Berkeley

Curbside Service Information

Select your county and service area below to view information about your curbside collection service.

Berkeley - Curbside Service Information

Hauler Contact Information

Residential Organics & Garbage Services: City of Berkeley, 510-981-7270, customerservice@berkeleyca.gov
Residential Recycling (1-9 units): Ecology Center, 510-527-5555, helpdesk@ecologycenter.org
Multi-Family & Commercial Recycling, Organics, & Garbage: City of Berkeley, 510-981-7270, customerservice@berkeleyca.gov

Recycling

Split-Carts are used for Residential Recycling for single-family homes and duplexes. Paper and cardboard products go in the Brown Side, while all metal, glass and plastics go in the Blue Side.

Separate Carts: Apartment buildings have a cart for containers and a cart for paper/cardboard.

More information about Residential Recycling and the new split carts is available at Residential Recycling Services.

Aluminum Foil, Trays & Pans - Clean
Cardboard
CRV - Glass Beverage Containers
Plastic To-Go Containers
Glass Bottles & Jars (Food & Beverage) - Non-CRV
Newspaper
Paper

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Aluminum Foil, Trays & Pans - Clean

Free of food and grease/oil, or it belongs in the trash. Paper-lined foil belongs in trash.
Beverage Containers - Mixed

Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed.
Bimetal Cans (Food & Beverage) - Non-CRV

Empty, drip-free. Wipe clean as needed.
Books - Hard Cover - Non-working

Remove covers as possible.
Books - Soft Cover - Non-working

Poor, damaged condition.
Cardboard

Cut or fold to fit into bin. Offer collapsed moving boxes to community for reuse or sheet mulching. See hauler website for overage options, or store for a future pick-up.
CRV - Aluminum Beverage Containers

Empty and drip-free.
CRV - Bimetal Beverage Containers

Empty and drip-free.
CRV - Glass Beverage Containers

Empty and drip-free.
CRV - Plastic Beverage Containers

Empty and drip-free.
Egg Cartons - Paper - Clean
Egg Cartons - Plastic

Clean and dry.
Envelopes - Paper

Clear, plastic windows okay.
Food Service Ware - Plastic Clamshells/To-Go Containers/Trays

Berkeley accepts resin #1 rigid plastic containers (clamshells) for recycling (empty and dry). All disposable foodware sold in Berkeley is required to be BPI certified compostable. Find more information about Berkeley's Single Use Disposable Reduction ordinance here: https://berkeleyca.gov/doing-business/operating-berkeley/food-service/single-use-foodware-rules
Frozen Food Boxes
Glass Bottles & Jars (Food & Beverage) - Non-CRV

Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed.
Greeting Cards - Musical/Electronic Piece

Remove electronic/musical element for reuse or ewaste. Recycle the paper card when free of plastic and/or metallic decoration.
Junk Mail Opt-Out

Keep or photograph mailing labels to use when following online opt-out instructions from the resource vendors below, before recycling or dropping off desirable magazines (or seed catalogs) for sharing (ex. libaries, salons, waiting rooms, office lunchrooms).
Magazines

Collect good condition magazines to donate to teachers, libaries, salons, waiting rooms, office lunchrooms, friends & family.
Metal Cans

Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed.
Metal Jar Lids

Leave metal lid on glass jar and place in recycling.
Newspaper
Packaged Foodgrade Liquids

Recycle drip-free rigid plastic or metal container. Tetra Pak/Aseptic containers, film plastics, and plastic-coated paper packaging belongs in trash once emptied of liquids.
Paint Cans & Buckets - Empty & Dry

Remove lid, shake paint chunks out into garbage and place empty, dry paint can or bucket into recycling cart. (Lid, too, but separately.) (Wet/liquid paint accepted at www.PaintCare.org locations or use up.) #1 & #2 plastic resins accepted for recycling. Bring larger plastic buckets to the Recycling Center as possible.
Paper

If paper is covered in tape or paint, then put it in the trash.
Paperboard Boxes/Tubes

Consider collecting for reuse art and craft projects.
Personal Care & Beauty Product Packaging

