Plan Your Williams Avenue CRV Trip Around the Daily Midday Closure
This San Francisco Sunset Recycling Center is a certified California beverage-container redemption location at 345 Williams Ave. It is designed mainly for eligible CRV bottles, cans and other covered beverage containers rather than general household recycling.
The official CalRecycle record currently lists weekday service until 5:00 PM, weekend service until 4:00 PM and a daily 12:00–12:30 PM closure. Preparing clean, separated containers before arriving can make redemption faster and reduce rejection problems.
Quick answer: address, hours and what this center is for
CalRecycle currently lists Sunset Recycling Center at 345 Williams Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124, with phone number (818) 661-7387 and certificate RC305850.001.
The current official schedule is Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday–Sunday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. Every listed day includes a closure from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM.
CalRecycle also lists no reverse vending machines at this location, so visitors should expect staffed redemption rather than a self-service bottle machine.
On this page
- What this center does
- Current hours
- Sunday and weekend visits
- CRV refund values
- 2026 by-weight rates
- Payment by count
- Daily load limits
- Accepted CRV containers
- Wine, spirits and juice changes
- What not to bring
- How to prepare containers
- Other Sunset locations
- Before-you-go checklist
- Related guides
- Map and directions
- Official sources
- FAQs
What the San Francisco Sunset Recycling Center Actually Does
This location is listed by CalRecycle in the Beverage Container Recycling Program. For most visitors, that means the trip is about redeeming eligible California beverage containers for California Redemption Value, commonly called CRV.
It should not be treated like a general landfill, transfer station, electronics recycler, household hazardous waste site or bulky-item drop-off. If your load contains unrelated materials, separate them before visiting.
Aluminum beverage cans
Eligible California CRV beverage cans can be redeemed under state program rules.
Plastic beverage containers
Eligible plastic beverage bottles and other covered plastic beverage containers can qualify.
Glass beverage bottles
Eligible glass beverage containers can be redeemed when they meet California program requirements.
Sunset Recycling Center Hours and Daily Lunch Closure
| Day | Current CalRecycle hours | Midday closure | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | 12:00–12:30 PM | Mid-morning avoids the lunch interruption. |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | 12:00–12:30 PM | Separate materials before arriving. |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | 12:00–12:30 PM | Allow extra time for larger loads. |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | 12:00–12:30 PM | Avoid arriving immediately before noon. |
| Friday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | 12:00–12:30 PM | Arrive well before final closing with many bags. |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | 12:00–12:30 PM | Weekend hours end one hour earlier. |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | 12:00–12:30 PM | Useful Sunday option, but verify holiday changes. |
Sunday Recycling in San Francisco: What to Know Before You Go
Sunday availability is one of the most useful features of this location. The current CalRecycle record lists Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but the same 12:00–12:30 PM lunch closure applies.
For a large Sunday load, arriving earlier is safer than showing up close to 4:00 PM. Staff may need time to inspect, separate, weigh or count containers before completing the transaction.
California CRV Refund Values in 2026
CRV is a state refund value, not a private price created by Sunset Recycling Center. Eligible California beverage containers receive the refund amount established under the Beverage Container Recycling Program.
| Eligible container | CRV refund | Important rule |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum, glass, plastic or bimetal under 24 oz. | 5¢ each | Container must qualify for California CRV. |
| Aluminum, glass, plastic or bimetal 24 oz. or larger | 10¢ each | Container must qualify for California CRV. |
| Qualifying wine/distilled-spirit bag-in-box | 25¢ each | Special wine and distilled-spirit container category. |
| Qualifying wine/distilled-spirit multilayer or plastic pouch | 25¢ each | Special wine and distilled-spirit container category. |
| Qualifying wine/distilled-spirit paperboard carton | 25¢ each | Special wine and distilled-spirit container category. |
2026 Minimum CRV Rates When Paid by Weight
Customers with larger eligible loads may be paid by weight. CalRecycle’s current consumer page lists minimum per-pound rates that certified recycling centers must use for CRV redemption.
| Material | 2026 minimum per-pound rate | Containers-per-pound reference |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $1.66/lb | 31.1 containers/lb statewide average |
| Glass | $0.101/lb | 1.79 containers/lb |
| #1 PET plastic | $1.46/lb | 26.7 containers/lb |
| #2 HDPE plastic | $0.67/lb | 9.3 containers/lb |
| Bimetal | $0.43/lb | 8.6 containers/lb |
Can You Ask Sunset Recycling Center to Pay by Count?
