Plan Your Burbank Recycle Center Visit by Service, Not Just Opening Time
The City of Burbank Recycle Center at 500 S. Flower Street combines several services at one address, but they do not all use the same schedule or acceptance rules. Public recycling and CRV redemption are available on Saturday, while the Drop Zone for electronics, batteries and selected universal waste is weekday-only.
Choose your service first, sort materials before loading and check the City’s current rules for anything hazardous, bulky or unusual.
Quick answer: when is Burbank Recycle Center open?
Public recycling drop-off and CRV bottle/can redemption are currently listed Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM.
The Drop Zone for selected e-waste, batteries, bulbs and universal waste is a weekday service. The City’s main Recycle Center page currently lists 8 AM–12 PM and 1 PM–5 PM for the office/e-waste Drop Zone, with no weekend Drop Zone service.
On this page
Burbank Recycle Center Hours by Service
Do not use a single opening-hours line for every type of material. The City separates public recycling and CRV service from the Drop Zone.
| Service | Monday–Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public recycling drop-off | 8 AM–5 PM | 8 AM–4 PM | No regular Sunday schedule listed |
| CRV bottles & cans | 8 AM–5 PM | 8 AM–4 PM | No regular Sunday schedule listed |
| Admin / e-waste Drop Zone | 8 AM–12 PM and 1 PM–5 PM | Closed | Closed |
The midday closure matters for Drop Zone trips
The City’s main Recycle Center page lists the admin office and e-waste Drop Zone from 8 AM–12 PM and again from 1 PM–5 PM. Avoid arriving around noon with e-waste, batteries or another Drop Zone item without checking first.
Holiday schedules can override regular hours
The Recycle Center and Drop Zone close for City holidays. CRV service also publishes its own holiday notices, including special early closures around some year-end holidays.
Check the current City Recycle Center page before a holiday trip.
Choose the Right Burbank Recycling Service First
Public recycling drop-off
Use for: ordinary recyclable paper, cardboard, cans, glass, selected plastics, scrap metal and certain additional drop-off materials.
CRV redemption
Use for: eligible California beverage containers when you want California Refund Value payment.
Drop Zone
Use for: selected Burbank resident e-waste, batteries, fluorescent lamps, toner cartridges and limited antifreeze.
Another HHW route
Use for: paint, solvents, used motor oil, chemicals, medical waste, asbestos and other items the Burbank Drop Zone does not take.
What Burbank Public Recycling Drop-Off Accepts
The Recycle Center accepts ordinary Burbank curbside recyclables plus several materials that are easier to handle through direct drop-off.
| Material | Examples | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Paper & cardboard | Newspaper, office paper, cardboard, paperboard | Keep clean and dry; flatten cardboard. |
| Glass | Bottles and food jars | Empty and rinse. Burbank encourages Recycle Center drop-off for glass where practical. |
| Metal containers | Aluminum and steel/tin cans; fully empty non-hazardous aerosol cans | Empty and rinse containers. |
| Scrap metal | Metal sheets, hinges, doors, tools, curtain rods and selected metal items | Remove attached wood or plastic where possible. |
| Selected plastics | #1 PET, #2 HDPE and #5 PP containers and qualifying large rigid plastics | Clean and empty; see plastic section below. |
| Shredded paper | Household shredded paper | Burbank directs shredded paper to direct Recycle Center drop-off in a plastic bag rather than curbside. |
Common materials not accepted in regular recycling
Plastic problems
- Plastic bags and film
- Styrofoam / foam
- PVC pipe
- Many toys
- Non-recyclable plastic types
Bulky household items
- Large appliances
- Furniture
- Children’s car seats
- Wood
- Yard trimmings
Hazardous / trash items
- Paint and solvents
- General hazardous waste
- Trash
- Videos, CDs and DVDs
Burbank Plastic Recycling Rules
Burbank’s current residential recycling guidance focuses on certain clean, rigid plastics. The City currently lists recyclable plastic categories including #1 PET, #2 HDPE and #5 PP, with size and shape restrictions.
| Plastic | Common examples | Key rule |
|---|---|---|
| #1 PET | Bottles, jars and clear clamshell-type containers | Clean and empty. |
| #2 HDPE | Bottles and jugs | Clean and empty. |
| #5 PP | Tubs, yogurt containers and selected lids | Black plastic is excluded from the City’s listed curbside examples. |
| Large rigid plastics | Storage containers, laundry baskets, buckets and trash cans | Direct drop-off can be appropriate when the plastic fits an accepted resin category. |
A recycling symbol alone is not enough
Burbank’s current system does not accept every resin code, plastic bag, foam product or small plastic item. Check the City’s “Where it Goes” tool for unusual plastic products.
