Cardboard Recycling in Santa Cruz, CA

Corrugated cardboard (not waxed) is accepted free in any amount at the City Recycling Center on Dimeo Lane.

See all 2 options

Illustrative item photographKadarius Seegars / Unsplash

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

2 ways to get rid of a cardboard in Santa Cruz

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

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · Santa CruzNo 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 →
City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility & Recycling Center (Dimeo Lane)City service · Santa CruzSanta Cruz residentsFree
How it works
City-run landfill, recycling center and Saturday HHW drop-off at 605 Dimeo Lane (3 miles north of the city limits off Highway 1), open Monday–Saturday 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for City of Santa Cruz residents and businesses with proof of residency; North Coast county residents pay a 28% surcharge.
Official page (opens in new tab)

Before you go

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

More about cardboard

California rules

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. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab)
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. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)

More California rules (4)

DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
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. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Source: CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)

Where this information comes from (11)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

City of Santa Cruz: Resource Recovery Facility (Landfill) (opens in new tab) · City of Santa Cruz Public Works, Resource Recovery
- The RRF is for material generated within Santa Cruz city limits and is open to city residents and businesses with proper ID. Checked October 26, 2026.
- North Coast County residents pay stated rates plus a 28% surcharge. Checked October 26, 2026.
- There is no charge for recyclable items except those listed in the fee schedule. Checked October 26, 2026.
City of Santa Cruz: Recycling Center (opens in new tab) · City of Santa Cruz Public Works, Resource Recovery
- Corrugated cardboard (no waxed) is accepted, large amounts OK. Checked October 26, 2026.
County of Santa Cruz: Household Hazardous Waste Program (opens in new tab) · County of Santa Cruz Public Works
- HHW drop-off is free for residents of unincorporated Santa Cruz County and the cities of Scotts Valley, Capitola and Santa Cruz, with proof of residency. 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.

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