Plan Your El Cerrito Recycling Drop-Off: Hours, Accepted Items & Special Programs
The El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center at 7501 Schmidt Lane accepts a broad range of clean recyclables plus selected electronics, batteries, oils, textiles and other difficult-to-recycle materials.
The important part is timing the right service. Normal recycling, Tuesday household hazardous waste, the Exchange Zone and special material programs do not all follow the same rules.
The City currently states that Styrofoam collection is suspended until further notice because the center’s densifier machine is down for repairs. Do not make a Thursday Styrofoam trip unless the City has removed that alert.
Quick Answer: What Should You Know Before Going to El Cerrito Recycling Center?
The Recycling + Environmental Resource Center is at 7501 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Normal drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM. Sunday and listed major holidays are closed.
The center accepts many recyclable materials, but it is not a general dump and it is not a CRV buyback center. Paint, chemicals and other household hazardous waste follow a separate Tuesday-only program, while the Exchange Zone uses separate browsing and drop-off hours.
On this page
El Cerrito Recycling Center Hours
| Day | Normal recycling drop-off | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:30 AM–4:00 PM | Normal recycling service. |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–4:00 PM | HHW operates separately from 9 AM–4 PM with a 12–12:30 PM lunch closure. |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–4:00 PM | Normal recycling service. |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–4:00 PM | Normal recycling; Styrofoam collection is currently suspended. |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–4:00 PM | Normal recycling service. |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–4:45 PM | HHW Tuesday program is not available. |
| Sunday | Closed | Do not leave material outside. |
Holiday closures
The City lists closures including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Presidents’ Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the following day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and a noon closure on New Year’s Eve.
The center may be open while the service you need is not. Check Tuesday HHW hours, Exchange Zone hours and any current service alerts separately.
Does El Cerrito Recycling Center Pay CRV for Bottles and Cans?
No. The City states that the Recycling Center does not buy back materials from the public.
You can drop off qualifying recyclable bottles and cans as part of the center’s recycling service, but Schmidt Lane is not the place to go when your goal is California Refund Value payment.
Recycling only
Use the center when you want to recycle accepted bottles, cans and other materials without expecting a redemption payment.
Need CRV cash value?
Use CalRecycle’s official recycling-center search to locate an operating redemption location that handles eligible California beverage containers.
Materials Accepted at El Cerrito Recycling Center
The City’s accepted-material list is broader than normal curbside recycling, but preparation rules still matter. Bring materials clean, empty and sorted so they can go into the correct collection area.
| Material | Accepted examples | Preparation rule |
|---|---|---|
| Cardboard | Corrugated cardboard boxes | Clean, empty and flattened. |
| Glass containers | Bottles and jars | Rinse clean and sort by clear, brown or green glass. |
| Plastic beverage bottles | Narrow-necked beverage bottles | Empty, clean and dry. |
| Other plastic bottles | Narrow-neck household-supply bottles | Must be empty with no remaining product. |
| Scrap metal | Aluminum, steel and tin | Separate from garbage and non-metal materials. |
| Mixed paper | Colored paper, cereal boxes, folders, junk mail, envelopes | Keep dry and free of food contamination. |
| White office paper | Clean white bond paper | Use the separate Office Paper container. |
| Newspaper | Black-and-white newsprint | Keep clean and dry. |
Electronics and E-Waste Drop-Off Rules
The City’s e-waste policy is narrower than “anything with a cord.” Its current guidance says eligible electronics are generally devices containing circuit boards or hard drives.
Computers
- Desktop computers
- Laptops
- Computer monitors
- Hard drives
- Memory
- Computer components
Phones & small electronics
- Cell phones
- Smartphones
- Chargers
- GPS devices
- Cameras
- Internet devices
TV & entertainment
- Televisions except wood-housed units
- LCD monitors
- Game consoles
- Cable boxes
- Video equipment
The center also lists residential printers and scanners, wiring and cables, circuit boards and OEM toner or inkjet cartridges among eligible electronics.
The City says predominantly plastic electric appliances and major appliances are not accepted in the e-waste bin. Examples can include vacuums, electric blankets and similar household equipment.
Back up and erase personal information from computers, phones and drives before drop-off. Ordinary e-waste recycling is not the same as a documented data-destruction service.
