Plan the Right Miramar Recycling Trip
San Diego’s Miramar area has several waste and recycling services within a very small area, but the addresses, hours and rules are not interchangeable. The main Miramar Recycling Center is at 5165 Convoy Street; landfill, household hazardous waste and mattress trips use different entrances or service rules.
Three nearby addresses
Match the material to the correct service before following a map pin.
Quick answer before you drive
Use Miramar Recycling Center, 5165 Convoy St., San Diego, CA 92111 for CRV beverage-container redemption, cardboard and paper, selected scrap-value metals, donation-only recyclables and the fee-listed items described below. The City of San Diego currently lists the center open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
It is closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Because this independent guide does not receive live gate-status data, check the City page before making a special trip with a heavy, unusual or fee-based load.
Verify Miramar Recycling Center details on the City of San Diego website.
On this page
- Which Miramar service do you need?
- Hours and holidays
- 5165 vs 5180 vs 5161
- CRV refunds and recycling fees
- California 2026 CRV rules
- Accepted and donation-only items
- Items needing another route
- Landfill and greenery
- Household hazardous waste
- Mattress recycling
- Tax-file event status
- Curbside vs drop-off
- Before-you-go checklist
- Troubleshooting
- Map and directions
- FAQs
Which San Diego Miramar Service Do You Actually Need?
A search for a San Diego recycling center can lead to several nearby City services. That is why the material in your vehicle matters more than the nearest map result.
Miramar Recycling Center
Start here for CRV beverage containers, cardboard, paper, selected metals, donation-only materials and items carrying the City’s listed recycling fees.
Landfill & Greenery
This is a different disposal route at 5180 Convoy St. for refuse and greenery operations. Landfill pricing is not the same as recycling-center fees.
Household Hazardous Waste
City residents use the appointment-only HHW program for paint, cleaners, motor oil, batteries, pesticides and other qualifying household hazardous waste.
Miramar Recycling Center Hours and Holiday Closures
The City’s Miramar Recycling Center page currently lists the same public service window Monday through Saturday. Sunday is not listed as an operating day.
| Day / Situation | Published Information | Planning Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Saturday | 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Allow extra time for sorting, weighing or fee questions. |
| Sunday | No Sunday hours listed | Plan for a weekday or Saturday. |
| Holiday closures | New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day | Check the City page again before a holiday-weekend trip. |
Do not use a map-app “open now” label as the final check
Several Miramar services share the Convoy Street area. A map listing can send you to a nearby landfill, recycling center or hazardous-waste entrance with a different service window.
5165 vs 5180 vs 5161 Convoy Street
These addresses solve different problems. Using the wrong one is one of the easiest ways to waste a trip.
| Address | Service | Use This Route For | Do Not Assume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5165 Convoy St. | Miramar Recycling Center | CRV, cardboard, paper, donation-only materials, selected metals and fee-listed recycling. | This is the general landfill, HHW or mattress entrance. |
| 5180 Convoy St. | Miramar Landfill & Greenery | Refuse disposal and greenery services under landfill rules. | Landfill fees are the same as CRV or recycling-center fees. |
| 5161 Convoy St. | HHW / Mattress area | Appointment-based HHW and the separate mattress collection site. | It accepts routine CRV bottles, cardboard or scrap metal as a normal recycling-center trip. |
San Diego Recycling Fees and CRV Refunds
At Miramar, “fees” can mean three very different things: a CRV refund paid to you, a recycling fee you pay for a specific item, or landfill disposal charges at the neighboring landfill. Keep those categories separate.
