified buyback center for California Redemption Value containers and selected purchased materials.
The center is not the same as the Berkeley Transfer Station, and that difference matters. Berkeley Recycling is mainly for sorted recyclables and buyback materials. The Transfer Station handles refuse, compostable materials, construction and demolition material, special handling items and some bulky disposal situations. For e-waste, the City of Berkeley page points users to ewasteCollective for electronic waste.
Users searching “fees” or “pay rates” usually mean one of three things: the appliance fee, CRV buyback rates or special disposal charges at the Transfer Station. This article keeps those separate. Berkeley Recycling publishes buyback prices for CRV containers and some other materials, while appliances at Berkeley Recycling have a listed fee, and Transfer Station charges are separate city disposal charges.
Berkeley Recycling Center: Quick Facts Before You Drive
| Question | Current Official Detail | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Where is Berkeley Recycling Center? | 669 Gilman Street, Berkeley, CA 94710, corner of 2nd Street. | Enter from Second Street and use the facility map if needed. |
| What is the phone number? | 510-524-0113. | Call or email before bringing unusual or large loads. |
| What email is listed? | info@berkeleyrecycling.org. | Email for current confirmation if the phone is unavailable. |
| What are weekday drop-off hours? | Monday–Friday 8AM–4PM. | Use drop-off hours for normal donation/recycling loads. |
| What are weekday buyback hours? | Monday–Friday 9AM–4PM. | Use buyback hours for CRV payment and purchased materials. |
| Is Berkeley Recycling open Saturday? | Saturday is listed as 9AM–4PM; some facility-map text references Saturday drop-off 8:30AM–4PM. | Verify before arriving early Saturday. |
| Is Berkeley Recycling open Sunday? | Sunday closed. | Use official alternatives if urgent. |
| Are appliances accepted? | Large appliances are accepted for a $20 charge; no refrigerated appliances. | Take refrigerators to the correct alternative, not Berkeley Recycling. |
| Are CRV containers purchased? | Yes, Berkeley Recycling is a certified buyback center. | Sort containers and expect check payment, not cash. |
Berkeley Recycling Center Open Today, Open Now and Saturday Hours
Searches like “Berkeley Recycling Center open now” can be misleading because the center has different windows for drop-off and buyback. If you are donating or dropping off sorted recyclables, use the drop-off hours. If you want CRV payment or buyback payment, use the buyback hours and prepare your materials before entering the line.
Berkeley Recycling Center Drop-Off Hours Today
Normal drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 8AM to 4PM and Saturday from 9AM to 4PM. Sunday is closed. The official facility information also shows a Saturday drop-off reference of 8:30AM to 4PM in one operating-hours modal, so anyone planning an early Saturday visit should verify before arriving at 8:30AM.
Berkeley Recycling Center Buyback Hours Today
Buyback is listed Monday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM and Saturday from 9AM to 4PM. Buyback is the correct service for CRV beverage containers, some paper/cardboard categories, aluminum cans, #1 PET plastic, #2 HDPE plastic, glass and selected purchased materials. The center says it does not pay cash; customers receive check payment.
Berkeley Recycling Center Sunday and After-Hours Drop-Off
Sunday is closed. Do not leave material outside gates, near bins or on surrounding streets after hours. Illegal dumping creates problems for staff, neighbors and legitimate recyclers. If you need Sunday disposal, check official City of Berkeley alternatives or wait for the next normal operating day.
Berkeley Recycling Center Holiday Hours, Closures and Half-Day Schedule
The official holiday list includes full closures and half-days. This matters because many users try to recycle on holiday weekends after moving, parties, home cleanouts or student move-out. Do not assume the center follows normal hours around federal holidays or holiday eves.
Berkeley Recycling Center Full Holiday Closures
The official holiday closure list includes New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. If your recycling trip falls on one of those days, plan for another operating day. The safest move is to check the official hours page before a holiday trip.
