PSavvy businesses realize that waste, a frequent by-product of doing business, represents operating inefficiencies and lost productivity, affecting the bottom line. The City of Sunnyvale offers various services and tools like the Guide to Recycling for Businesses to assist businesses in their efforts to divert material from their waste stream by reducing, reusing and recycling.

Our Business Recycling Solutions quarterly newsletter focuses on various aspects of commercial recycling particular to business needs. To subscribe electronically, send us an email request to join our  subscription list.

Technical Assistance

Sunnyvale's Commercial Recycling program conducts onsite waste assessments for businesses to determine the best options for reducing waste and providing recommendations and services such as:

• Setting up or improving waste reduction and recycling programs
• Evaluating potential garbage fee savings 
• Conducting employee presentations and training
• Providing resources for buying recycled products
• Identifying awards and recognition opportunities
• Third party verification for Santa Clara County's Green Business Program

Recycling Service

The City's franchised hauler, Specialty Solid Waste & Recycling, provides corrugated cardboard recycling service. For all other recyclables, Sunnyvale's businesses may choose independent recycling providers to haul away recyclable materials.  Material collected for recycling must be separated by the generator and must be collected for recycling, not disposal. 

Consult the A-Z Recycling resources listings for recyclers who collect:

• Batteries  
• Paper recycling and shredding
• Containers (plastic and glass)
• Cardboard 
• Pallets 
• Plastics 
• Grease/tallow 

Businesses may also bring recyclables to the SMaRT Station. Please contact the Commercial Recycling Coordinator for assistance with hard to recycle materials. 

Recycling Containers

Having tools close at hand serve as reminders to employees to recycle office paper, cardboard, and beverage containers.  Sunnyvale's Commercial Recycling Program provides up to 100 desktop recycling containers upon request.

The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) offers a variety of free publications and waste reduction case studies to the public. Recycling posters and signs may also be ordered or downloaded.

The Division of Recycling (DOR) offers a Recycling Starter Kit that includes a recycling container for offices and bars/restaurants that want to start a cans & bottles recycling program.  There are many recycling container vendors available from which to choose.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

To dispose of Hazardous Waste, businesses must make an appointment with the Santa Clara County Hazardous Waste Program.