Empty and drip-free rigid plastics over 4" may go in the recycling. Other plastic packaging may go in the trash. Some brands offer take back of packaging for recycling.
Phonebooks
Pill Bottles

It depends. #1 &#2 plastic resins accepted for recycling.
Pizza Box - Non-greasy
Plant Pots - Plastic

Free of dirt. Offer good condition for reuse to local community or nursery.
Plastic Bottles, Jugs & Jars - Non-CRV

It depends. #1 & #2 plastic resins accepted for recycling. Empty, drip-free. Commercial jug size (5gal max). Bring larger sizes to the Recycling Center as possible.
Plastic Buckets & Pails

Recycle #1 & #2 plastic resins. Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed. Maximum size 5gal. Do not stack multiple buckets together. Bring larger buckets and #3-#7 buckets to the Berkeley Recycling Center.
Plastic Lids & Caps - Bottles and Jars

Caps reattached to empty plastic bottles may be recycled. Loose lids under 4" will not be captured for recycling,
Plastic Wide Mouth Container

It depends. #1 &#2 plastic resins accepted for recycling. Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed.
Rigid Plastics

It depends. #1 &#2 plastic resins accepted for recycling. Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed. Only rigid plastic CONTAINERS. Bring large sizes to the Recycling Center as possible.
Water Bottles - Reusable

Clean, dry poor, broken condition metal or plastics #1 & #2 bottles. Donate clean, dry good condition bottles and lids.
Wrapping Paper - Non-Metallic

Compost

Compostable Plastic Bags/Film - BPI Certified Products
Egg Cartons - Paper - Soiled
Food Scraps
Compostable Plastic Foodware - BPI Certified
Food Service Ware - Paper Products - Uncoated
Paper Towels & Napkins
Pizza Box - Greasy
Yard Trimmings & Plant Debris

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Burlap

Poor, damaged condition cut into smaller pieces. Collect, save, and offer for reuse in your community.
Cardboard - Wet

If dried out from rain, may go in recycling. If food-soiled, place in compost.
Coffee Pods - Compostable

Compost coffee grounds and BPI certified Comostable pods. Non BPI pods belong in trash. Consider investing in a reusable coffee pod.
Compostable Plastic Bags/Film - BPI Certified Products

Note: If it does not have the BPI certified logo, it belongs in the trash.
Cooking Oil/Grease/Fats

Compost wiped fats and grease with a paper towel. Compost small amount of solid fats & grease in paper container for compost. Collect large volumes of used cooking oil in a plastic bottles with a resealable cap to transport for drop-off at at a collection facility.
Corks - Natural

Consider collecting for future reuse craft/art projects or ReCork recycling collection bins.
Egg Cartons - Paper - Soiled

Food or cracked-egg soiled cartons.
Facial Tissues - Used
Food Scraps
Food Service Ware - Compostable Plastic - BPI Certified Products

Note: If it does not have the BPI certified logo, it belongs in the trash.
Food Service Ware - Paper Products - Uncoated

Free of food or food-soiled.
Food Service Ware - Wood/Bamboo Products

Consider washing for reuse or switching to reusables.
Gift Tissue Paper

Poor condition. Collect, fold, and save good condition tissue paper for reuse.
Grandma's Fruitcake
Hair and Fur Trimmings
Manure

Manure from herbavores or birds only. No cat/dog/human feces allowed in compost. Do not overload cart. Cart must be within acceptable weight limits.
Packaged Food - Expired/Non-working

Scrape or place food in the compost. Place film plastic and poly-coated paper packaging in trash. Place empty/clean rigid plastic containers and metal cans in the recycling.
Packing Peanuts - Starch-based

Collect for future reuse packaging or art projects. May be dissolved in hot water in the sink.
Pallets - Wooden - Broken

Remove nails and fit into cart or bin.
Paper - Shredded

Bag paper shreds in paper or BPI Certified compostable bag to keep shredded paper from flying out.
Paper Bags