Berkeley Recycling Center Half-Day Holidays
Memorial Day, Labor Day and Christmas Eve are listed as half-days. The official note says the center closes at noon on half-days. If you need buyback payment or appliance drop-off on a half-day, arrive well before noon and do not bring complicated loads near closing.
Holiday Weekend Planning for CRV and Drop-Off
Holiday weekends can create heavier traffic, more cardboard, more glass, more cans, more party containers and more last-minute trips. Sort materials at home, avoid arriving near closing time and check whether the holiday affects the exact day you plan to visit.
| Holiday | Official Status | Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Closed. | Recycle before the holiday or after normal hours resume. |
| Memorial Day | Half-day. | Center closes at noon on half-days. |
| Labor Day | Half-day. | Arrive early; avoid complicated buyback loads near noon. |
| Independence Day | Closed. | Do not rely on normal July 4 access. |
| Thanksgiving | Closed. | Plan recycling trips before or after the holiday. |
| Christmas Eve | Half-day. | Center closes at noon on half-days. |
| Christmas Day | Closed. | Use another normal operating day. |
Berkeley Recycling Center Pay Rates, Buyback Prices and Fees
The berkeley recycling center publishes buyback prices for CRV and selected materials. Prices are subject to change without notice, so treat any price as current guidance to verify before a large trip. Also remember that buyback payment is not cash. The official buyback instructions say customers receive a check and should be ready to present government-issued ID if materials exceed the weight limit or value threshold.
Berkeley CRV Buyback Rates by Pound
The official buyback price list shows CRV and non-CRV prices for common materials. For CRV by pound, aluminum cans are listed at $1.65/lb, glass bottles and jars at $0.105/lb, #1 PET plastic bottles at $1.33/lb and #2 HDPE plastic bottles at $0.58/lb. Non-CRV values listed on the same table include lower rates for these categories.
Berkeley CRV Pay by Count
Customers may request to be paid by count for up to 50 CRV beverage containers of each material type per transaction. The listed count refund is 5 cents for eligible containers under 24 ounces and 10 cents for eligible containers 24 ounces or larger. Wine and distilled spirits changes effective January 1, 2024 are also reflected in the buyback information.
Other Buyback Materials and Daily Limits
The buyback page lists scrap aluminum and aluminum foil at $0.10/lb. It also lists cardboard in the other materials purchased section. Daily load limits for empty CRV beverage containers are listed as 100 pounds each for aluminum and plastic and 1,000 pounds for glass. ID is required when processing recyclables at the Buyback for over $100 worth of materials.
| Material / Service | Listed Rate or Fee | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| CRV aluminum cans | $1.65/lb. | All prices subject to change without notice. |
| CRV glass bottles and jars | $0.105/lb. | Glass must be empty, caps removed and sorted by color. |
| CRV #1 PET plastic bottles | $1.33/lb. | Empty bottles only; remove caps and sort correctly. |
| CRV #2 HDPE plastic bottles | $0.58/lb. | Empty narrow-neck containers only. |
| CRV by count under 24 oz. | $0.05 per eligible container. | Applies to CRV containers within count limits. |
| CRV by count 24 oz. or larger | $0.10 per eligible container. | Applies to CRV containers within count limits. |
| Scrap aluminum / aluminum foil | $0.10/lb. | Aluminum foil must be free of food waste. |
| Large appliances | $20 per unit. | No refrigerated appliances accepted. |
| Small metal appliances | Accepted free of charge. | Items should be at least 80% metal. |
| Most steel scrap | Accepted free of charge. | Small engines and lawnmowers must have fluids drained. |
Free vs Paid Recycling at Berkeley Recycling Center
Free vs paid rules are easy to get wrong. Some items are accepted free at the drop-off. Some are purchased through buyback. Some have disposal fees. Some are not accepted at all and must go to the Transfer Station, ewasteCollective, StopWaste resources or another specialized facility.
