California Graybears

Recycling Center in Watsonville, California

📍 1231 Buena Vista Dr, Watsonville, CA 95076
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📞 +1 831-454-5153 🌐 Visit Website 🗺 Get Directions

About This Location

Grey Bears (listed here as California Graybears) runs a recycling drop-off at the Buena Vista Landfill, 1231 Buena Vista Drive in Watsonville, about a mile south of Highway 1. Grey Bears is a Santa Cruz County nonprofit whose recycling operation diverts millions of pounds from the landfill each year and helps fund its healthy-food program for local seniors. The Buena Vista site takes everyday recyclables and household batteries; electronics are handled at the organization's Chanticleer location in Santa Cruz rather than here.

What California Graybears Accepts

✓ Aluminum and tin cans (CRV cans accepted; part of the standard recyclables stream)
✓ Glass bottles (clear, brown/red, green/amber/yellow/blue) (Sorted by color)
✓ CRV plastic containers (#1 bottles, #2 colored and natural) (California Refund Value plastic beverage containers)
✓ Office paper (white, colored, shredded)
✓ Cardboard
✓ Batteries (household alkaline, automotive, lithium-ion)

Related recycling guides: Batteries · Glass · Plastic · Cardboard & Paper

What they do not accept

✕ Electronics / e-waste (computers, cell phones, TVs, monitors, amplifiers)

E-waste is NOT taken at the Buena Vista location; bring electronics to the Grey Bears Chanticleer site at 2710 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz (e-waste drop-off is the red building at the back right of that property).

Access & restrictions

E-waste goes to a different site: Electronics must be dropped at the Grey Bears Chanticleer location in Santa Cruz, not at Buena Vista in Watsonville.

Programs & events

  • Recycling diverts landfill waste — Grey Bears' recycling operation diverts millions of pounds from the landfill each year; proceeds help fund the nonprofit's programs.
  • Healthy Food Program for seniors — Grey Bears is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers weekly grocery bags to Santa Cruz County seniors; recycling and reuse revenue supports this mission.

Materials, fees and hours can change — call ahead to confirm before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off electronics at Grey Bears in Watsonville?

No. The Buena Vista location in Watsonville does not accept e-waste. Bring computers, cell phones, TVs, monitors and amplifiers to the Grey Bears Chanticleer site at 2710 Chanticleer Ave in Santa Cruz, where e-waste is taken in the red building at the back of the property.

What can I recycle at the Grey Bears Buena Vista center?

It accepts aluminum and tin cans, color-sorted glass bottles, CRV plastic containers (#1 and #2), office paper, shredded paper, cardboard, and household, automotive and lithium-ion batteries.

What are the Grey Bears Watsonville recycling hours?

The Buena Vista recycling center is open Monday through Saturday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and closed Sundays and on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Is Grey Bears a free way to get rid of recyclables?

Grey Bears is a nonprofit whose recycling diverts millions of pounds from the landfill. You can redeem CRV cans and bottles there, and dropping off accepted recyclables supports its senior food program. Call 831-479-1055 or email info@greybears.org with questions.

Last verified: October 2026. Sources: source · source · source · source. Spotted something wrong? Suggest a correction.

Recycling Centers Near Watsonville

Contact & Location

📍
Address
1231 Buena Vista Dr, Watsonville, CA 95076
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🌐
Website
greybears.org
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City / State
Watsonville, California

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
Tuesday 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
Friday 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
Saturday 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
Sunday Closed

Location Map

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