Los Angeles Recycling Center: Sunday Hours, Addresses & Accepted Items
Use this guide before you load the car. It separates official Los Angeles S.A.F.E. Centers from blue-bin recycling, explains Sunday hours, UCLA’s first-Sunday schedule, Glendale closure warnings, accepted HHW/e-waste, rejected items, resident requirements, business fee notes, and safe drop-off steps.
Fast Answer: Which Los Angeles Recycling Center Do You Need?
Los Angeles does not have one official recycling center for every item. For household hazardous waste and electronic waste, use the Los Angeles S.A.F.E. Center system. For ordinary clean cardboard, paper, cans, glass bottles and plastic containers, use blue-bin recycling or your local collection route instead.
For Sunday drop-off, the most useful official route is usually a S.A.F.E. Center. Balboa/Northridge, Gaffey/San Pedro, Hyperion/Playa Del Rey, Randall/Sun Valley and Washington Boulevard are listed for Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. UCLA is different: Fridays, Saturdays and the first Sunday of each month after reopening May 1, 2026.
Screenshot Guide: Official Los Angeles Trash, Drop-Off and S.A.F.E. Help
The screenshot below is placed near the official action section because many users first need to recognize the Los Angeles resident-service area for trash, drop-off and recycling help before choosing the correct disposal route. Use it as a visual reference, then verify live S.A.F.E. Center hours, accepted items and closure notices on LA Sanitation or CleanLA before visiting.
Image description: This visual helps readers recognize an official Los Angeles resident-service page connected to trash pick-up, drop-off and recycling help. It supports navigation only and is not an official-affiliation claim for this website.
Video Guide: How to Prepare for a S.A.F.E. Center Trip
This official-style process video is placed directly below the screenshot because it helps users understand what to expect before loading household hazardous waste or electronics. No VideoObject schema is added because complete schema-safe metadata was not verified.
On This Page
- Los Angeles recycling center overview
- Official S.A.F.E. Center addresses
- Sunday hours and open-today help
- UCLA 2026 Sunday schedule
- Holiday and closed-location warnings
- Free resident drop-off vs business fees
- Accepted HHW and e-waste
- Items not accepted
- Blue bin vs S.A.F.E. Center
- TV, computer and e-waste
- Paint, batteries, bulbs and sharps
- What to do instead
- Before-you-go checklist
- Official and related links
- Map and directions
- FAQ
Los Angeles Recycling Center Overview for Residents
A “recycling center Los Angeles” search can mean several different services: a private buyback center, a scrap yard, blue-bin recycling, bulky-item pickup, a transfer station, a household hazardous waste event, or a S.A.F.E. Center. The right answer depends on the item in your car.
S.A.F.E. Centers are permanent collection sites for household hazardous waste and electronic waste. They are the right direction when you need to dispose of paint, solvents, automotive fluids, flammables, electronics, batteries, cell phones, fluorescent bulbs, computers, TVs and similar materials that do not belong in regular bins.
Do not bring everyday recyclables to a S.A.F.E. Center just because the search result says “recycling.” Clean cardboard, paper, bottles and cans generally belong in blue-bin recycling or a normal recycling program. S.A.F.E. Centers solve the hazardous-waste and e-waste problem.
Official Los Angeles S.A.F.E. Center Addresses
For household hazardous waste and e-waste, use the official S.A.F.E. Center address list below. The Los Angeles-Glendale location is included only as a closure warning because official pages list it as closed until further notice.
| S.A.F.E. Center | Address | Public Schedule | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicole Bernson / Balboa | 10241 N. Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91325 | Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM | North Valley residents with HHW and e-waste. |
| Gaffey Street | 1400 N. Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 | Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM | Harbor-area drop-off for electronics, paint, chemicals and similar items. |
| Hyperion | 7660 W. Imperial Highway, Gate B, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293 | Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM | West and southwest Los Angeles HHW/e-waste trips. |
| Randall Street | 11025 Randall Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 | Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM | East Valley households with HHW/e-waste. |
| Washington Boulevard | 2649 E. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90021 | Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM | Central and east Los Angeles access. |
| UCLA S.A.F.E. Center | 550 Charles E. Young Drive West, Los Angeles, CA 90095 | Fridays, Saturdays and first Sunday of each month, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM after reopening May 1, 2026 | West Los Angeles users who can follow UCLA’s special calendar. |
| Los Angeles-Glendale | 4600 Colorado Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039 | Closed until further notice | Do not drive here unless official pages say it reopened. |
Los Angeles Recycling Center Sunday Hours and Open-Today Help
People searching for “Los Angeles recycling center Sunday” usually need HHW or e-waste drop-off outside the workweek. The practical answer is that Balboa, Gaffey, Hyperion, Randall and Washington Boulevard are listed with Saturday and Sunday hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
“Open now” map labels are not enough for a hazardous-waste or e-waste trip. A location can appear open while holiday closure, campus closure, rain, a special event, staffing notice or program-specific rule changes the actual drop-off availability.