Collect good condition bags for reuse.
Paper Straws
Paper Towels & Napkins
Pizza Box - Greasy
Sawdust - Untreated Wood

Shavings from clean, unpainted or stained wood.
Sponges - Natural
Straw/Hay

Offer portions or bales to local gardeners or farms.
Tea Bags

Nylon mesh tea bags, free of tea leaves, belong in the trash.
Wax & Parchment Paper

Wax paper only. Parchment and Freezer Paper are coated in plastic (silicone) and belong in the garbage.
Wood - Untreated

Pieces must be 3" or less in diameter and less than 3' long. Wood must fit in the cart or bin with the lid closed.
Wood Chips
Wood Scraps - Untreated

Clean wood pieces free of paint or chemicals. Wood must be 3" or less in diameter and less than 3' long. Cut to fit in the cart or bin.
Yard Trimmings & Plant Debris

Residents may also purchase additional pre-paid plant debris bags to place next to cart on regular service day. Limit 10 bags per pickup. Note the Fire Fuel Chipper and Debris Bin Program for Berkeley Hills residents which supports wildfire preparedness efforts.(https://berkeleyca.gov/city-services/trash-recycling/fire-fuel-chipper-and-debris-bin)

Landfill

Purchase pre-paid trash bags at the Transfer Station if you live in single-family home or a property of 1-4 units. You can put out 10 max per week.

Aerosol Can - Empty
Aseptic Cartons
Berry Baskets - Woven Plastic
Food Service Ware - Condiment Packets & Cups
Plastic To-Go Containers
Food Service Ware - Plastic Utensils
Glassware - Decorative & Kitchen - Non-working
Light Bulbs - Incandescent/Halogen
Poly-coated Carton
Multi-layer Plastic Packaging
Packing Peanuts - Styrofoam
Sponges - Synthetic
Styrofoam Blocks

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6-Pack Rings
ABS Plastic
Aerosol Can - Empty

Berkeley's Recycling Center does not have the capacity to safely accept aerosol cans. Please see locations below for disposal and recycling options.
Agricultural Plastics & Film

Farm quantity may have recycling options.
Air Mattress
Aseptic Cartons

Empty and drip-free.
Ashes - Grill/Fireplace

Cold ashes.
Auto Glass

Damaged, broken condition.
Balloons
Berry Baskets - Woven Plastic

Damaged, broken condition. Return to local market for reuse.
Blueprint Paper
Bubble Envelopes - Paper or Mylar
Bubble Wrap & Air Pillows

Loose bubble wrap jams recycling equipment. Consider collecting for future reuse or donation. If collected as bag-of-bags for grocery store drop-off, must be clean and dry. Loose bubble wrap jams recycling equipment. Consider collecting for future reuse or donation.
Camera Film & Slides
Cardboard - Foil-lined
Cardboard - Waxed
Cassette & VHS Tapes - Non-working
CD/DVD - Non-working/Non-commercial
CD/DVD Jewel Cases
Child Car Seats - Non-working/Expired/Accident

Consider removing all straps and covers to offer to another family with the same model. Include a photo of the assembled car seat and brand/model. Rigid plastic base with any foam removed (trash) may then be possibly collected for recycling in a bin that fits or collected during bulky pick up.
Christmas Trees - Artificial

Poor, damaged condition. Must cut to fit in refuse cart with lid closed or placed in Bulky Item Collection.
Cigarette Waste
Cleaning Wipes - Used

Do not flush. Wipes are made from plastic resins, do not degrade in compost, and clog pipes.
Clothing - Undergarments - Poor Condition

Poor, damaged condition beyond repair or recycling.
Coffee Pods - Metal/Plastic

Empty coffee or tea grounds in the compost first. Consider investing in reusable pods.
Corks - Plastic/Synthetic
Disposable Diapers & Wipes - Used
Dryer & Vacuum Lint
Foam Padding

Poor, damaged condition. Large, high quality pieces may desired for reuse in local community.
Food Service Ware - Condiment Packets & Cups
Food Service Ware - Paper Products - Plastic-coated

