Recology opens North San Jose transfer station to the public

Recology’s South Bay transfer station in North San Jose is now open to the public, giving city and county residents a central spot to drop off bulky items, yard waste, demolition debris and trash, the company announced Wednesday.

The location, which was acquired by the company in 2019, offers easy access to both U.S. 101 and Interstate 880, making drop-offs “convenient” for customers, Recology said in a news release.

“The central location and opening for business at 6 a.m. give residents and businesses in the South Bay a great solution for dropping off materials,” said Recology South Bay General Manager Gina Vasquez.

The facility is open to the public Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Staff are on-site to welcome arriving customers and direct them where to unload. The public should contact Recology’s South Bay office directly for any questions.

Disposal fees vary based on material type and volume. Per cubic yard, rates range from $35 for scrap metal to $153 for compacted garbage, with standard trash, wood and yard waste set at $51.

Individual item fees range from $41 for mattresses and box springs to $61 for computer monitors, with standard furniture, tires and appliances costing between $45 and $55 each.

The site accepts waste from residents, businesses and contractors throughout Santa Clara County, including San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino and Mountain View.

Recology said it prioritizes material recovery, directing items to specialized facilities for reuse: scrap metal goes to a foundry, compostable materials are sent to Recology South Valley Organics near Gilroy, and non-recyclable items are routed to a landfill.

While Recology is not San Jose’s official waste management provider, it is authorized to haul and collect debris in the area.

The station’s opening comes as San Jose continues efforts to reduce contamination in its recycling operations.

Last month, the city released a list of the 10 items most frequently placed in recycling bins by mistake. Its recycling website outlined proper disposal methods for those items.

San Jose also offers residents free curbside pickup for bulky items like used furniture through 311. City officials are discouraging residents from leaving items in unauthorized donation bins, urging them instead to connect with established nonprofits so resold items directly support vulnerable community members.