CRV refund amounts
| CRV Category | Refund Value | Important Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible containers under 24 oz. | 5¢ each | California count/weight rules apply. |
| Eligible containers 24 oz. or larger | 10¢ each | California count/weight rules apply. |
| Qualifying wine / distilled-spirit cartons, boxes or pouches | 25¢ each | Container-format rules differ from bottles and cans. |
| Aluminum | CRV redemption | City lists 100 lb. daily limit. |
| Plastic | CRV redemption | City lists 100 lb. daily limit. |
| Glass | CRV redemption | City lists 1,000 lb. daily limit. |
Recycling fees currently listed by the City
| Item | Listed Fee | Before You Load It |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and other CFC appliances | $25 each | Call first for unusual or oversized equipment. |
| Stoves, washers, dryers and hot water heaters | $12 each | Keep appliance loads separate from CRV materials. |
| Tires 18 inches and under, no rims | $7 each | Larger tires or tires on rims may need another route. |
| Toilets | $6 each | Transport porcelain carefully to avoid breakage. |
| Small computer / household electronics, 1–49 lb. | $0.25 per lb. | Verify unusual electronics and wipe personal data where applicable. |
Scrap value may be paid for some metals. The City specifically recommends calling 858-268-8971 for current pricing and accepted scrap-metal items.
California CRV Rules That Matter in 2026
California’s statewide CRV program adds useful detail beyond the local Miramar page. A certified center must redeem eligible CRV material during its listed operating hours, but only qualifying beverage containers receive CRV.
Small loads can request payment by count
CalRecycle says customers may request per-container payment for up to 50 containers of each standard material type per transaction, such as 50 glass, 50 aluminum, 50 plastic and 50 bimetal containers.
Qualifying wine and distilled-spirit bag-in-box, pouch and paperboard-carton formats use a separate limit of up to 25 containers of each applicable type per transaction.
Keep CRV loads clean and separate
CRV material should be empty, eligible and free of contamination. Mixing non-CRV material into a redemption load can lead to rejection or scrap-value treatment instead of CRV payment.
Selected 2026 minimum per-pound CRV rates
| Material | 2026 Minimum Per-Pound Rate |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $1.66 |
| Glass | $0.101 |
| #1 PET plastic | $1.46 |
| #2 HDPE plastic | $0.67 |
| Bimetal | $0.43 |
These are statewide minimum CRV rates published by CalRecycle for 2026, not a promise that every non-CRV scrap item at Miramar pays the same amount.
Check current CalRecycle consumer redemption rules and rates.
Accepted and Donation-Only Materials at Miramar Recycling Center
Not every material accepted at the center produces a cash payment. The City’s list separates CRV redemption, scrap-value material, donation-only items and fee-based recycling.
CRV beverage containers
Eligible California beverage containers can qualify for CRV redemption. Keep different materials sorted and remove non-CRV contamination.
Cardboard and paper
The City lists cardboard and paper among accepted material. Keep paper products clean and dry where practical.
Selected scrap metals
Some metals may receive scrap value. Call the center for current accepted types and pricing rather than assuming a commodity rate.
Donation-only electronics
TVs, monitors, laptops and CPUs are listed by the City as donation-only items with no payment or fee to the customer.
Other donation-only containers
The City’s list includes certain non-CRV glass bottles and jars, narrow-neck plastic containers and non-CRV steel cans.
Residential cooking oil
Used residential cooking oil is listed with a maximum quantity of 30 quarts.
Items That Need a Different San Diego Disposal Route
A material can be recyclable and still be wrong for the regular recycling-center lane. Hazardous waste, landfill loads, mattresses and some specialty items use separate programs.
| Item | Better Route | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Paint, cleaners, pesticides, motor oil and mercury devices | HHW appointment | These materials can be toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive. |
| Household and automotive batteries | HHW / approved battery route | California treats batteries as hazardous waste. |
| Fluorescent lamps and other regulated bulbs | HHW / approved collection option | Many contain mercury or other materials requiring controlled handling. |
| Large mixed trash load | Miramar Landfill | Landfill disposal follows separate load, vehicle and fee rules. |
| Mattress or box spring | 5161 Convoy mattress collection site | The City operates a separate free mattress-recycling program. |
Miramar Landfill and Greenery Are Not the Same Trip
The City lists the Miramar Landfill and Greenery operation at 5180 Convoy St. Business hours are Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the operation is closed Sundays.