CRV Bottle and Can Redemption in Burbank
The Burbank Recycle Center is a California-certified CRV redemption location. The redemption operation is run by facility partner Burrtec Industries.
- Check for CRV eligibility. Only containers covered by California’s beverage-container program qualify for redemption.
- Remove non-CRV material. Ordinary recycling should not be mixed into the paid redemption load.
- Sort by material. Separate aluminum, plastic and glass into different groups.
- Have the load weighed. An attendant weighs each qualifying material group and gives you a receipt.
- Redeem the receipt. Take the receipt to the cashier window for payment.
Call Burrtec for current CRV pricing
The City directs CRV customers to 818-276-0434 for current pricing. Do not rely on an old online per-pound value because CalRecycle minimum rates and facility pricing can change.
Check Burbank’s official CRV instructions and holiday notices.
Burbank Drop Zone: Electronics, Batteries and Bulbs
The Drop Zone is intended mainly for Burbank residents and selected small-business quantities. Proof of Burbank residency or address may be requested.
| Drop Zone item | Current rule |
|---|---|
| Computers & laptops | Accepted as e-waste within program limits. |
| Televisions & monitors | Accepted as e-waste. |
| Wires & power strips | Accepted. |
| Batteries | Accepted when prepared safely; chemistry-specific handling applies. |
| E-bikes / hoverboards | Accepted under program rules, but loose e-bike batteries are not accepted. |
| Fluorescent tubes / bulbs | Ten tubes per resident per year are currently listed. |
| Toner / ink cartridges | Branded cartridges are accepted; generic or aftermarket cartridges are excluded. |
| Antifreeze | Up to two gallons; must not be mixed with other fluids. |
Battery preparation matters
Burbank instructs residents to protect battery terminals and separate certain battery chemistries before drop-off. Coin-cell and lithium batteries should be individually bagged; rechargeable and 6- or 9-volt batteries require terminal protection according to the City’s instructions.
Loose e-bike batteries are not accepted
The City currently says an e-bike battery must remain installed on the e-bike when it is dropped off. Do not bring a loose e-bike battery without first identifying another approved battery route.
E-waste household limit
Burbank currently lists a residential e-waste drop-off limit of 100 pounds per household per year. Call before bringing a large load.
Review the current Burbank Drop Zone and HHW rules.
Antifreeze Drop-Off
Burbank currently accepts a limited amount of antifreeze through the Drop Zone. The published limit is two gallons per person.
- Do not mix antifreeze with other liquids.
- Use suitable gallon-sized containers.
- Check in with the Drop Zone attendant.
- Do not leave antifreeze unattended outside the collection process.
- Avoid the midday service interruption.
No antifreeze intake from noon to 1 PM
The City specifically states that antifreeze is not accepted from 12 PM to 1 PM, Monday through Friday.
Important Update: Burbank No Longer Takes Used Motor Oil
Do not bring used motor oil or oil filters to the Recycle Center
The City now states that the Burbank Recycle Center’s motor-oil collection service has concluded and that used motor oil and used motor-oil filters are no longer accepted.
Use a California certified used-oil collection center or another City-recommended oil disposal option instead. Keep used oil separate from antifreeze, gasoline, solvents and other fluids.
For a broader oil-disposal workflow, use the Used Oil Recycling Center guide.
Paint, Chemicals and Wider Household Hazardous Waste
The Burbank Drop Zone is not a full-service household hazardous waste facility. Paint, chemicals, medical waste and other unspecified hazardous products are not accepted there.
Paint
The City directs residents to PaintCare and other approved paint collection locations. Do not bring paint to the Burbank Drop Zone.