Yes, within California’s statutory limits. Customers may ask to be paid per container for smaller qualifying loads instead of using weight.
50 each
You may request payment by count for up to 50 eligible glass containers per transaction.
50 each
You may request payment by count for up to 50 eligible aluminum, plastic and bimetal containers of each material type.
25 each
The count limit is 25 for each wine/distilled-spirit bag-in-box, multilayer pouch and paperboard-carton material type.
California Daily CRV Load Limits
CalRecycle also publishes daily limits for empty CRV beverage containers. Large commercial or collection loads should be planned around these limits rather than assuming an unlimited public redemption transaction.
| Material | Daily load limit |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | 100 lb |
| Plastic | 100 lb |
| Glass | 1,000 lb |
| Wine/distilled-spirit bag-in-box | 50 lb |
| Wine/distilled-spirit multilayer pouch | 25 lb |
| Wine/distilled-spirit paperboard carton | 25 lb |
What to Bring for CRV Redemption
The safest load is made only of clean, empty containers that qualify under California’s beverage-container program. Recycling centers are required to inspect material before paying CRV.
Aluminum
Soda, sparkling water, beer and other eligible aluminum beverage cans are common CRV items.
Plastic
Eligible plastic beverage containers can qualify when they meet California program rules.
Glass
Eligible beverage bottles can qualify. Keep dishes, ceramics, mirrors and window glass out of the CRV load.
Bimetal
Eligible bimetal beverage containers are included in California’s redemption system.
Wine and spirits
Wine, distilled spirits and related covered containers joined the program beginning in 2024.
Larger juice containers
California expanded CRV coverage to additional large fruit and vegetable juice bottles and cans beginning in 2024.
2026 Label Rules for Newer Wine, Spirits and Juice Containers
California expanded the CRV program in 2024 to include wine, distilled spirits and additional large juice containers. During the transition, some qualifying containers entered the program before CRV wording was required on every label.
CalRecycle’s current guidance explains that certain qualifying wine, liquor and large juice containers must still be redeemed even when they fall under the permitted transition without a CRV message. This is important after July 1, 2026 because a missing printed CRV label does not automatically prove that every newly added qualifying container is ineligible.
What You Should Not Assume Sunset Recycling Center Accepts
This is a CRV redemption facility. A material can be recyclable somewhere without belonging in this specific beverage-container program.
| Item | Why it is different | Better route |
|---|---|---|
| Milk containers | CalRecycle lists milk as not eligible for CRV. | Use local recycling rules if the container material is accepted. |
| Infant formula containers | Not eligible for CRV under the beverage program. | Follow local packaging-recycling instructions. |
| Medical-food containers | Not eligible for CRV. | Check normal local recycling eligibility. |
| Food packaging | CRV applies to eligible beverage containers, not ordinary food packaging. | Use curbside or material-specific recycling. |
| Cardboard | Not a beverage-container redemption material. | Use cardboard recycling. |
| Electronics | E-waste requires a different recycling system. | Use a certified or approved electronics recycler. |
| Batteries | Batteries require specialty collection and can create fire hazards. | Use battery recycling or HHW. |
| Furniture / mattresses | Bulky waste is outside CRV redemption. | Use bulky-item collection or material-specific recycling. |
How to Prepare Bottles and Cans Before Visiting
There Are Many Sunset Recycling Center Locations in California
This page is specifically about the 345 Williams Ave, San Francisco location. California’s 2026 beverage-container stewardship documents list numerous facilities using the Sunset Recycling Center name in other cities.