Free Drop-Off Items at Berkeley Recycling Center
Common free drop-off categories include many sorted paper items, cardboard, brown paper bags, mixed paper, certain cans, selected glass bottles and jars, selected plastics when accepted, most steel scrap, small metal appliances, household batteries, tool batteries, automotive batteries and selected fluorescent bulbs. Preparation rules still matter, even for free items.
Paid Items and Fees at Berkeley Recycling Center
The clearest recycling-center fee is the $20 per unit large appliance charge, with no refrigerators accepted. The official drop-off page also lists appliances at $20 per unit and says selected household hazardous waste includes fluorescent bulbs, batteries, appliances and PCB-free light ballasts. Some special universal waste items may have quantity or fee rules, so verify before bringing a large load.
Buyback Materials That May Pay You
CRV containers, aluminum cans, selected glass, #1 PET, #2 HDPE, scrap aluminum and cardboard may qualify under the buyback program, depending on preparation, sorting and current price. Berkeley Recycling says it pays by count only up to the container-count limits and otherwise pays by weight. The center does not pay cash; customers receive a check.
Berkeley Recycling Center Accepted Items and Drop-Off Materials
Accepted materials at Berkeley Recycling Center include a broad range of sorted recyclables, but the center is strict about preparation. Materials should be clean, sorted and placed in the correct area. The official materials-preparation page specifically tells users to prepare materials before arriving at the buyback or drop-off center.
Paper, Cardboard, Books and Brown Paper Bags
Paper categories include cardboard and brown paper bags, mixed paper, newspaper and books. Cardboard should preferably be dry and flattened. Wax-coated cardboard is not accepted. Mixed paper should be mostly dry, and junk mail is acceptable in mixed paper. Books are accepted, including softcover and hardcover books.
Glass, Cans and CRV Beverage Containers
Glass bottles and jars must be empty, sorted by color and have caps removed. Window glass, Pyrex and drinking glasses are contaminants and should not be included. Aluminum cans must be empty, and bi-metal cans should also be empty. CRV containers should be sorted before buyback.
Metal, Appliances and Scrap Items
Most steel scrap is accepted free of charge, including bicycle parts, washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves and metal toasters. Small metal appliances such as toasters, toaster ovens, blenders and fans should be at least 80% metal and are accepted free of charge. Large appliances are accepted for a $20 charge, but refrigerated appliances are not accepted.
Batteries, Bulbs and Selected Universal Waste
Berkeley Recycling accepts selected household hazardous and universal waste, including fluorescent bulbs, household batteries, tool batteries, automotive batteries, appliances and PCB-free light ballasts. Batteries should be sorted by type, including lithium, alkaline and automotive. Bulbs should be sorted by length, size and type, placed in the appropriate box and handled gently so they do not break.
📦 Paper & Cardboard
Dry flattened cardboard, brown paper bags, mixed paper, newspaper, magazines and books are core drop-off categories.
🥫 CRV & Containers
CRV aluminum, glass, PET, HDPE and eligible beverage containers may qualify for buyback when sorted properly.
🔩 Metal & Appliances
Most steel scrap and small metal appliances are accepted free; large appliances cost $20 and refrigerators are not accepted.
Items Not Accepted at Berkeley Recycling Center and Better Alternatives
The most useful recycling guide is not just a list of accepted items. It must also stop users from bringing the wrong load. Berkeley Recycling does not accept every material that people assume is recyclable. Some items belong at the Berkeley Transfer Station, ewasteCollective, StopWaste-listed resources or other specialized programs.
Refrigerators and Refrigerated Appliances
Berkeley Recycling says it does not take refrigerators. Refrigerated appliances should be taken to the correct alternative, such as the Berkeley Transfer Station or another authorized route. Do not bring refrigerators expecting the $20 appliance rule to apply.
Electronics, Microwaves and Computer Items
Berkeley Recycling’s own guide points microwaves to e-waste alternatives such as ewasteCollective or the Berkeley Transfer Station. The City of Berkeley Transfer Station page also separates e-waste from Berkeley Recycling by pointing users to ewasteCollective for electronic waste. Do not treat Berkeley Recycling as the default e-waste facility for computers and electronics.
