Guide for Reuse, Repair, Recycling, and Safe Disposal
for Alameda County, Contra Costa County, and the City of Palo Alto
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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

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 & 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 & 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
    Ecology Center accepts 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.)
  • 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
    4 inches or bigger. Reattach plastic lid to plastic bottles.
  • Pizza Box - Non-greasy
  • Plant Pots - Plastic
    Free of dirt. Offer good condition for reuse to local community or nursery.
  • Plastic Bottles & Jugs - Non-CRV
    Empty, drip-free. Commercial jug size (5g max) - pill bottles (4\ and larger) okay."
  • Plastic Bucket
    Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed. Maximum size 5g. Do not stack multiple buckets together.
  • 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
    Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed.
  • Rigid Plastics
    Empty and drip-free. Only rigid plastic CONTAINERS.
  • 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 - 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 - Waxed
  • 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 - 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 Packs
  • Berry Baskets - Woven Plastic
  • Food Service Ware - Condiment Packets & Cups
  • Food Service Ware - Plastic Utensils
  • Glassware - Decorative & Kitchen - Non-working
  • Light Bulbs - Incandescent/Halogen
  • Milk & Ice Cream Cartons
  • Multi-layer Plastic Packaging
  • Packing Peanuts - Styrofoam
  • Sponges - Synthetic
  • styrofoam blocks
    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 Packs
    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
    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
  • 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 - Poly-coated
    Empty, and drip-free.
  • Food Service Ware - Plastic Cups & Plates
    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 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.
  • 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 Bubble Envelopes
    Loose plastic jams recycling equipment. Accepted clean and dry in bag-of-bags grocery store drop-off.
  • Plastic Corrugated Signs
  • 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
  • Plastic Shower Curtain Liners
  • Plastic Strapping
  • Plastic Straws
    Single-use, disposable straws or damaged silicone straws.
  • Plastic Tarps
    Poor, damaged condition.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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

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

Show All Items
  • Christmas Trees
    Remove all lights, decorations, tinsel, plastic bags and plastic tree stands. Cut tree to fit inside Green/Organics cart with the lid closed (i.e. less than 3' in length) or bring your 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.)
  • 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
    Broken Furniture
  • mattress
    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
Show All Items
  • 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

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

California State Law, SB 1383, aims to keep food and other compostable materials (“organics”) out of landfills to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. Visit  www.StopWaste.org/Rules-Resources for free resources and assistance to comply.

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