Recycling center4.0· 189 reviews

American Recycling

San Leandro, California

American Recycling in San Leandro, CA offers efficient bottle and plastic recycling with minimal wait times, friendly staff, and a smooth unloading process. Convenient location at 1831 Oriole Ave with helpful service and reliable hours.

Guest rating
4.0/ 5
Reviews
189
Category
Recycling center
City
San Leandro
Usual hours
9 AM–5 PM

About American Recycling

American Recycling stands as a community hub for eco-conscious individuals. Located at 1831 Oriole Ave, San Leandro, it specializes in bottle recycling. Staff members assist with the unloading process, making it convenient for visitors. The center accepts aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles.

This center offers a clean space for all recycling needs. It operates Tuesday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 3 PM. Though closed on Mondays and Sundays, it's a valuable resource for waste reduction. Upon arrival, visitors find helpful staff ready to assist. They provide trash cans for sorting materials before weighing them. Bringing an ID is necessary for cashing out your recycling, so plan accordingly.

Parking can be limited, as the space accommodates only three vehicles. Expect a bit of a wait, as some visitors report delays during busy hours. Most commend the staff for friendliness and efficiency. Overall, the atmosphere promotes an easy recycling experience. The place may feel small but remains effective in fulfilling its purpose.

What guests say about American Recycling

Guests often praise

Fast and helpful service. Friendly and efficient staff. Good rates for recycling.

The sorting assistance provided before weighing. Convenience of location and hours.

Worth knowing

Long wait times during busy hours. Limited parking available.

Lack of clear instructions for first-time visitors. Occasional organizational issues reported.

Best for

Individuals looking to recycle household containers. Eco-conscious community members.

Anyone needing guidance on sorting recyclables. Local residents seeking a quick and easy recycling process.

What Patients Say

Visitors often praise the staff's friendliness and efficiency at American Recycling. Many comment on the helpfulness of the team when sorting recyclables. This makes the unloading process easier, especially for newcomers not familiar with recycling.

Wait times vary, but many reviews mention prompt service once inside. However, it is important to arrive during off-peak hours to avoid long lines. Some users reported longer waits when the center was particularly busy, so timing your visit matters.

The small size of the facility has been mentioned by several visitors. While space can be limited, the accessibility and support from staff make up for this. People appreciate the organized approach to handling recyclables, even if signs about the process may be lacking.

Cleanliness of the site is not heavily discussed in reviews, but the general consensus points to a tidy area, helped by the staff’s hard work. Customers appreciate the clean and organized unloading space, which contributes to a pleasant recycling experience.

Some visitors describe minor frustrations due to the layout and staff organization. A few users experienced confusion which could be eased with clearer signage. Overall, people enjoy coming back for their recycling needs thanks to the quality service they receive.

What American Recycling offers

Services, accessibility, payments and more, grouped as the place lists them.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park

Opening hours

When American Recycling is open during the week.

Opening hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday9 AM–5 PM
Thursday9 AM–5 PM
Friday9 AM–5 PM
Saturday8 AM–3 PM
SundayClosed

Hours can change on holidays. Call ahead to be sure.

Before Your Visit

American Recycling is open Tuesday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 8 AM to 3 PM. It remains closed on Monday and Sunday. Keep these hours in mind, as they can help you avoid long lines. The busiest times seem to be Saturday mornings, so plan accordingly.

The recycling center has a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, making it easier for all visitors. However, parking space is limited, with only three spots available. Visitors may have to find alternative parking nearby if these spots are full.

Bring your ID when visiting American Recycling. This is a requirement for processing your recycling. Upon arrival, friendly staff assist with the entire unloading process, making it simple and efficient. They provide trash cans to help sort your recyclables before weighing them for cash-out.

Payments are made on-site after weighing your materials. Many reviews mention the fast and helpful service, highlighting a quick turnaround. Expect a positive experience with a staff willing to help you navigate the process.

Keep in mind, the unloading area may get busy during peak times. This means patience could be key, especially if you have a larger load. Enjoy the opportunity to recycle while making a few extra dollars.

How to get there

Address

1831 Oriole Ave, San Leandro, CA 94578, United States

Directions

Photos of American Recycling

Reviews of American Recycling

What recent visitors say, and how the ratings add up.

4.0/ 5

Based on 189 reviews

Rating distribution

  • 557%
  • 418%
  • 37%
  • 23%
  • 115%
  • lynda f.2026-10-08

    Fast and helpful. Pays pretty decent too. Ill be going back. Plus side, they stay open until 5:00pm. They take cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles as well.

  • David B.2026-09-29

    Can't say enough about this place.friendly, efficient,honest, and quick service.<br>I highly recommend American Recycling.

  • ‪J‬‏2026-09-21

    Great services, good space, however is kind of small. 3 parking only

Show all reviews (9)
  • Jennifer M.2026-09-09

    Great. They help you to sort by giving you trash cans and double check it before wieghing it to cash you out. YOU Do Need to Bring Your ID. -which I thought was odd. Very quick n easy. I had 3 and 1/2 bags. Other people had like 10 trash cans full and still going.

  • Dawn W.2026-07-20

    Those are my guys they try to get you in and out and the rates are pretty good

  • Mary M.2026-06-30

    If this is your first time here, it's not clear how it all works. Would be helpful if staff would tell you what to do or have signs. Otherwise, it's run pretty efficiently.

  • Analiza M.2026-06-23

    WAITED in line 35 min across the street & pulled up when it was my turn, I had to park across from liquor store & was told I need to start over & go to end of line 🤷‍♀️ i said I waited my turn & will call the sheriff if u make me start over!! Unorganized ppl who work there tryn to get their friends in & cheat the line 🙄 they need competent & responsible ppl to work &...

  • Analiza M.2026-06-23

    WAITED in line 35 min across the street & pulled up when it was my turn, I had to park across from liquor store & was told I need to start over & go to end of line 🤷‍♀️ i said I waited my turn & will call the sheriff if u make me start over!! Unorganized ppl who work there tryn to get their friends in & cheat the line 🙄 they need competent & responsible ppl to work &...

  • Caroline A.2023-05-17

    Came to cash in quite a few aluminum cans. Workers are very friendly and helpful and got me in and out quickly. As others said, timing is key if you want to have a smooth experience. It is a small place and parking is limited. I came on a Wednesday morning and didn’t have any problem.

How American Recycling scores

Scored out of 10 from what reviewers say. Topics they do not mention are left out.

  • Quality of care8/10
  • Staff friendliness9/10
  • Wait time5/10
  • Communication5/10

Frequently asked questions

What services does American Recycling offer?

American Recycling accepts cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles for recycling. They provide assistance in sorting materials before weighing them.

What are the operating hours of American Recycling?

American Recycling operates Tuesday to Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. On Saturday, they open from 8 AM to 3 PM. They are closed on Mondays and Sundays.

Is an appointment required to visit American Recycling?

No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome at American Recycling.

What should I bring when I visit American Recycling?

Bring your containers for recycling and your ID. Staff will help you sort and check items before weighing.

Is there parking available at American Recycling?

Parking at American Recycling is limited. They have only three parking spots available.