Recycling Centers in San Diego, CA
Find drop-off recycling locations in San Diego, California. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
Find recycling drop-off locations in San Diego, California. This directory lists 2 facilities serving the San Diego area, with details on hours and contact information to help you plan your visit.
Recycling in San Diego: A Local Guide
San Diego is California's second-largest city and home to two recycling operations in our directory. San Diego CRV Center at 857 32nd St near the 94 Freeway is a California State Certified CRV buyback location that pays cash on site for aluminum cans, plastic bottles #1 through #7, glass beverage bottles (including wine and liquor bottles), and bi-metal containers. It is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Sort your materials by type before arriving, use the wire baskets for cans and plastics and plastic barrels for glass, and you will be paid immediately. Large loads are welcome. Visit our California state hub for more locations statewide.
The second listed facility, California Green Recycling, L.L.C. at 7150 Siempre Viva Rd in Otay Mesa, operates as a commercial recycler handling cardboard and pallets rather than household items. Business records classify it as a waste-management and freight-hauling operation. Hours reported by third parties are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and an appointment is recommended. It is not a verified public drop-off — call (619) 566-8090 before visiting.
San Diego County also operates several Household Hazardous Waste collection events and permanent facilities through the County's Department of Environmental Health, where residents can drop off paint, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, and other HHW at no charge. For city-managed recycling, the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department runs the Miramar Recycling Center and curbside blue-bin collection. Nearby cities with additional listed recycling options include Los Angeles, Riverside, and Compton.
All Recycling Centers in San Diego
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in San Diego
Where can I redeem CRV cans and bottles for cash in San Diego?
San Diego CRV Center at 857 32nd St is a state-certified CRV buyback location. It accepts aluminum cans, plastics #1–#7, glass (including wine and liquor bottles), and bi-metal containers and pays cash on the spot. Open Monday–Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. No appointment needed — just sort your materials before arriving.
Does San Diego CRV Center accept glass wine and liquor bottles?
Yes. San Diego CRV Center specifically purchases glass wine and liquor bottles alongside standard CRV beverage bottles. Place them in the plastic barrels provided at the facility, sorted separately from cans and plastics.
Can I drop off cardboard for recycling at California Green Recycling in Otay Mesa?
California Green Recycling at 7150 Siempre Viva Rd specializes in commercial cardboard and pallet recycling. It appears to operate by appointment and serves commercial generators rather than the general public. Call (619) 566-8090 before visiting to confirm whether your load will be accepted.
Where do San Diego residents drop off hazardous waste, electronics, or paint?
San Diego County's Department of Environmental Health operates permanent HHW facilities and collection events for paint, batteries, motor oil, fluorescent bulbs, and electronics. The City of San Diego Environmental Services also runs the Miramar Recycling Center for residents. Check the County's official site or call 858-694-2212 for current schedules and locations. Additional recycling options can be found in nearby Los Angeles and Riverside.