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Cardboard Recycling in San Francisco, CA

Clean, separated cardboard is accepted at no charge at the SF Transfer Station public disposal area.

See all 2 options
Stacked brown cardboard boxes
Illustrative item photographKadarius Seegars / Unsplash (opens in new tab)

Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check

2 ways to get rid of a cardboard in San Francisco

Tap an option to see the address, hours, cost and rules.

  1. CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · San FranciscoNo haulingWe recycle it for youFrom $80.00
    How it works

    Book online, set out your cardboard and we’ll pick it up and recycle it for you. You see your price before you book and pay only after pickup.

    Book a pickup →

  2. Recology SF Transfer Station (Public Disposal Area)Drop-off · 501 Tunnel Avenue, San FranciscoFree
    Where

    501 Tunnel Avenue
    San Francisco, CA 94134

    Hours

    Monday–Friday 7 am–4:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday 7:30 am–4 pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

    Cost & rules

    Cardboard

    AcceptedFree (documented)
    Fees for cardboard
    Minimum disposal fee (all loads)$60.00 per visit
    Uncovered load$20.00 per visit
    • Must be clean and source-separated.

    Full details & sourcesOfficial site (opens in new tab)

Before you go

  1. Check whether you have corrugated boxes, coated packaging or mixed materials.
  2. Remove foam, plastic and other packing inserts.
  3. Flatten boxes and check quantity limits for your program.
More about cardboard

California rules

More California rules (4)
Where this information comes from (10)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

  • SF Transfer Station & Hazardous Waste Facility (opens in new tab) · Recology San Francisco
    • A $60 minimum disposal fee applies to all loads. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Uncovered loads are charged an extra $20. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • The public disposal area takes clean source-separated cardboard at no charge; loads over 200 lb go to Recycle Central at Pier 96. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Mattresses & box springs (unusable) (SF Recycles) (opens in new tab) · San Francisco Environment Department
    • SF Environment lists the transfer station public dump as serving businesses and residents. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
    • DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
    • It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
    • CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.

How we check our information