UCLA S.A.F.E. Center 2026 Sunday Schedule
The UCLA S.A.F.E. Center matters for West Los Angeles, but it follows a special schedule. UCLA says it does not manage the program and directs users to LA Sanitation for assistance. Use UCLA’s page for campus-specific schedule and closure dates, then use LA Sanitation for final program questions.
| UCLA 2026 Sunday | Status | Hours | Planning Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 7, 2026 | Open Sunday | 9:00 AM-3:00 PM | Verify campus notices before visiting. |
| August 2, 2026 | Open Sunday | 9:00 AM-3:00 PM | First Sunday only. |
| September 6, 2026 | Open Sunday | 9:00 AM-3:00 PM | Watch for student move-in closures later in September. |
| October 4, 2026 | Open Sunday | 9:00 AM-3:00 PM | Check UCLA page before driving. |
| November 1, 2026 | Open Sunday | 9:00 AM-3:00 PM | Thanksgiving closure affects later November dates. |
| December 6, 2026 | Open Sunday | 9:00 AM-3:00 PM | Winter closure begins later in December. |
Holiday, Rain and Closed-Location Warnings
Official pages list all S.A.F.E. Centers closed on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, 2026, with reopening planned for the weekend of July 10-12, 2026. The LACSD page also notes Friday, July 3, 2026 closure for UCLA only. Do not plan a holiday weekend drop-off without checking the official page first.
The LA Sanitation flyer also warns that collection services are suspended during rain. That matters because hazardous waste is normally transported in boxes, often in the trunk, and staff must remove materials safely. Do not rely only on map apps during wet weather.
The Los Angeles-Glendale S.A.F.E. Center at 4600 Colorado Boulevard is listed as closed until further notice. That is a major “near me” trap because old references or map results may still appear. Use another active S.A.F.E. Center unless official pages say Glendale reopened.
Free Resident Drop-Off vs VSQG Business Fees
CleanLA describes permanent collection centers as a convenient free method for Los Angeles County residents to properly dispose of household hazardous and electronic waste. Free resident access does not mean unlimited volume, anonymous drop-off or commercial waste access.
Small businesses may need the Very Small Quantity Generator program. Official guidance says qualifying businesses may dispose of hazardous waste at S.A.F.E. Centers for a fee by appointment only, and an EPA ID number is required to participate. The CleanLA page lists the appointment phone as 310-387-1071 and says appointment booking can also be done by email.
| User Type | Likely Route | Fee / Access Note | Before You Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County resident | S.A.F.E. Center or county HHW/e-waste event | Resident HHW/e-waste collection is presented as free. | Bring valid address information and follow quantity/prep rules. |
| Small qualifying business | VSQG program | Appointment, fee and EPA ID number may apply. | Do not use casual resident drop-off for business waste. |
| Regular cardboard/paper/bottles | Blue bin or local recycling route | Not a S.A.F.E. Center item. | Keep items clean, dry and separated from HHW. |
Accepted Items at Los Angeles S.A.F.E. Centers
S.A.F.E. Centers are built for household hazardous waste and electronic waste. Common accepted examples include paint, solvents, household chemicals, computers, batteries, cell phones, fluorescent lights, motor oil, propane tanks, TVs, microwaves and similar household items that should not go in normal trash or recycling.