The City separately notes that self-dumping landfill vehicles may be accepted until 4:30 p.m. and that greenery tractor loading has its own timing and fee rules. Do not use those times as the operating schedule for CRV redemption at 5165 Convoy St.
Landfill loads must be covered
The current City refuse-fee page says all loads must be covered and lists a $50 fee for uncovered loads. It also says there are no hand unloads after 4 p.m.
Landfill disposal charges depend on factors such as vehicle type, waste type, weight and whether the waste originated within the City of San Diego.
Verify Miramar Landfill and Greenery hours · Check current refuse disposal fees
Household Hazardous Waste Appointments in San Diego
City of San Diego residents can use the Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility free of charge by appointment. The current service update lists appointments on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bring proof of City residency. The City says this can be picture identification or a recent bill showing your name and address.
| HHW Detail | Current Guidance |
|---|---|
| Access | Appointment required; do not treat it as a walk-in recycling-center visit. |
| Service window | Wednesday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., subject to official closure information. |
| Examples | Paints, cleaners, motor oil, batteries, pesticides, mercury devices and other qualifying household hazardous products. |
| Vehicle loading | Place materials in the trunk or truck bed for staff access and follow onsite directions. |
| Call before booking when | Load exceeds 50 lb., a container exceeds 5 gallons, containers are open/leaking, the product is unknown, or special resident assistance is needed. |
HHW is for household material, not routine business waste
The City’s current HHW page lists business waste among materials not accepted through this resident program. Non-City residents should follow their own jurisdiction’s disposal route.
Mattress and Box Spring Recycling Near Miramar
The City accepts qualifying mattresses and box springs free at its Mattress Collection Site on the east side of the Miramar Landfill entrance at 5161 Convoy St., next to the HHW Transfer Facility.
The current City mattress page lists drop-off Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Generally accepted
Qualifying mattresses and box springs that meet the program’s condition rules.
Commonly rejected
Severely damaged, wet, twisted, frozen, heavily soiled or bedbug-infested items are not accepted through the mattress-recycling program.
Mattress pads, toppers, sleeping bags, loose bedding, waterbeds, air mattresses, sofa-bed components and household furniture are not automatically treated as accepted mattresses or box springs.
San Diego Tax Files Recycling Event: 2026 Event Has Passed
Do not treat tax-file shredding as a year-round Miramar service
The City lists the tax-files program as an annual event. The 2026 event ran from April 16 through April 23, 2026, so those dates are already past.
The 2026 event was for City of San Diego residents and was limited to one banker’s box of tax files per resident. The City page still references the 2026 flyer, but this article does not assume that the same dates, limits or procedures will apply to the next event.
Check the official Miramar Recycling Center page for the next published tax-file event before taking documents to the facility.
Do You Need Miramar, or Will Curbside Recycling Work?
Everyday household packaging does not always justify a drive to Convoy Street. The City’s “What Goes Where” resources and WasteFreeSD can help residents decide whether an item belongs in curbside recycling, donation, a specialty collection program or a drop-off center.
Use curbside guidance for
Routine household containers and paper products when your City collection rules allow them in the recycling cart.
Use a specialty route for
Hazardous products, mattresses, unusual electronics, bulky items or materials that the City’s normal cart rules do not accept.
Check the City of San Diego recycling guide · Search WasteFreeSD for local options
Before You Go to Miramar Recycling Center
Match the material to the address
Use 5165 Convoy St. for the recycling center, 5180 for landfill/greenery operations and 5161 for the HHW/mattress area.
Check the operating day
Miramar Recycling Center is listed Monday–Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with specific holiday closures.
Separate CRV from non-CRV material
Clean, sorted CRV material makes it easier to apply the correct redemption method and avoid contamination issues.
Identify fee-based items before loading
Appliances, tires, toilets and certain electronics currently carry listed recycling fees.
Call about unusual scrap or large loads
For metal pricing or an item not clearly listed, call 858-268-8971 before transporting it.