Wider HHW
Los Angeles S.A.F.E. Collection Centers handle a wider range of products such as cleaners, solvents, pool chemicals, pesticides, motor oil, sharps and medications.
The nearby East Valley Randall Street S.A.F.E. Center at 11025 Randall Street in Sun Valley is one current LA-area option listed by Burbank, but always verify the current S.A.F.E. schedule before driving.
For a full decision workflow, use the Household Hazardous Waste Center guide.
Mattress and Box Spring Recycling
Burbank residents have a free Recycle Center mattress-drop-off route for qualifying items. Current City guidance allows a limited residential quantity.
| Item / route | Current rule |
|---|---|
| Residential mattress drop-off | Free for qualifying Burbank resident items within the annual limit. |
| Annual household limit | One mattress and one box spring or qualifying futon pad. |
| Condition | Must be dry and free of bedbug infestation and other disqualifying contamination. |
| Business mattress drop-off | Business drop-off may be fee-based; call for current pricing. |
| Bulky curbside pickup | A special handling fee applies to qualifying scheduled pickup. |
Burbank’s bulky-item special handling fee changed in 2025
As of July 1, 2025, the City lists a $12.14 per-item special handling fee for several difficult bulky items, including mattresses, refrigerators, washers/dryers, freezers, air conditioners, water heaters and certain other items when using the City’s scheduled curbside pickup service.
Residential mattress drop-off at the Recycle Center is treated differently and currently remains free within the resident limit.
Large Appliances Are Not Regular Recycle Center Drop-Off
Burbank’s regular Recycle Center drop-off list excludes large appliances. Refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves and similar items should use the City’s bulky-item route, retailer haul-away or another approved appliance recycler.
Do not bring a refrigerator simply because it contains scrap metal
A refrigerator contains a sealed refrigerant system and is not the same as ordinary scrap metal. Follow the City’s bulky-item or appliance-specific instructions.
For appliance-specific planning, see the Appliance Recycling Center guide.
Can Burbank Businesses Use the Recycle Center?
Burbank businesses with small amounts of ordinary recycling may be able to use the Recycle Center. Small-business Drop Zone use is more restricted.
The City currently says Burbank businesses may drop off small amounts of e-waste, batteries and bulbs when eligibility requirements are met. Proof of a Burbank business address is required, and businesses should call the office before bringing the materials.
Large commercial HHW loads need another route
Businesses with larger quantities of hazardous materials should use a specialized hazardous-waste collection company or the appropriate small-business hazardous-waste program rather than a resident-oriented Drop Zone.
Before You Drive to 500 S. Flower Street
- Identify the service you need. Decide whether you have ordinary recycling, CRV containers, Drop Zone e-waste/batteries or an item that needs another HHW route.
- Check the correct schedule. Public recycling and CRV include Saturday; Drop Zone does not.
- Sort ordinary recyclables. Keep paper, cardboard, glass, cans, accepted plastics and scrap metal separated where practical.
- Sort CRV bottles and cans. Separate aluminum, plastic and glass before reaching the redemption area.
- Prepare batteries safely. Bag or tape batteries according to the City’s battery instructions and never put batteries in curbside carts.
- Bring residency proof for Drop Zone use. Burbank ID or other address verification may be requested.
- Check limits. Remember the e-waste household limit, fluorescent-tube limit, antifreeze limit and mattress limit.
- Do not bring motor oil. The Recycle Center no longer accepts used motor oil or oil filters.
- Reroute paint and chemicals. Use PaintCare or an LA S.A.F.E. Collection Center as appropriate.
- Call about unusual loads. Use 818-238-3900 before transporting an unclear material or larger business load.
