About Recycling
Recycling is vital to the health of our planet and helps the Berkeley community in very practical ways. By recycling paper, certain plastic, glass, and metal, you play an important part in protecting our climate, preserving our resources, and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. You also help to provide good, green-collar jobs. Do your part. Use your cart.
Resources:
About Berkeley Curbside Recycling
Recycle, compost, or landfill? Resourceful
Ciara James, Ecology Center Recycling Education Program Coordinator, will be tabling at various public events in Berkeley to answer your questions and provide information about basic recycling sorting, so that your good intentions aren’t wasted!
COVID-19 GUIDELINES
PLEASE NOTE:
- Flatten your cardboard. Increased online purchasing can generate a lot of cardboard. Do not wedge cardboard into the cart, for larger boxes bundle your cardboard. You can leave 1 tape or twine-secured bundle per week up to 3ft. X 3ft. X 1ft next to your cart or collection.
- Any excess cardboard can be dropped off at the Berkeley Recycling Center located at 669 Gilman Street.
To be mindful of COVID-19, we are taking extra precautions. Below are a few of the additional steps our staff and drivers are taking to interrupt the spread of the virus.
- Continuing to use appropriate personal protective equipment during curbside recycling collection.
- Asking staff or drivers to stay home if they exhibit any symptoms or have been exposed to the virus.
- Staggering our start times. This allows us to maintain social distancing at the workplace and en route.
- Remaining in close communication with the City of Berkeley and standing ready to adjust operations accordingly.
To support the safe and efficient running of your Curbside Recycling Service, we ask that you observe the following:
- Keep being outstanding recyclers. Separating your recyclables helps us reclaim high-quality materials for the recycled commodities markets. Place your cans, bottles, jugs, and tubs on one blue side and place your paper and cardboard under the other blue side. Please don’t wish cycle; if you have to guess, it probably is not recyclable. As always, no styrofoam, plastic bags, pouches, or flexible film.
- Park your vehicle close to the curb. With so many residents sheltering-in-place, it can be more difficult to get our large trucks through narrow streets.
- Please observe proper hygiene when handling carts. Recycling cart handles are a high-touch surface in a public area.
- Maintain social distancing of at least 6’ when our drivers approach.
- Fill your cart before putting it out for pickup. Reducing the number of carts at the curb makes for more effective and consistent service. Flattening cans and plastic bottles before placing them into your cart could increase your usable volume between collection days.
RECYCLING HOTLINE
Call Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
recycling@ecologycenter.org