| User Need | What It Usually Means | Practical Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles e-waste recycling | Computers, TVs, phones, tablets, microwaves, cords, printers or small electronics. | Use S.A.F.E. Center or official e-waste guidance; do not put electronics in the blue bin. |
| Los Angeles TV recycling | Flat-screen TV, CRT TV or monitor. | Confirm S.A.F.E. Center acceptance and unloading instructions before loading a large screen. |
| Battery recycling Los Angeles | Loose household batteries, lithium batteries, rechargeable packs or battery-powered devices. | Use approved HHW/battery handling. Do not place loose lithium batteries in normal recycling. |
| Paint recycling Los Angeles | Leftover paint, paint thinner, solvents or turpentine. | Use HHW/S.A.F.E. Center guidance. Keep containers sealed and do not mix liquids. |
| Needles and sharps drop-off | Syringes, lancets or home medical sharps. | Use puncture-proof sharps preparation. Never place loose sharps in recycling or trash bags. |
Items Not Accepted at Standard HHW/E-Waste Drop-Off
Do not bring regular trash, tires, white goods such as refrigerators and washing machines, explosives, ammunition, marine flares, radioactive materials, controlled substances, solar panels, bulky items, construction waste, EV batteries, laboratory waste, medical/biological waste, business waste, yard waste or normal recyclables to standard resident S.A.F.E. Center drop-off unless an official program specifically accepts it.
Blue Bin Recycling vs S.A.F.E. Center Drop-Off
Regular cardboard, paper, bottles, cans and many everyday containers should not be treated as S.A.F.E. Center material. S.A.F.E. Centers solve the HHW/e-waste problem. Blue-bin recycling solves the normal household recycling problem.
| Material | Better Route | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clean cardboard boxes | Blue bin / local recycling / cardboard-specific drop-off | Cardboard is not household hazardous waste. |
| Glass bottles and jars | Blue-bin recycling where accepted | Ordinary recyclable container material. |
| Paint, solvents or chemicals | S.A.F.E. Center / HHW program | Can leak, burn, poison or contaminate. |
| Computers, TVs and microwaves | S.A.F.E. Center / e-waste drop-off | Electronic waste needs special handling. |
| Large furniture or appliances | LA Sanitation / MyLA311 large-item service | Not a standard S.A.F.E. Center item. |
TV, Computer and E-Waste Recycling in Los Angeles
Electronics are one of the biggest reasons residents search for a Los Angeles recycling center open Sunday. Use S.A.F.E. Center guidance for computers, TVs, microwaves, phones and similar e-waste, and remove personal data before drop-off.
Before recycling a computer, laptop, phone or tablet, back up important files, sign out of accounts, remove memory cards and reset the device when possible. A recycling center handles the material; it is not automatically a data-destruction service.
Paint, Chemicals, Batteries, Bulbs and Sharps
Household hazardous waste can hurt workers, start fires, leak into vehicles or contaminate storm drains when handled incorrectly. Keep materials in original containers when possible, seal lids, avoid mixing chemicals and separate unlike items before transport.
LACSD guidance says to bring unwanted items in a sturdy box, preferably in original labeled containers, and never mix products together. It also notes that residents should be prepared to leave containers at the site, because certain containers may not be returned.
Loose batteries, lithium-ion devices, fluorescent bulbs and sharps need extra care. The LA Sanitation flyer specifically reminds users to remove data from electronics and pack needles and syringes in puncture-proof containers.
What to Do Instead: Medicine, Paint, Sharps, Appliances and Large Items
Some items connected to a “recycling center Los Angeles” search need a different official route. LACSD points to MED-Project for household medications, sharps mail-back and event options, and PaintCare for leftover paint retail locations. LACity.gov points residents to city large-item and abandoned-trash services for bulky items.
| Problem Item | Do This Instead | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Medication | Use MED-Project or official medication disposal guidance. | Controlled substances and medicines should not be handled like normal recyclables. |
| Sharps | Use a sharps container, mail-back program or official event instructions. | Loose needles can injure workers and residents. |
| Leftover paint | Check S.A.F.E. Center guidance or PaintCare retail locations. | Paint rules depend on product type, container condition and program route. |
| Refrigerator, stove, washer | Use large-item/appliance pickup or disposal guidance. | White goods are not standard S.A.F.E. Center HHW/e-waste items. |
| Large furniture | Use LA Sanitation/MyLA311 large-item service. | Bulky items are not accepted as HHW/e-waste. |
How to Prepare for a Los Angeles S.A.F.E. Center Visit
- Match the item first. Use S.A.F.E. Centers for HHW/e-waste. Use blue-bin recycling for ordinary cardboard, paper, bottles and cans.
- Pick the correct address. Choose Balboa, Gaffey, Hyperion, Randall, Washington Blvd. or UCLA based on location and schedule.
- Verify same-day hours. Most active centers are Saturday-Sunday 9 AM-3 PM; UCLA is first Sunday only plus Fridays and Saturdays.