Hazardous Materials and Contaminants
Berkeley Recycling does not take many hazardous or contaminating materials. Examples include aerosol cans, flammable materials such as propane and butane, window glass, drinking glasses, wax-coated cardboard, broken fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs and some lithium battery types that are not protected inside a device housing. Use StopWaste and official city resources for items that do not fit Berkeley Recycling’s list.
Berkeley Recycling Center vs Berkeley Transfer Station vs E-Waste Options
The phrase berkeley recycling center often creates portal confusion because several official and nearby services appear in search results. Berkeley Recycling Center, Berkeley Transfer Station, Urban Ore, ewasteCollective and StopWaste RE:Source all help with different material categories. They are not the same facility.
Berkeley Recycling Center for Sorted Recyclables and Buyback
Berkeley Recycling Center is the best fit for sorted paper, cardboard, CRV containers, selected plastics, scrap metal, selected batteries, bulbs and certain appliances. It also has buyback scales and CRV payment service. Use the Second Street entrance and follow the facility map for drop-off and buyback areas.
Berkeley Transfer Station for Refuse, Construction and Special Handling
The Berkeley Transfer Station accepts refuse, compostable materials, construction and demolition materials, and special handling items with separate charges. Its fee examples include appliance special handling, mattresses, tires, propane tanks and electronic items over a free allowance. Those are Transfer Station rules, not Berkeley Recycling Center buyback rules.
ewasteCollective for Electronic Waste
The City of Berkeley page points users to ewasteCollective for electronic waste. If your item is a computer, TV, microwave, stereo, gadget or other e-waste item, do not automatically drive to Berkeley Recycling Center. Use the correct e-waste route first.
How to Prepare Materials Before Visiting Berkeley Recycling Center
Preparation is not optional if you want a smooth visit. Berkeley Recycling asks users to prepare materials before arriving at the buyback or drop-off center. Bad sorting slows the line, creates rejected items and reduces the chance of getting the right buyback value.
- Choose drop-off or buyback first Decide whether you are donating/drop-off recycling or seeking payment through the buyback area. Hours and steps differ.
- Sort paper and cardboard Keep cardboard and brown paper bags separate from mixed paper. Flatten cardboard and keep it dry.
- Sort CRV containers correctly Empty containers, remove caps, sort by material and prepare for count limits or weight-based payment.
- Sort glass by color Glass bottles and jars should be empty, cap-free and separated by color. Do not include window glass or drinking glasses.
- Separate batteries by type Sort lithium, alkaline and automotive batteries. Do not mix unknown battery packs into ordinary material.
- Prepare bulbs gently Sort fluorescent bulbs by length, size and type. Place them in the appropriate box and do not break or tape them together.
- Check appliance rules Large appliances cost $20 per unit, no refrigerators are accepted and small metal appliances should be mostly metal.
Official Resources and Related Recycling Guides
Use official Berkeley Recycling pages first for hours, buyback prices, preparation rules and accepted material details. Use City of Berkeley and StopWaste resources when Berkeley Recycling does not accept the item or when you need transfer station, e-waste, reuse or hazardous waste guidance.
Berkeley Recycling Center Map and Directions
This is a location-specific Berkeley guide, so the map uses the verified official address: 669 Gilman Street, Berkeley, CA 94710, at the corner of 2nd Street. Berkeley Recycling’s facility instructions tell visitors to enter from Second Street. For drop-off, turn left toward the drop-off area after entering. For buyback, follow the buyback entrance and scale instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Berkeley Recycling Center
📍 Where is Berkeley Recycling Center?
Berkeley Recycling Center is located at 669 Gilman Street, Berkeley, CA 94710, at the corner of 2nd Street. The official facility instructions say to enter from Second Street.
☎️ What is the Berkeley Recycling Center phone number?