Batteries, Used Oil, Textiles, Sharps and Other Special Items
The center handles several materials that do not belong in ordinary curbside recycling. Some require staff assistance or have quantity, residency or fee rules.
| Item | Current handling | Important rule |
|---|---|---|
| Household batteries | Alkaline, NiCad, lithium and automotive lead-acid batteries are listed. | Ask staff where each type belongs. |
| Used motor oil | Accepted with metal oil filters. | City lists a 5-gallon container maximum; no paper filters. |
| Used cooking oil | Accepted. | No solid grease. |
| Textiles | Clean, dry, reusable clothing, shoes and household linens. | Use the designated reuse/textile collection route. |
| Sharps | Locked collection with staff assistance. | Place sharps in a thick plastic screw-top container. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Locked collection with staff assistance. | Follow the City’s preparation instructions and ask staff. |
| Fluorescent tubes / CFLs | Special handling with service-area and quantity rules. | Large quantities and some non-resident users may be charged. |
Fees and Resident Rules
Most ordinary accepted recyclables are handled through the City’s recycling program, but special services can carry charges depending on residency, quantity or material type.
The City’s posted fee information says RecycleMore-area residents receive qualifying fluorescent-light, sharps and pharmaceutical service without the non-resident fees, while customers outside the service area may pay published charges. Large quantities can also trigger fees.
Check the current City master fee schedule rather than relying on an old dollar amount when you have a large load, fluorescent tubes, pharmaceuticals, sharps or another special material.
Household Hazardous Waste: Tuesday-Only Service
The El Cerrito Recycling Center’s household hazardous waste service is separate from normal recycling. It operates Tuesdays only from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and closes for lunch from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM.
Who can use the Tuesday HHW service?
The service is for residents of the RecycleMore service area, including El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole, Richmond, San Pablo and specified unincorporated West Contra Costa communities. Kensington residents can also qualify but must obtain authorization from their garbage hauler before visiting.
Proof of residency
Bring a driver’s license, utility bill or another current document showing eligible residency.
Vehicle requirement
The City says customers must drive through in a vehicle. The program does not allow HHW disposal on foot, bicycle, motorcycle or wheelchair.
Paint & solvents
Paints, solvents, thinners and adhesives belong in the Tuesday HHW program rather than the ordinary recycling circle.
Automotive chemicals
Gasoline and other hazardous auto products follow HHW rules rather than standard recycling drop-off.
Garden & household chemicals
Pesticides, fertilizers, hazardous cleaners, sprays, poisons and similar materials can qualify for the Tuesday program.
Paint, gasoline, pesticides, hazardous aerosols and similar materials should not be placed into regular recycling bins or left at the center outside the approved HHW service.
Check the City’s current HHW eligibility and Tuesday instructions.
Styrofoam Recycling at El Cerrito: Currently Suspended
The City’s current Recycling + Environmental Resource Center page displays an alert stating that Styrofoam collection is unavailable until further notice because the densifier machine is down for repairs.
Under the center’s normal program, clean white block Styrofoam is restricted to El Cerrito residents, requires proof of residency and is handled only on Thursdays. That normal Thursday rule should not be treated as active while the suspension alert remains posted.
Check the official City page immediately before your trip. Packing peanuts, foam rubber and other foam products are not equivalent to clean white block EPS and may follow different disposal rules.
Exchange Zone: Browsing and Drop-Off Use Different Hours
The Exchange Zone is designed for reusable household items, but its drop-off schedule is not the same as its browsing schedule.
| Exchange Zone activity | Monday–Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| Browse / take accepted reusable items | Opening to 12:00 PM | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM |
| Drop off accepted reusable items | 1:00 PM–4:00 PM | 1:00 PM–4:45 PM |
Accepted reusable items include categories such as good-condition books, some kitchenware, office supplies and small toys. The City specifically tells visitors not to leave bulky, broken or prohibited items in the Exchange Zone.
Salvage is allowed only in specially marked reuse areas such as the Exchange Zone, bicycle area and other designated locations. Visitors may not take material directly from recycling bins or from another customer’s vehicle.
Items Not Accepted at El Cerrito Recycling Center
The facility is not a transfer station for every unwanted household item. Checking the rejection list before loading can prevent a wasted trip.
| Rejected category | Examples | Better route |
|---|---|---|
| Major appliances | Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, washers, dishwashers | Use an approved appliance recycler or transfer station. |
| Garbage / construction debris | Trash, bricks, concrete, dirt, lumber, broken furniture | Use an appropriate transfer station or disposal service. |
| Plastic film / random hard plastic | Plastic bags, bubble wrap, PVC and miscellaneous rigid plastics | Find a material-specific program if available. |
| Mattresses | Mattresses, box springs and futons | Use the listed West Contra Costa mattress/disposal option. |
| Glass not used as containers | Mirrors, plate glass, sheet glass, tempered glass, Pyrex | Use a suitable transfer or specialty disposal route. |
| Automotive tires | Passenger vehicle tires | Use a tire retailer or permitted tire recycling program. |
| Car seats | Child car seats and booster seats | Look for a current manufacturer, retailer or special collection event. |
| Wood | Lumber, plywood, particle board and broken furniture | Use the appropriate green-waste, C&D or disposal service. |
Greasy, wet or food-contaminated paper, cardboard and plastic do not belong in the center’s clean recycling streams.
