Berkeley Curbside Recycling

About Recycling

Recycling is vital to the health of our planet and helps the Berkeley community in very practical ways. By recycling paper, 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.

To read the full details, please click here: About Berkeley Curbside Recycling

Recycle, compost, or landfill? Click on Resourceful to learn where to put your discards.

Our COVID-19 health guidelines are listed below: COVID-19 Guidelines

For information on your cart replacement: Recycling Cart Replacement

Leo Mendoza, Ecology Center Recycling Education Coordinator, will be at the farmers’ market to answer your questions and provide information about basic recycling sorting, so that your good intentions aren’t wasted!

Saturday, May 27, 10am to 3pm, Downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market, recycling sorting 101

Tuesday, May 30, 2pm to 6:30pm, South Berkeley Farmers’ Market, recycling sorting 101

Thursday, June 15, 12pm to 1pm, Older Adult Program @ Epworth Methodist Church,  Recycling sorting 101

Sunday, June 18, 11am to 7:30pm, Juneteenth Celebration, Berkeley

COVID-19 GUIDELINES

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, we want to assure you that the Ecology Center will continue to provide high-quality Curbside Recycling collection in Berkeley. We are here to provide you with essential services like Curbside Recycling and Farmers’ Markets. Even during this uncertain time, we should all continue to recycle to save natural resources, energy, and water, and prevent waste.

CARDBOARD COLLECTION NOTICE: WE HAVE RESUMED PICK-UP!
(updated as of 10/14/2020)

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 the COVID-19 health emergency, 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. 
  • Tele-working for administrative staff who can work at home while sheltering-in-place.
  • 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 under the blue lid and place your paper and cardboard under the brown lid. 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.
  • 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.

Additional details you should know:

  • The Berkeley Curbside Recycling Hotline (510.527.5555) will remain staffed. If you call after hours please leave a detailed message with your address, name, phone number, and service request.
  • Public access to the Berkeley Recycling Center at 669 Gilman Street was reopened on Monday, June 1st.

At the Ecology Center, we are committed to delivering safe and consistent essential services throughout this public health emergency.  Thank you for your commitment to helping us serve our community during this challenging time. 

Wishing you and your dear ones good health and well-being,
Ecology Center Curbside Recycling


RECYCLING HOTLINE

Recycling Hotline: (510) 527-5555
Call Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
recycling@ecologycenter.org

BERKELEY RECYCLING GUIDE: SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

If you live in a single family home, you can learn how and what to recycle on the Single Family Home Recycling page.

Download the single family home recycling brochure.


BERKELEY RECYCLING GUIDE: SMALL APARTMENT BUILDINGS

If you live in an apartment building of less than ten units, you can learn how and what to recycle on the Small Apartment Recycling page.

Download the small apartment building recycling brochure.


RECYCLING IN LARGE APARTMENT BUILDINGS & BUSINESSES

The City of Berkeley provides Commercial Recycling Services for businesses and residential buildings with 10 or more units. Click here to visit their recycling webpage.

REPORT A POACHER

People who collect your recycling before the official recycling trucks arrive to collect your materials deprive the City of revenue – revenue that offsets the cost of the service. If you would like to report a poaching violation, click here.

ABOUT BERKELEY’S RECYCLING PROGRAM

The Ecology Center has operated Berkeley’s Curbside Recycling Program since 1973! We were among the very first recycling programs in the US, and we continue to push toward our goals of Zero Waste and natural resource conservation. Read more about what sets us apart from corporate recyclers.