Common Burbank Drop-Off Problems
| Problem | Likely reason | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| You arrive Saturday with a TV | Public recycling is open Saturday, but the e-waste Drop Zone is not. | Return during the weekday Drop Zone schedule. |
| Your used oil is refused | Burbank ended used-oil and filter collection at this facility. | Use a certified used-oil collection center. |
| Paint is refused | Paint is outside the Burbank Drop Zone list. | Use PaintCare or an appropriate HHW site. |
| Loose e-bike battery is refused | The City’s Drop Zone does not accept loose e-bike batteries. | Use an approved battery-specific route. |
| Large appliance is refused | Large appliances are excluded from normal Recycle Center drop-off. | Use bulky pickup, retailer haul-away or an appliance recycler. |
| CRV line rejects material | Non-CRV material may be mixed with eligible beverage containers. | Remove non-CRV items and sort aluminum, plastic and glass separately. |
Burbank Recycle Center Map
The City facility is at 500 S. Flower St., Burbank, CA 91502. Use this map for navigation, then use the City website for the service-specific schedule.
The same address does not mean every service is open
Public recycling, CRV redemption, the administrative office and the Drop Zone share the Recycle Center location but follow different operating windows. Match your material to the correct service before leaving home.
Related Recycling Guides
- Plastic Bottle Recycling Center: CRV, PET and HDPE bottle rules
- Electronic Recycling Center: computer, TV and e-waste preparation
- Battery Recycling Center: lithium and household battery safety
- Household Hazardous Waste Center: chemicals, paint and specialty disposal
- Appliance Recycling Center: refrigerator and large-appliance routes
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Burbank Recycle Center?
The City of Burbank Recycle Center is at 500 S. Flower St., Burbank, CA 91502.
What are Burbank Recycle Center public drop-off hours?
Public recycling drop-off is currently listed Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Is Burbank Recycle Center open Saturday?
Yes for regular public recycling drop-off and CRV bottle/can redemption, currently 8 AM–4 PM. The Drop Zone for e-waste and selected universal waste is closed Saturday.
Is Burbank Recycle Center open Sunday?
No regular Sunday public recycling, CRV or Drop Zone schedule is currently listed.
Does Burbank Recycle Center accept electronics?
Yes. The weekday Drop Zone accepts selected e-waste including computers, laptops, televisions, monitors, wires and power strips. Residency and quantity rules can apply.
Does Burbank Recycle Center accept batteries?
Yes, through the Drop Zone when batteries are prepared according to the City’s safety instructions. Loose e-bike batteries are currently excluded.
Does Burbank Recycle Center accept used motor oil?
No. The City currently states that used motor oil and used motor-oil filters are no longer accepted at the Recycle Center.
Does Burbank Recycle Center accept paint?
No. The City directs paint to PaintCare or another approved hazardous-waste route.
Can I redeem CRV bottles and cans in Burbank?
Yes. The Burbank Recycle Center is a California-certified redemption location. Sort eligible aluminum, plastic and glass before arriving.
Does Burbank Recycle Center accept mattresses?
Yes, qualifying Burbank residential mattress drop-off is available within the current household limit. Items must meet condition requirements such as being dry and free of infestation.
Does Burbank Recycle Center accept refrigerators and washers?
Large appliances are excluded from ordinary Recycle Center drop-off. Use Burbank’s bulky-item service, retailer haul-away or another approved appliance recycler.
Can Burbank businesses use the Drop Zone?
Small amounts of e-waste, batteries and bulbs may be accepted from Burbank businesses with proof of a Burbank address. The City asks businesses to call first.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Burbank Recycle Center website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent information guide. Use City of Burbank sources for final hours, acceptance rules, CRV pricing and holiday closures.
Official Sources Used for Verification
Best Way to Use Burbank Recycle Center
For normal paper, cardboard, glass, cans, accepted plastics and scrap metal, use public recycling drop-off during the regular weekday or Saturday schedule. For California CRV bottles and cans, sort eligible containers by aluminum, plastic and glass and use the redemption service.
Use the weekday Drop Zone for eligible electronics, batteries, fluorescent lamps, branded toner/ink cartridges and limited antifreeze. Do not bring used motor oil, paint, general chemicals, large appliances or other excluded hazardous waste to that service.
Independent information guide: Recycling-Centre.org is not affiliated with the City of Burbank, Burbank Recycle Center, Burrtec Industries, CalRecycle or Los Angeles S.A.F.E. Centers. Hours, holiday closures, acceptance limits and special-handling rules can change, so verify unusual materials with the responsible official source before visiting.