First, the official name is the Stanford Recycling Dropoff. It's open to the general public,…read morealthough as of Nov 2018, a Stanford online ID is required to access its website - go figure! I've uploaded photos of ALL the different dropoff container signs - as you can see, they want everything fully sorted by type. It's a great place, though, with easy car access off Serra Drive and no charge for parking or to leave recyclables. Big thanks to Stanford for making this available to the community!

I'm only giving the two stars because I can't see where to report that they are closed and doesn't…read moreeveryone love to read a low rating? Oh yes you do. So this is a great place when it's open but since Covid 19 came along they have had to close temporarily. A call today revealed that they have no idea when they will reopen as it's up to the County Health Officer. Save yourself a trip. All of heir social media indicates they are open. They are not. The phone number on the website is an outgoing message only so don't bother unless you want to know what they don't accept (None of it! Cuz we're closed!) The number for updates from a live and very tired sounding person is 650-322-4236

I called Recology today because as a resident of Mountain View I have been paying for 3 bins but…read morehave only ever had 2. I wanted to request an additional bin. I spoke to an emotionally challenged Melissa. She did not listen to me and kept finding another service address. Even after I spelt the number and street address a few times, she said my address did not exist. I told her to look on maps to confirm. She then went on a tirade against me and my attitude and my talking loudly. Yes, talking softly did nothing to get the job done. No apologies from her. I asked to pass me to someone else. SHE DID NOT ALLOW THAT. She claimed she spoke to her manager and put me on hold for a while but came back to insult me even more. She had absolutely no idea about finding a single family home Then she accused me of making her cry! i had no choice but to hang up. I am very busy and really have no time to provide therapy for Melisa in addition to sorting out my own trash. Why on earth Mountain View City chose this trash company (excuse the pun) for trash I don't know but I sure wish there was some democratic process involved when we are forced to pay for this. In addition the compost pick up truck has attitude. If just one leaf is showing through the lid they simply do not empty the bin. They do not take the bin if THEY THINK its tightly packed. I mean they dont even try. I have watched them. We don't know if the leaves will come out if they tip it over. This has happened several times. When I called to complain in the past I was told there would be an additional charge to send them back !!

No appointment needed. No nonsense, quick in and out. E-waste bin very handy…read more No parking lot available.

making people waiting for no reason. while waiting, the smell of the place is as awful as it can be…read morein this country.

Always a lovely trip that makes you feel good!…read more My daughter and I have been coming here for close to 15 years now. We are Sunnyvale residents, I have always felt so lucky to have such an clean and organized recycle center close by. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. They always explain the rates and count everything with you to ensure you understand the value of your recycled goods. As a Girl Scout troop leader/volunteer mom for 8 years; they were always so help and obliging to my request for an annual tour of the center with the girls - to earn their recycle & be green badge It's beyond me why anyone would have a negative experience or bad review - this place is literally paradise of the recycle world. Perhaps they have never been to the others in the Bay Area. Bonus: if you are a Sunnyvale or Mountain View resident you can pick up free wood chips and compost dirt for your garden. They provide two gallons for free per week with proof of residency.

I had a terrible experience at CalWest Recycling. The owner was incredibly rude and unprofessional…read morefrom start to finish. Not only was he cursing at me, but he also called me a "dick," which is completely unacceptable behavior for someone running a business. To make matters worse, I was instructed to unload and move my own pallet of batteries for recycling. After I had already done the work, I was suddenly told I couldn't continue because I was wearing Birkenstocks. If that was actually a safety policy, one of the employees could have easily told me before I started unloading instead of waiting until I was finished. When I was told I had to wait in my car, I simply walked over to my vehicle, and the owner continued insulting me by calling me a "dick" as I left. Customer service and basic professionalism were completely absent. There are plenty of other recycling businesses that treat their customers with respect. I would definitely recommend taking your business elsewhere.