Other Sunset Recycling Center listings appear in places such as Oakland, San Juan Capistrano, Riverside, Fontana, Downey, Whittier, Torrance, Redlands, Indio and other California communities. Do not copy the hours or address from one location to another.
Before-You-Go Checklist for the Williams Avenue Center
Before loading
- Confirm containers are beverage containers.
- Separate obvious non-CRV material.
- Empty all liquid.
- Separate glass, aluminum and plastic.
Before driving
- Use 345 Williams Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124.
- Avoid the 12:00–12:30 PM closure.
- Call (818) 661-7387 if the trip is time-sensitive.
- Allow extra time for a large redemption load.
At the center
- Tell staff if you want eligible small loads paid by count.
- Follow inspection and material-separation instructions.
- Do not mix unrelated recyclables into the CRV transaction.
After weighing
- Review the material category.
- Check the weight or container count.
- Confirm the redemption amount before leaving.
Map to Sunset Recycling Center in San Francisco
Use the full Williams Avenue address for navigation. Searching only the business name can show other Sunset Recycling Center locations elsewhere in California.
Official Sources for Sunset Recycling Center and California CRV
The facility record should be the first source for the San Francisco address and operating schedule. CalRecycle’s consumer program pages provide the current rules for refund values, count payment, weight payment and load limits.
Frequently Asked Questions About the San Francisco Sunset Recycling Center
Where is Sunset Recycling Center in San Francisco?
CalRecycle lists the San Francisco Sunset Recycling Center at 345 Williams Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124.
What is the Sunset Recycling Center phone number?
The current CalRecycle facility record lists (818) 661-7387.
What are the weekday hours?
Monday through Friday are currently listed as 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with a closure from 12:00 PM–12:30 PM.
Is Sunset Recycling Center open Saturday?
Yes. CalRecycle currently lists Saturday from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM with a 12:00 PM–12:30 PM closure.
Is Sunset Recycling Center open Sunday?
Yes. Sunday is currently listed from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM with a 12:00 PM–12:30 PM closure.
Does Sunset Recycling Center have a reverse vending machine?
No. The current CalRecycle record lists reverse vending machines as “No,” so expect staffed redemption service.
What is the certificate number?
The current CalRecycle facility record lists certificate RC305850.001 for the 345 Williams Ave location.
What is the CRV refund for a small bottle or can?
Eligible aluminum, glass, plastic or bimetal beverage containers under 24 ounces have a 5-cent California refund value.
What is the CRV refund for containers 24 ounces or larger?
Eligible aluminum, glass, plastic or bimetal beverage containers 24 ounces or larger have a 10-cent refund value.
Why are some wine and liquor containers worth 25 cents?
California assigns a 25-cent CRV refund to qualifying wine and distilled-spirit bag-in-box, multilayer pouch, paperboard-carton and similar covered pouch containers.
Can I ask to be paid by count?
Yes. California allows customers to request payment by count for up to 50 containers of each glass, aluminum, plastic and bimetal material type per transaction. Special wine and distilled-spirit box, pouch and carton categories have a 25-container count limit per material type.
Can I bring milk containers for CRV?
No. CalRecycle lists milk as outside the CRV beverage-container program.
Can I bring cardboard or electronics?
Do not assume so. This location is listed as a beverage-container redemption center. Cardboard, electronics, batteries, furniture and general waste should use the appropriate material-specific recycling route.
Why do some searches show another Sunset Recycling Center?
There are many Sunset Recycling Center locations in California. This page is specifically about the facility at 345 Williams Ave in San Francisco.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Sunset Recycling Center website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Use CalRecycle and the recycling center directly for final decisions about current hours, closures, CRV rules and accepted containers.
Best Way to Make the San Francisco CRV Trip
Bring only eligible beverage containers, empty all liquid, keep the main material types separate and decide whether a small load should be paid by count. Use the Williams Avenue address rather than searching by the Sunset name alone.
Most importantly, plan around the daily 12:00–12:30 PM closure and arrive with enough time to complete inspection and redemption before the posted closing time. For holidays, unusually large loads or questionable containers, call first.