Recycle Right
Recycling works best when materials are clean, empty, dry, and placed in the right cart. Use the guidance below to understand what belongs in recycling, what should stay out, and how to prepare materials correctly.
Choose Your City
Select your city to view local recycling rules and service guidance.
Oakland
San José
What to Recycle
ACCEPTED ITEMS
Recycling works best when materials are clean, empty, and dry. Follow these guidelines to reduce contamination and help our local environment thrive.
Paper & Cardboard
Flatten all boxes. Includes clean paper, envelopes, junk mail, newspaper, and corrugated cardboard. Avoid grease-stained items like pizza boxes.
Metal
Aluminum trays, food cans, beverage cans, and clean foil. Labels can stay on, but items must be empty and dry.
Plastic Containers
Accepting plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs labeled #1, #2, and #5. Please rinse thoroughly to remove food residue before recycling.
Glass
Glass bottles and jars of all colors. Metal lids should be removed and recycled with metal food cans. No mirrors or broken window glass.
What to Keep Out
KEEP OUT OF RECYCLING
These materials can contaminate recycling or damage equipment.
Plastic Bags & Film
Plastic bags, bubble wrap, plastic film, and soft plastic packaging.
Tanglers
Hoses, cords, ropes, and hangers.
Trash
Foam containers, diapers, pet waste, clothing, and textiles.
Hazardous Waste
Propane tanks, needles, light bulbs, medication, flammable items, and e-waste.
Food & Compostables
Food scraps and food-soiled paper.
SIMPLE TIPS
Simple Tips
Keep It Loose
Do not bag recyclables. Place them loose in the cart or bin.
Keep It Clean
Remove food and liquid from containers before recycling.
Flatten Boxes
Break down cardboard to save space and improve collection.
Recycle by Shape
Recycle bottles, tubs, and jugs — not every plastic item.
GOOD TO KNOW
Good to Know
Bagged recyclables may be treated as trash
Plastic bags can jam sorting equipment and slow the recycling process.
Food and liquid can ruin a load
Dirty recyclables can contaminate the material in the cart.
Recycling saves resources
Recycling helps conserve water, energy, and natural resources.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Customer Support
Need help with billing, service issues, schedules, or recycling guidance? Use customer support tools for faster service and clearer follow-through.
CUSTOMER CARE CONTACTS
Customer Care Contacts
Support for Oakland and San José customers.
Oakland
Customer Care
Phone
(510) 625-5263
OaklandCS@calwaste.com
Headquarters
1211 Embarcadero, Suite 300, Oakland, CA 94606
Operations Facility
1820 10th Street, Oakland, CA 94607
San José
Customer Care
Phone
(408) 213-7800
SanJoseCS@calwaste.com
Office
1120 Berryessa Road, San José, CA 95133
Processing Facility
1005 Timothy Drive, San José, CA 95133
Support Hours
Monday to Friday — 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday — Support available when scheduled services operate
Language Assistance
Interpreter support available upon request.