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Recycling centers in Santa Clara, California
1 facility with contact info, hours, pricing, and accepted materials. Compare them and find the closest drop-off.
Available Recycling Centers
Materials Accepted in Santa Clara
Based on the listings above, materials commonly handled in Santa Clara include Plastic, Aluminum Cans, Glass, Hold Payments for 3 Business Days, Valid ID Required for Non-Ferrous Metals and Wires. Browse the guides below for preparation tips, scrap values, and what's recyclable.
Recycling in Santa Clara, California
Santa Clara sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, where Recology South Bay handles everyday collection and the city runs appointment-based Free Disposal Days for bulky junk. Lithium batteries, paint, and household chemicals have separate county HHW routes, and dry-cell batteries can even drop at City Hall or branch libraries. The practical question is usually which free city event or county appointment matches the material in your garage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Clara Free Disposal Day?
Santa Clara residents get two free bulky-item drop-off events per year by appointment. 2026 dates include January 10, March 28, July 11, and October 3, with appointments between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Call Mission Trail Waste Systems at 408-727-5365 starting two weeks before each event, and bring a confirmation number, current utility bill, and photo ID.
What can I bring to a Santa Clara Free Disposal Day?
Generally accepted items include furniture, mattresses, non-electronic bulky items, scrap metal, and non-refrigerated appliances. Hazardous waste is prohibited. Residents unload their own materials. Confirm the full accepted list with Mission Trail at 408-727-5365.
When is Santa Clara Environmental Day?
Recology South Bay hosts Environmental Day twice a year for Santa Clara residents, with 2026 dates on March 7 and October 17 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 1675 Rogers Avenue in San Jose. No appointment is required, but bring a current collection bill and photo ID.
How do I dispose of household hazardous waste in Santa Clara?
Schedule a free county HHW drop-off at HHW.org or call 408-299-7300. 2026 city-listed event dates include January 24, April 25, and October 24 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with additional Thursday through Saturday appointments at the permanent San Jose HHW facility. Keep items in sealed, labeled containers.
Where can Santa Clara residents drop dry-cell batteries?
During regular business hours, drop alkaline button cell, AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V lithium-ion batteries at City Hall (1500 Warburton Ave), Fire Administration (777 Benton St), Mission Branch Library, Central Park Library, Northside Branch Library, or the Community Recreation Center. Tape the terminals first. Rechargeable and nickel-cadmium batteries are not accepted at those counters.
Can I put used motor oil out with curbside recycling in Santa Clara?
Yes. Place used motor oil in a plastic container labeled waste oil, tape the lid, and set used oil filters in a leak-proof plastic bag beside the recycling cart on collection day. You may set out up to three 1-gallon containers of used motor oil per week.
Santa Clara Recycling Tips
- •Book Free Disposal Day appointments early, because slots open only two weeks before each date.
- •Keep lithium batteries out of trash, recycling, and cleanup piles, and schedule HHW drop-off instead.
- •Use Environmental Day for e-waste, batteries, CFLs, and donation-ready clothing when you do not need a bulky Free Disposal Day slot.
- •Tape battery terminals before any library or City Hall drop-off.
- •Find paint drop-off sites through PaintCare.org and medicine take-back through Med-Project.org.
Recycling Centers Near Santa Clara
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