Programs
The Recycling Center is a one-stop shop for reuse and recycling. The Center offers community members a convenient way to reduce their environmental footprint. There are designated containers specified for reuse, otherwise, salvaging (taking items home) is only allowed in the Exchange Zone.
The Recycling Center's Exchange Zone area promotes the exchange of re-usable items. Community members are welcome to take item as well as donate usable items for others to take home. Items accepted in the Exchange Zone include: Books, Magazines, Hangers, Corks, Office Supplies, CDs and DVDs. The Exchange Zone structure is located directly opposite the Recycling Center Office.
The Center has drop-off barrels for Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County donations. Donations need to be unopened, non-perishable, and within one year of their "use by" date. No glass containers. Check online for other donation options.
ReUSE STATION
Urban Ore
Urban Ore is currently in ownership transition and is not available to accept donations here at the Recycling Center. Please go directly to their facility to donate reusable items. Acceptable donations will be sold in their West Berkeley store. They accept a wide-range of salvaged materials that include building materials, solid wood furniture, dimensional lumber, etc.
Free tours are offered to the public on the first Wednesday of every month at 3:00pm. Tours lasts approximately one hour and space is limited. Private tours are available for groups (fees apply for private tours). Call the office 510-215-4350 or email for more information. PLEASE NOTE: During COVID-19, cancellations may occur for health and safety precautions. Please check the citywide calendar, call or email to confirm.
Compost for Sale
During the dry season, the Center periodically sells recycled compost produced locally from green waste materials. Compost is sold for $1.00 per 5-gallon bucket. Sales tax will be assessed on each transaction. The Center has a shovel for use. Bring your own containers. Call ahead to check on availability.
The "Seeds of El Cerrito" library has two free seed library locations - the lobby area of the Recycling Center's Administrative Office building, located at 7501 Schmidt and the El Cerrito Public Library, located at 6510 Stockton Avenue. The El Cerrito Community Garden Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a network of Community Gardens in El Cerrito.
Exchange Zone
The Recycling Center's Exchange Zone area promotes the exchange of re-usable items. Community members are welcome to take item as well as donate usable items for others to take home. Items accepted in the Exchange Zone include: Books, Magazines, Hangers, Corks, Office Supplies, CDs and DVDs. The Exchange Zone structure is located directly opposite the Recycling Center Office.
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County
The Center has drop-off barrels for Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County donations. Donations need to be unopened, non-perishable, and within one year of their "use by" date. No glass containers. Check online for other donation options.
ReUSE STATION
As of July 10, 2019, the ReUse Station trailers are available to accept items in good condition for reuse, sold at local thrift stores. Acceptable items include: clothing, small pieces of furniture, children's toys, small countertop appliances etc. PLEASE NOTE: Proceeds support the El Cerrito Recycling Center programs. Thank you for your continued support.
USagain
The Center has eleven green and white USagain bins available for a variety of items regardless of the condition: belts, clothes, shoes, tablecloths, towels, blankets, bedspreads, pillows, gloves/hats, linens, shoes/boots, and ONLY machine washable rugs. All donated items must be dry, dropped off in a tied off bag, and preferably clean.Urban Ore
Urban Ore is currently in ownership transition and is not available to accept donations here at the Recycling Center. Please go directly to their facility to donate reusable items. Acceptable donations will be sold in their West Berkeley store. They accept a wide-range of salvaged materials that include building materials, solid wood furniture, dimensional lumber, etc. Lions Eyeglass Recycling Program
The Center accepts eyeglass donations for the Lions program. Please bring all donations into the office.
Tours of Environmental Services and Recycling Center
Free tours are offered to the public on the first Wednesday of every month at 3:00pm. Tours lasts approximately one hour and space is limited. Private tours are available for groups (fees apply for private tours). Call the office 510-215-4350 or email for more information. PLEASE NOTE: During COVID-19, cancellations may occur for health and safety precautions. Please check the citywide calendar, call or email to confirm.Compost for Sale
During the dry season, the Center periodically sells recycled compost produced locally from green waste materials. Compost is sold for $1.00 per 5-gallon bucket. Sales tax will be assessed on each transaction. The Center has a shovel for use. Bring your own containers. Call ahead to check on availability.Seed Library
The "Seeds of El Cerrito" library has two free seed library locations - the lobby area of the Recycling Center's Administrative Office building, located at 7501 Schmidt and the El Cerrito Public Library, located at 6510 Stockton Avenue. The El Cerrito Community Garden Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a network of Community Gardens in El Cerrito.