Important Recycling Center Rules
The City limits each person’s visit to one hour per day and limits parking inside the center to 30 minutes. Exchange Zone loading and unloading parking is limited to 10 minutes.
Unload only where directed
Put each material in its designated collection area and follow staff instructions.
No general scavenging
Do not take items from recycling bins or directly from other customers. Reuse is allowed only in marked areas.
Supervise children
The facility has active vehicles and equipment. Keep children supervised and pets safely contained.
Do not enter work zones
Stay out of staff areas, containers and operating-equipment zones.
How to Prepare for an El Cerrito Recycling Drop-Off
- Correct service identified
- Hours checked
- Current alerts checked
- Cardboard flattened
- Containers empty and clean
- E-waste data removed
- Residency documents packed if required
- Rejected items removed from load
El Cerrito Recycling Center Map and Directions
The verified address is 7501 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Use the map for navigation, but use the City’s current pages for service rules and temporary alerts.
Call 510-215-4350 or email green@elcerrito.gov for current acceptance rules, special-item handling, fees or unusual loads.
Official El Cerrito Recycling Resources
Open official center page
Open accepted-material list
Open rejected-material list
Open HHW instructions
Address, normal hours, HHW hours, accepted and rejected materials, Exchange Zone rules, center conduct rules and the current Styrofoam suspension were checked against City of El Cerrito sources during this refresh. Temporary alerts, fees and material programs can change, so the City’s live pages remain the final practical source before a trip.
Related Recycling Guides
Open recycling-center guide
Open computer recycling guide
Open HHW recycling guide
Open Styrofoam recycling guide
Frequently Asked Questions About El Cerrito Recycling Center
Where is the El Cerrito Recycling Center?
The El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center is at 7501 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito, CA 94530.
What are the El Cerrito Recycling Center hours?
Normal recycling hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM. The center is closed Sunday and on listed major holidays.
Is El Cerrito Recycling Center open Saturday?
Yes. The current Saturday recycling-center schedule is 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM, subject to holiday closures or temporary service notices.
Does El Cerrito Recycling Center pay CRV?
No. The City says the center does not buy back materials from the public. Use CalRecycle’s redemption-center locator when you want California Refund Value payment.
Does El Cerrito Recycling Center accept cardboard?
Yes. Corrugated cardboard must be clean, empty and flattened before drop-off.
Does El Cerrito Recycling Center accept electronics?
Yes, selected electronics are accepted. The City’s current policy focuses on electronics containing circuit boards or hard drives, including computers, monitors, phones, TVs and related devices.
When can I bring household hazardous waste?
The El Cerrito HHW program operates Tuesdays only from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a lunch closure from noon to 12:30 PM. Residency and vehicle requirements apply.
Can I recycle Styrofoam at El Cerrito right now?
The City currently states that Styrofoam collection is suspended until further notice because the densifier is down for repairs. Check the official center page for restoration of service before visiting.
Does El Cerrito Recycling Center accept batteries?
The City’s accepted-material guidance lists alkaline, NiCad, lithium and automotive lead-acid batteries. Ask staff for the correct collection area and handling instructions.
Does the center accept used motor oil?
Yes. The City lists used motor oil and metal oil filters, with a five-gallon container maximum. Paper oil filters are not accepted through that route.
Can I bring refrigerators or air conditioners?
No. Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners are on the City’s not-accepted list and should be taken to an appropriate appliance or transfer-station program.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official City of El Cerrito website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Current El Cerrito Recycling Center rules and alerts should be confirmed through the City’s official website or by calling 510-215-4350.
Final Before-You-Go Checklist
- Check current center hours
- Check temporary service alerts
- Do not expect CRV payment
- Flatten clean cardboard
- Rinse and sort glass
- Empty plastic bottles completely
- Erase personal data from e-waste
- Use Tuesday HHW service for hazardous products
- Do not bring Styrofoam while suspension is active
- Bring proof of residency when required