Keep hazardous waste out of a normal recycling load
Use the City’s HHW appointment program for qualifying chemicals, batteries and other hazardous household material.
Recheck the official source before departure
Hours, fees, holiday closures, event dates and accepted materials can change after this guide is updated.
Common Miramar Recycling Problems and What to Do
| Problem | Likely Explanation | Better Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Map sends you toward the landfill | Several City services operate close together on Convoy Street. | Use 5165 Convoy St. specifically for Miramar Recycling Center. |
| You expected CRV money but the item is not paid | The material may be donation-only, scrap-value only or fee-based. | Separate eligible CRV containers and ask staff before unloading other materials. |
| Paint or batteries are refused in a normal recycling load | They require hazardous-waste handling. | Use the appointment-only HHW route. |
| Landfill charge is higher than expected | Landfill prices depend on vehicle, load, weight, origin and possible surcharges. | Review the official refuse-fee page before unloading. |
| Mattress is rejected | Its condition or item type may be outside the mattress program. | Check the City’s unacceptable-item list and search WasteFreeSD for another route. |
| You arrive with tax documents outside an event | Tax-file recycling is an annual scheduled event, not an everyday drop-off. | Wait for a verified future event or use an appropriate secure shredding service. |
Map to Miramar Recycling Center
This map targets the main recycling center at 5165 Convoy Street. If you are taking refuse, HHW or a mattress, use the specific service information above before following directions.
Best final check
Use the map for navigation, but use the City of San Diego page for the final decision on hours, closures, fees and accepted materials.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Recycling Center
Where is Miramar Recycling Center in San Diego?
Miramar Recycling Center is at 5165 Convoy Street, San Diego, CA 92111.
What are Miramar Recycling Center’s hours?
The City currently lists Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with closures on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Is Miramar Recycling Center open on Sunday?
The official Miramar Recycling Center page does not list Sunday operating hours. Plan for Monday through Saturday unless the City publishes a special event or schedule change.
What is the Miramar Recycling Center phone number?
The City lists 858-268-8971 for Miramar Recycling Center. Call for current scrap-metal pricing, unusual items or acceptance questions.
Can I redeem CRV cans and bottles at Miramar?
Yes. The City lists CRV redemption at Miramar Recycling Center. California’s current refund value is generally 5 cents for eligible containers under 24 ounces and 10 cents for eligible containers 24 ounces or larger, with separate rules for qualifying wine and distilled-spirit container formats.
Does Miramar Recycling Center accept cardboard and paper?
Yes. The City’s accepted-material information includes cardboard and paper. Keep them separate from trash and wet or contaminated material.
Can I take a refrigerator, tire or toilet to Miramar Recycling Center?
The City currently lists recycling fees for qualifying CFC appliances, large household appliances, tires 18 inches and under without rims, toilets and small computer or household electronics. Check the current fee page or call before taking an unusual item.
Can I take paint, batteries or chemicals to the regular recycling center?
Do not treat these as ordinary recycling. City of San Diego residents should use the Household Hazardous Waste appointment program for qualifying paint, cleaners, motor oil, batteries, pesticides, mercury devices and similar material.
Where can I recycle a mattress in San Diego?
The City’s mattress collection site is on the east side of the Miramar Landfill entrance at 5161 Convoy St. It currently accepts qualifying mattresses and box springs Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Is the San Diego tax-file recycling event available year-round?
No. It is an annual scheduled event. The 2026 event ran April 16–23, 2026 and has already passed. Check the City page for the next announced event rather than taking tax files to Miramar during a normal visit.
Related Recycling Guides
Official Sources Checked
- City of San Diego — Miramar Recycling Center
- City of San Diego — Miramar Landfill & Greenery
- City of San Diego — Refuse Disposal Fees
- City of San Diego — Household Hazardous Waste
- City of San Diego — Mattress and Box Spring Recycling
- City of San Diego — What Can Be Recycled?
- CalRecycle — California Beverage Container Recycling Program
- CalRecycle — Consumer CRV redemption rules and 2026 rates