- Bring valid address information. Be ready to provide your address for HHW/e-waste drop-off.
- Stay under transport limits. County and LA Sanitation materials reference a 15-gallon or 125-pound household hazardous waste limit per trip/visit.
- Pack safely in the trunk. Put HHW/e-waste in sturdy boxes, keep containers upright, tighten lids, and keep the load away from passengers.
- Do not mix chemicals. Keep items in original containers where possible and label unknown containers.
- Remain in your vehicle when instructed. Official preparation guidance says trained personnel remove HHW from the trunk at events; follow staff instructions on site.
- Remove normal recycling. Cardboard, paper, bottles and cans do not belong in a S.A.F.E. Center load.
- Wipe electronics first. Remove personal data from computers, phones, tablets and drives before drop-off.
Official Los Angeles Recycling Links and Related Guides
Los Angeles Recycling Center Map and Directions
Because Los Angeles has multiple S.A.F.E. Center addresses, this map uses a broad S.A.F.E. Center search instead of pretending there is one main recycling center. After opening the map, match the address to the official LA Sanitation or CleanLA page before driving.
Map note: Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide, not the official City of Los Angeles, LA Sanitation, CleanLA, LACSD or UCLA website. Always verify addresses, hours, accepted items and closures on official pages before driving with HHW or e-waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Recycling Center
What is the main Los Angeles recycling center address?
There is no single official “main” Los Angeles recycling center for every material. For household hazardous waste and e-waste, use the S.A.F.E. Center system with multiple locations such as Northridge, San Pedro, Playa Del Rey, Sun Valley, Washington Boulevard and UCLA.
Are Los Angeles recycling centers open on Sunday?
Most active Los Angeles S.A.F.E. Centers are listed for Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. UCLA is different and operates on Fridays, Saturdays and the first Sunday of each month after reopening May 1, 2026.
Which Los Angeles S.A.F.E. Centers are open Saturday and Sunday?
Nicole Bernson/Balboa, Gaffey Street, Hyperion, Randall Street and Washington Boulevard are listed with Saturday and Sunday hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Is the UCLA S.A.F.E. Center open every Sunday?
No. UCLA lists Fridays, Saturdays and the first Sunday of each month from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM after reopening May 1, 2026. Use UCLA’s official page for current first-Sunday dates and closures.
Is the Los Angeles-Glendale S.A.F.E. Center open?
No. CleanLA lists the Los Angeles-Glendale S.A.F.E. Center at 4600 Colorado Boulevard as closed until further notice.
Is S.A.F.E. Center drop-off free for Los Angeles residents?
Permanent collection centers are presented as a free method for Los Angeles County residents to dispose of household hazardous waste and electronic waste. Businesses are different and may need VSQG appointment and fee guidance.
Do I need to provide an address at a S.A.F.E. Center?
Yes. CleanLA states that participants using S.A.F.E. Centers must provide their address when dropping off HHW/e-waste.
How much HHW can I bring?
Official county and LA Sanitation materials reference a 15-gallon or 125-pound household hazardous waste limit per trip/visit. Do not overload your vehicle or bring business waste through a resident route.
What items are accepted at Los Angeles S.A.F.E. Centers?
Common examples include paint, solvents, chemicals, computers, batteries, cell phones, fluorescent lights, motor oil, propane tanks, TVs, microwaves and similar HHW/e-waste items.
Can I bring cardboard and bottles to a S.A.F.E. Center?
No. Regular recyclables like cardboard, paper, bottles and cans should use blue-bin recycling or local recycling service, not S.A.F.E. Center HHW/e-waste drop-off.
What happens if it rains?
The LA Sanitation flyer warns that collection services are suspended during rain. Verify the official page before driving with HHW or e-waste on wet-weather days.
What number should I call for Los Angeles recycling help?
UCLA’s S.A.F.E. site page lists 1-800-773-2489 for assistance with the LA Sanitation S.A.F.E. program. LACity.gov also routes residents to official city service channels for trash, large items and drop-off help.
Final Local Summary
For a Los Angeles recycling center Sunday search, start with the LA S.A.F.E. Center system. Most active centers are listed for Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. UCLA has a special first-Sunday schedule, and LA/Glendale is closed until further notice.
Use S.A.F.E. Centers for household hazardous waste and e-waste such as paint, chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, computers, TVs, microwaves and phones. Use blue-bin recycling for ordinary cardboard, paper, cans, bottles and everyday containers.