The official website lists 510-524-0113. It also lists info@berkeleyrecycling.org as the contact email.
🕒 What are Berkeley Recycling Center drop-off hours?
Normal drop-off hours are listed as Monday through Friday 8AM to 4PM, Saturday 9AM to 4PM and Sunday closed. Some official facility-map text references Saturday drop-off at 8:30AM, so verify before arriving early Saturday.
💵 What are Berkeley Recycling Center buyback hours?
Buyback hours are listed as Monday through Friday 9AM to 4PM and Saturday 9AM to 4PM. Sunday is closed.
📆 What holidays is Berkeley Recycling Center closed?
Official holiday closures include New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Memorial Day, Labor Day and Christmas Eve are listed as half-days, and the center closes at noon on half-days.
💰 Does Berkeley Recycling Center pay cash?
No. The official buyback instructions say Berkeley Recycling does not pay cash. Customers receive a check after completing the buyback process.
🥫 What are Berkeley Recycling Center CRV pay rates?
Published buyback prices include CRV aluminum cans at $1.65/lb, CRV glass bottles and jars at $0.105/lb, #1 PET plastic bottles at $1.33/lb and #2 HDPE plastic bottles at $0.58/lb. Prices are subject to change without notice.
🧺 What items are accepted at Berkeley Recycling Center?
Accepted categories include paper, cardboard, brown paper bags, mixed paper, books, CRV containers, selected glass, selected plastics, scrap metal, small metal appliances, selected batteries, selected bulbs and certain appliances.
🚫 Does Berkeley Recycling Center accept refrigerators?
No. Berkeley Recycling says it does not take refrigerators. Refrigerated appliances should be handled through the correct official alternative, such as the Berkeley Transfer Station or another authorized route.
💻 Does Berkeley Recycling Center accept e-waste?
Do not assume Berkeley Recycling is the correct place for electronics. The City of Berkeley page points users to ewasteCollective for electronic waste. Microwaves and similar devices may need e-waste or Transfer Station options.
💳 How much is the appliance fee at Berkeley Recycling Center?
The official site lists a $20 fee per large appliance and says no refrigerators are accepted. Small metal appliances are generally accepted free when they meet the metal-content rule.
ℹ️ Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Berkeley Recycling Center website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify hours, holiday closures, fees, pay rates and accepted items with Berkeley Recycling’s official website before visiting.
Editorial note: This guide is for public information only and is not the official Berkeley Recycling Center website. Hours, holiday closures, half-days, buyback rates, accepted items, appliance fees, CRV rules, preparation requirements and item restrictions can change. Always verify directly with Berkeley Recycling, City of Berkeley or StopWaste resources before loading materials or driving to the facility.
Final Summary: Best Way to Use Berkeley Recycling Center
The berkeley recycling center is the right starting point for sorted recyclables, CRV buyback, paper, cardboard, bottles, cans, selected plastics, metal, batteries, bulbs and some appliances in Berkeley. The verified address is 669 Gilman Street, Berkeley, CA 94710, at the corner of 2nd Street. The official contact number is 510-524-0113, and the listed email is info@berkeleyrecycling.org.
Before going, decide whether you need drop-off or buyback. Drop-off hours are listed Monday through Friday 8AM–4PM and Saturday 9AM–4PM, while buyback hours are listed Monday through Friday 9AM–4PM and Saturday 9AM–4PM. Sunday is closed. Holiday closures and half-days matter: Memorial Day, Labor Day and Christmas Eve are half-days closing at noon, while New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day are listed closures.
For fees and pay rates, keep the categories separate. CRV containers may pay by count or weight under California rules, while Berkeley Recycling’s listed by-pound rates include aluminum cans, glass, #1 PET and #2 HDPE. Large appliances cost $20 per unit, and refrigerators are not accepted. If you have e-waste, refrigerators, hazardous materials, refuse, construction debris or special handling items, check Berkeley Transfer Station, ewasteCollective or StopWaste resources before loading your vehicle.