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Recycling Center (SMaRT Station®)

The Sunnyvale Materials Recovery and Transfer Station (SMaRT Station®) accepts garbage and recycling materials from Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Palo Alto residents and businesses.

* Buy-Back Center closes at 4 p.m. and is by appointment only.

A Day in the Life of Your Garbage and Recyclables Video

Watch your garbage and recyclables travel through the SMaRT Station. See what we’re doing to help the environment and learn how what you do matters.

Preparing for Your Visit to the SMaRT Station

The following is required for your visit:

  • A valid driver's license showing proof of residency is required
  • Or, a business license showing proof of operating location
  • Ensure all open loads are covered and secured. Per Sunnyvale Municipal Code 8.16.180, a fee of $15 will be charged for uncovered loads and a tarp will be issued.
Disposal Rates and Materials

Rates are determined by type of material disposed, per cubic yard or per large item.

Get Disposal Rates

Accepted Waste Materials Non-accepted Waste Materials
  • Garbage
  • Demolition debris
  • Concrete
  • Dirt
  • Non-hazardous materials
  • Hazardous waste (except items noted below)
  • Liquids
Accepted Recyclable Materials

The following items are accepted at no charge from:

Residents and Businesses Residents Only
  • Aluminum, tin and steel cans
  • Used clothing and shoes
  • Glass bottles and containers (no auto or window glass, ceramics or mirrors)
  • Milk and juice cartons
  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Plastic bottles and tubs (i.e., shampoo, detergent, yogurt containers)
  • Scrap metal

Note: Due to a decline in the paper recycling market, paper will no longer be accepted at the SMaRT Station Center. Curbside paper collection is not affected.
  • Paint in original containers (Monday through Friday) per the  PaintCare program guidelines.
  • Cooking oil*
  • Electronics: computers, TVs and monitors (limit four), small appliances, carbon monoxide alarms
  • Microwave ovens
  • Textiles
  • Strings of holiday lights
  • Fluorescent bulbs and tubes (limit of 20 total)
  • Household and auto batteries
  • Mercury-containing thermostats, thermometers, batteries and compact fluorescent lamp bulbs
  • Sharps, needles or lancets, (in biohazard, or hard plastic container with screw-top lid marked "sharps")
  • Used motor oil,* oil filters and antifreeze*

*Limit is 10 gallons in 5-gallon capacity or smaller non-breakable containers with screw-top lids.
Beverage Container Buy-Back

California Redemption Value (CRV) is paid on eligible bottles and cans by count (up to 50) or by weight.

  • CRV eligible containers of different material types must be sorted prior to arrival (such as glass, plastic, aluminum). Sorting is not allowed on-site.
  • Containers must be emptied of liquids prior to arrival (emptying liquids at the SMaRT Station is prohibited).
  • The CRV Buy-back Center is now appointment only. Schedule an appointment online or call 408-752-8530.

SMaRT Station Center Buy-Back Center Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.

Re-use Trailer

Furniture and other items in good condition rescued from the garbage and recycling areas of the SMaRT Station are placed in the re-use trailer for customers to take home at no charge.

Compost

Compost is available year round to residents of Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Palo Alto.

  • Limit 96 gallons per week, bring your own shovel and containers.
  • The compost is made from local yard waste and is certified organic.

Available supply of compost can vary. Call before you visit: 408-752-8530.

Schedule a Tour

The SMaRT Station is a Materials Recovery Facility and features advanced equipment to sort and bale recyclable materials. To schedule a group tour, call 408-752-8530.

SMaRT Station Reports

SMaRT Station Annual Report

Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

SMaRT Station EIR - 1990
SMaRT Station EIR Addendum - 1992
SMaRT Station Addendum - 2016 (13 MB PDF)

Last Updated: Jul 13, 2021
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