Empty, and drip-free.
Food Service Ware - Plastic Clamshells/To-Go Containers/Trays

Resins #3 -#7 belong in the garbage. Ecology Center accepts resin #1 rigid plastic containers (clamshells) for recycling (empty and dry). All disposable foodware sold in Berkeley is required to be BPI certified compostable. Find more information about Berkeley's Single Use Disposable Reduction ordinance here: https://berkeleyca.gov/doing-business/operating-berkeley/food-service/single-use-foodware-rules
Food Service Ware - Plastic Cups & Plates (PP #5)

All disposable foodware sold in Berkeley is required to be BPI certified compostable. Find more information about Berkeley's Single Use Disposable Reduction ordinance here: https://berkeleyca.gov/doing-business/operating-berkeley/food-service/single-use-foodware-rules
Food Service Ware - Plastic Utensils

Consider washing for reuse or switching to reusables.
Food Service Ware - Styrofoam Products
Food Service Ware - To-Go Cup Lids

Consider washing for reuse or switching to reusables.
Gel Ice Packs
Glassware - Decorative & Kitchen - Non-working
Hardware & Fasteners
Hoses - Garden/Rubber - Non-working
Houseware - Non-working
Insulation - Used

Debris box for landfill.
Jewelry - Non-working
Lab Glassware - Poor Condition
Lab Plastics - Used
Light Bulbs - Incandescent/Halogen

These do not contain mercury and are not recyclable.
Lighting Fixtures - Non-working
Luggage - Non-working
Medals/Trophies/Ribbons

Broken, damaged, or unable to be donated
Metal Bottle Caps

If attached to a glass jar, put it in the recycling bin. Consider collecting for reuse projects.
Microscopes & Accessories - Non-working
Milk & Ice Cream Plastic-lined Paper Cartons

Empty and drip free.
Mirror

Place broken glass in paper bag or box and label "broken glass."
Multi-layer Plastic Packaging

Empty and free of food.
Musical Instruments & Gear - Non-working
Nail polish - Empty

Use up nail polish, trade with friends, or bring full containers to the HHW facilities as most nail polishes contain toxic chemicals.
Packing Peanuts - Styrofoam

Bag to prevent spilling during hauler pick-up. Save for reuse as possible.
Paper - Carbon
Paper - Plastic Laminated
Paper Bags - Polycoated

Empty and free of food and crumbs.
Paper Receipts - Thermal
Personal Care & Beauty Products - Used
Pet Waste

Even bags of poop in "compostable" bags belong in the trash.
Photographs & Photo Paper

Photographic paper is not recyclable.
Pill Bottles

Plastic resins #3-#7 belong in the garbage.
Pillows - Poor Condition
Plant Pots - Broken Ceramic/Terra Cotta
Plant Pots - Ceramic

Broken, damaged condition. Some folks use these pieces at the bottom of other plant pots to increase drainage.
Plastic Bags

Dirty, wet plastic bags belongs in the trash. If collected as bag-of-bags for grocery store drop-off, must be clean and dry. Loose bags jam recycling equipment.
Plastic Bottles, Jugs & Jars - Non-CRV

Plastic resins #3-#7 belong in the garbage.
Plastic Bubble Envelopes

Loose plastic jams recycling equipment. Accepted clean and dry in bag-of-bags grocery store drop-off.
Plastic Corrugated Signs & Pads
Plastic Film & Wrap

Dirty, wet plastic film belongs in the trash. If collected as bag-of-bags to drop at grocery stores, must be clean and dry. Loose film jams recycling equipment.
Plastic Packaging - Blisterpak/Thermoforms (PET #1)
Plastic Shower Curtain Liners
Plastic Strapping
Plastic Straws

Single-use, disposable straws or damaged silicone straws.
Plastic Tarps

Poor, damaged condition.
Plastic Wide Mouth Container

Plastic resins #3-#7 belong in the garbage.
Plate Glass

Place broken glass in paper bag or box and label "broken glass."
Plexiglass
Polyester Batting/Filling