Called in for a price on clean copper and once I arrived to location they said owner wasn't there…read moreand they gave me a different price per lb on the copper. Man said he was going based off what was in the computer. After seeing the price difference I wanted to separate the copper to make a couple extra dollars since I had it mixed. I asked the man handling the transactions that told me a different price on the copper if he can lend me some clippers and he said he cant let me borrow them yet he had my ID and I was going to do it right in front of him. Words cant explain how frustrated I was. I ended up taking a loss at the end of the day and affected me mentally due to financial struggles.

Starting at the beginning of 2013, they request you to remove all lids and caps from plastic and…read moreglass bottles prior to turning them in for redemption. A little more work, but that's okay. If you want to maximize your return, remember to separate by 50 pieces of each type (glass, plastic, tin, aluminum) and either you'll get $2.50 or $5 per 50.

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Place gets very busy so I usually go an hour or so…read morebefore closing time. Keep in mind there is a constant sour smell from all the recyclable drippings that seems to be on everything such as ground, containers that they use to weigh recyclables and the surrounding bins full of recyclables. I really haven't figured out why we pay full price for CRV items but when I take them to the recycler I'm paid less for my bulk recyclables. Everything is weighed separately but still I always feel like I'm getting ripped off. Well I guess its the way of the world...pay Peter and be robbed by Paul. I think its a better deal to save up 50 items each of plastic bottles, glass bottles and aluminum cans cuz if you cash in that way at least they will pay full CRV price but then on the other hand you are limited.

I have been going here for quite a long time and I must say this is the best place for E-waste…read more It's free for a great majority of electronics except for I presume printers. I don't know why but either way it is the best place to get rid of old electronics that are not so big. I have dropped off a lot of good things including a few old laptops, small speakers and a portable CD player. I don't remember much but if you are unable to drop off E-waste in other places for free or Goodwill is not accepting of your old things, this is the place to go. Staff who live and work here are very happy, they are always happy to help. They even sell fresh eggs here so feel free to drop by if you can. Drawback: This can be a far place for some people. So please plan accordingly.

From the owner: We specialize in Computer & E-Waste Recycling. We also accept all types of TVs & Monitors at no…read morecharge. This has been updated as of 3/22/26

They're efficient and friendly. What more could you ask for? Just be sure to sort all before your…read morevisit so everyone can get in and out and keep the train rolling..

The staff is personable, respectful, proficient and cordial. The most important thing is they DO…read morereturn your rightful deposits legitimately per California state laws; what a refreshing drastic different experience comparing to the other place in San Mateo. Their measuring scale is placed out in public view and does provide accurate measurements. Only wish they would have set the scale to zero with the empty weighing bin on so no subtraction and uncertainty of the actual weight of the bin needed. The place is dirty with sticky ground as expected in recycling centers. One star is purposely removed because it did take such extra time to wait in line (even on weekdays) also because they do completely shut down their FULL operation for lunch from 1 to 130PM and we, thus, the customers all had to stand around and patiently wait for their normal returns:( Nevertheless, we will come back again because they're HONEST!!

UPDATE. They don't take any recyclables anymore. The owner recommended a new place to drop off…read morerecycling: Caraustar San Jose Recycling 388 E Alma Ave San Jose I came here two different times. First they said they don't take any electronic or wood recycles, only boxes. Today, they said they no longer take boxes. So this should be taken down.

Note: They have moved! They are on S. 10th St. near Tully, at the back of the Suddath property. I…read moredropped off an old printer and a box of small miscellaneous electronics. The charge was $5 for the printer only. Quick and easy. CALL before you go to make sure someone will be there!

Great staff great rates great perks. The best recycle services in the area. Highly recommend!…read moreAnd thank you you guys for offering free water to your customer. This is a small perk but means a lot to us.

It was an Easy unloading and pay process. You drive in and…read morethey weigh your car, no need to get out of car except to pay

Provided a fantastic rate and great experience with copper cable recycling. Genuinely kind people!read more

Best prices in town. Best service. They buy all metals and have a truck scale for quick service.read more