Cotton filling may go into the compost. Consider reuse of both materials if in good condition (e.g. pet bed).
Pool Cover - Non-working
Purses & Backpacks - Non-working
PVC

Scrap pieces.
Radios - Non-working
Rags - Paint/Chemical/Oil Soiled
Records

Broken, damaged condition.
Reusable Bags

Poor, broken or soiled/wet condition woven or plastic bags. Donate clean, dry good condition bags.
Rigid Plastics

Plastic resins #3-#7 belong in the garbage.
Rubber Bands

Consider collecting for reuse.
Rubber Items

Poor, damaged condition.
Rugs & Mats - Non-working

Poor, damaged condition. Acceptable for Bulky pickup. 5 ft max length up to 12 in diameter.
Sawdust - Composite Wood/Painted Wood

Any wood waste from wood with glues and adhesives belongs in the trash.
Shoes - Poor Condition

Unusable condition by others.
Single-use Personal Protective Equipment
Small Household Appliances - Non-working

Consider going to iFixit to find repair instructions, bring it with you to a Repair Café or FixIt Clinic. May also be collected during a scheduled bulky waste pickup (50 lbs max).
Sponges - Synthetic
Sporting Goods - Non-working
Stuffed Animals

Poor, damaged condition.
Styrofoam Blocks
Styrofoam Sheets
Tape & Name Tag Stickers
Tennis Balls

Teachers often accept balls with no bounce to cut and place on the bottom of their chairs. Sports Basement collects them for reuse (including fetch).
Tents and Outdoor Gear
Tire/Rubber Scraps

Check with local tire stores for recycling.
Tools & Accessories - Garden - Non-working

Scrap metal can be taken to Berkeley Recycling Center
Tools & Accessories - Hand - Non-working

Scrap metal can be taken to Berkeley Recycling Center
Tools & Accessories - Power - Non-working
Toys & Games - Non-working

Poor, damaged condition.
Toys & Games - Plastic Parts Only
Transparency Film Plastic
Tyvek
Vacuum Cleaner Bags & Filters

Used condition.
Wigs

Poor, damaged condition.
Window Screens
Window Treatments - Non-working
Wood - Painted

Cut to fit in cart or bin such that lid closes.
Wrapping Paper - Metallic

Damaged, torn condition.

Special Items

Berkeley Mattress Recycling Pick-up Program 510-981-7270; Fire Fuel Chipper Program

Holiday Tree Information

Drop-off locations for some hazardous and hard to dispose of materials:

Berkeley Recycling Center, 2nd and Gilman Streets, Berkeley, CA. M-F 8-4, Sa 8:30-4

Berkeley Transfer Station, 1201 Second St, Berkeley, CA. M-Sa 8-4:30

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Christmas Trees

Remove all lights, decorations, tinsel, plastic bags and plastic tree stands. Cut live tree to fit inside Green/Organics cart with the lid closed (i.e. less than 3' in length) or bring your live unflocked tree to the City's Transfer Station at no charge in January. Flocked live trees and plastic trees cannot be composted, and must be placed in garbage or brought to the Transfer Station for disposal (fee). (Note: Curbside tree collection damages our collection trucks which is why trees left on the curb will not get picked up.) See details here: https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/news/reduce-your-holiday-tree-waste-season-2
Dead Animals

Call animal control (510) 981-6600 to safely dispose of deceased animals.

Bulky Pickup

The City of Berkeley offers one Bulky Waste Pick-up per calendar year for single-family homes and multi-unit residential buildings up to 4 units -property owner, on Wednesdays only. Call (510) 981-7270. Drop-off of bulky items Berkeley Recycling Center & Transfer Station (fees).

Mattress Recycling Pick-up program for residents (1-4 units - 2 matt 2x/yr; 5-9units 4 matt 2x/yr) on Thursdays by appointment. Call 510-981-7270 to schedule. Drop-off free for residents (2 units per day) & fee for commercial customers at Berkeley Transfer Station.

Buy pre-paid bags for extra trash or organics at the Transfer Station, Customer Service Center or ACE at 2020 Milvia St.

Broken Furniture
Mattresses & Box Springs

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Auto Upholstery - Non-working
Baby Furniture & Equipment - Non-working
Boat Upholstery - Non-working
Clocks & Watches - Non-working

Remove batteries for proper recycling first.
Clothes Hangers - Broken
Espresso Machines

Non-programmable machines only.
Exercise Equipment - Non-working

Non-programmable equipment only. No items longer than 5 feet or heavier than 50 pounds.
Furniture - Non-working

Sofas ok, otherwise no items longer than 5 feet or heavier than 50 pounds.
Game Cartridges - Non-working
Mattresses & Box Springs

Twin, full, queen, or king; box springs, futon mattress (no frames), or memory foam mattresses only. Property owner calls 510-981-7270. See website for details.
Office Chair
Porcelain Toilets & Sinks

Please separate tank from toilet base to reduce weight. Items in good condition can be donated for reuse.
Rugs & Mats - Non-working

Small area rugs only. Clean carpet can be cut, rolled, and brought to the Berkeley Transfer Station for recycling. More information about carpet recycling: www.CityofBerkeley.info/transferstation/
Sewing Machines - Non-working

Please recycle metal machines at Berkeley Recycling. Visit www.berkeleyrecycling.org
Typewriters - Non-working
Vacuum Cleaners - Non-working
Wood - Engineered/Composite

No items longer than 5 feet. Bundle wood pieces.

Debris Box / C&D Service

Contact hauler for details and fees: City of Berkeley Refuse Collection & C&D Requirements. Order a short-term dumpster: 510-981-7270. Drop-off: Berkeley Recycling Center & Transfer Station.

Bricks

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Asphalt
Bricks
Bricks - Broken
Carpet

5 ft max length up to 12 in diameter. Can bring to Transfer Station for recycling if rolled separately from carpet padding and if dry and free from debris.
Carpet Padding

5 ft max length up to 12 in diameter.
Ceiling Tile
Cinder Blocks
Cinder Blocks - Broken
Concrete
Concrete With Rebar
Construction & Demolition Debris
Doors

Painted and/or stained wood is landfilled and not recycled.
Drywall
Ferrous Scrap Metal/Steel
Flooring - Non-working
Lava Rock
Metal Pipe
Mixed Debris
Non-ferrous Scrap Metal
Pallets - Wooden - Working
Rock/Gravel - Clean
Roofing - Asphalt Composition Shingles
Roofing - Clay Tile
Roofing - Concrete Tile
Roofing - Tar & Gravel
Roofing - Wood Shingles
Sand
Soil - Clean
Tile

Additional Details for Residents

City of Berkeley and Ecology Center Information
Resourceful Sorting App
Service Rates - Residential & Transfer Station
City of Berkeley Single-Use Bag Rules and Single-use Foodware Rules

Businesses and Multifamily Properties

Businesses

Compost service is 20% off garbage rates.
One weekly pickup of recycling is provided at no additional cost.
Business Service Rates

Multifamily Properties

Compost service is 20% off garbage rates.
One weekly pickup of recycling is provided at no additional cost.
Multifamily Service Rates

Illegal Dumping Information

Report illegal dumping by calling 311 or 510-981-2489, or click here.

Report dumping along the freeways and off-ramps to CalTrans noting the Situation Type as Litter - Trash & Debris. For railroad right-of-ways locations, report to Union Pacific online or by phone 1-888-877-7267.

For hazardous materials or chemical spills incidents, call: Alameda County Environmental Health - (510) 567-6700

For illegal/unlawful spraying or dumping of a pesticide, call: Alameda County Agriculture Commissioner's Office - (510) 670-5232

EPA's Illegal Dumping Prevention Guidebook (2025)

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Berkeley

Curbside Service Information

Berkeley - Curbside Service Information

Hauler Contact Information

What Goes Where

Recycling

Compost

Landfill

Special Items

Bulky Pickup

Debris Box / C&D Service

Additional Details for Residents

Businesses and Multifamily Properties

Illegal Dumping Information

RE:Source

Additional Tools