novato recycling center is a bit different than other places ive visited! they accept crv material without caps and sort your material into their own bins most of the staff is friendly and usually if you bring glass they will weigh it vs give you the count bringing value in that sense a friendly suggestion is to have a line or a sign for folks to line up so that the folks that get here early dont stand around letting others unfamiliar go before them read more

Novato Recycling Center - prices - Recycling Center Near Me - Novato, California

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Kudos to the employees. For what they do, they are efficient and keep the line moving. Don't like that you have to remove the cap from all bottles because the cap is plastic too. read more

I've been to the Sun/Mon hazardous waste drop off many times. The staff have always been helpful, polite, efficient and friendly. It's amazing to have this free service and also have such fabulous staff. read more

Great people providing a great service! Open during the week and Saturdays. Very convenient location! read more

Very friendly and accommodating. They're a busy place but have parking right in front and they are courteous and helpful. Plus it's out of doors so there is no loud noise like the San Rafael one used to be. I found the Novato can buy back an improvement over the San Rafael one which isn't there anymore. Do not know why they have bad reviews read more

They have a cardboard recycling bin you can drop off anytime. Super convenient! It was very easy to make an appointment for hazardous waste, too. It's a drive-thru type set up. You stay in your vehicle with all your items properly sealed. They remove everything for you. There is limit to what you can drop off in a visit (everything is clearly explained on their website). The attendants were helpful and friendly. Please be mindful about proper recycling read more

Terrible service. We showed up 2.5 hours before they closed with admittedly a lot of recycling (we had a pandemic's worth bottles and cans). They told us that the caps on the plastic bottles needed to be taken off. We spent a couple of hours sifting through about 20+ bags to make sure the caps were off. The entire time we were cap sifting we allowed them to help other customers. We were filling bins up the entire time waiting patiently on them to empty them so we could get more bins to fill up. 15 minutes to close, with about 8 more bags to go, they said we had to bring them back another day because they were closing. When we protested they said that they only accept up to 100lbs of recycling. There were 3 of us, so that should have amounted to 300lbs (100lbs for each of us). When we pointed this out, they were visibly annoyed. Then they said that we weren't prepared because the caps weren't off. We asked how we were supposed to know this? They said that it was stated on the website and that we should have done our research before coming and that is not their responsibility. I challenge you to find anywhere on their website where they explain that caps need to be removed. I only found one place that mentioned caps and it actually tells you to leave them on (photo attached to review)! Recycling is not supposed to be inconvenient. The service and employees make recycling a burden. The staff lied, was rude, unaccommodating, and unhelpful. Will not be going back! We only also only received $130 for over 100lbs of recycling. Big rip off! read more

Novato Recycling Center - Recycling Center Near Me - Novato, California

Hadn't been here in years, since before the Great Pandemic, so I have some stock built up. The people working were pleasant. Your experience may depend on how busy it is. They'll ask for your ID so they can cut you a check. It looks like the state has been messing around with the CRV values, and current redemption is 5 cents for under 24oz and 10 cents for 24oz+. It used to be 10 cents for 17oz+. If you're going by weight, you'll be getting ripped off by the state (big shock). Redemption locations are supposed to go by individual count up to 50 of each type; more than that and it is up to them how to handle it and I'm sure most will go by weight. Doesn't bother me - I like doing small quick trips anyway. read more

Novato recycling center rips customers off on a regular basis. That's their main business. I started counting empty bottles I bring and I'm always short $3-$4. Most people are lazy to count and automatically agree to the amount they give you. That's how they get you. read more

As soon as I parked my car, I was greeted by a friendly giant for an employee. He volunteered to help me with all my needs and even said, "just bring us what you got and we'll take care of the rest!" When I brought my bag full of plastic bottles, they told me that I wouldn't be able to turn them in with caps on so Berta, another really nice employee actually sat there and assisted me in unscrewing each cap for EVERY bottle I had... talk about going above and beyond! We shared a pleasant conversation about children and how much of a blessing they are, she weighed my items, handed me a check, and that was that! I went during lunch time so there was no line, the staff was exceptional, and the experience I had there was so nice; I'll definitely be back! :) read more

I recently tried Novato Recycling Center due to convenience of its location in Marin. I was shocked that I had to uncap thousands of water bottles because they don't accept plastic water bottle caps. Once all materials was weighed, I was given a check to Wells Fargo. When I went to Wells Fargo, i was informed that the check could not be cashed. The recycling center puts a 24 hour hold on their checks. I feel as if everybody is treated like a drug addict wanting quick cash. This money was for my kids who worked hard to collect them to make a few dollars for their pleasure. I would highly recommend going to Petaluma to recycle. They may be assholes, but they pay cash and don't make you take the caps off read more

Brianna is actually honest. People look at me I think and see a disabled woman. I may not be as fluent as the contractors or those serious recyclers (those who do itnfor a living) but I am not stupid. I submitted 1/5 my usual load of cans and bottles and Brianna actually paid me accurately. She also provided price, count and specific information as to compensation that I have asked from these folks since age 12 (nearly 25 years) and could never get a freaking answer. Brianna was knowledgeable, helpful, non/discriminatory and most of all HONEST. I ALWAYS FOUND THAT TO BE WAY TOO MUCH TO ASK! I especially recall the days they used to tell me I only get 1/2 my weight of bottles and cans and counting was never allowed. Today I learned the perimeters and most of what was recycled out of their mouth was recycled scrap. Thanks Brianna - I no longer feel violated as I leave the establishment.it is the small things! read more

Novato Recycling Center - Recycling Center Near Me - Novato, California

I would put 0 stars if I can it's ridiculous the phone is disconnected I make apoitment on line I went and told me they cannot help.me I wonder if they capable to do their job please god read more

I have read some bad reviews about this place and I'm not totally sure why. Everyone was really helpful and friendly and I didn't have any problems. The cashier was a little unfriendly but it wasn't anything to sweat over and she wasn't rude in any way. They accept hazardous waste things every other Sunday of each month for FREE and I think this is awesome as you don't have to wait for the places that come by from time to time to pick things up. You can drop off old TV's, paint, computers, etc. They don't accept large appliances though like microwaves and refrigerators, but overall I think its great they take certain materials that many times people have stored away because they don't know how to get rid of them. The crew there was friendly and they were quick, I probably spent about 10 minutes total there. Overall I don't understand the generally bad reviews, but maybe they have taken these into consideration and made improvements because I was incredibly satisfied. Give it a shot for yourself and see that its a great place to not only recycle at but also dispose of things that many off us have in our houses that we don't know what to do with. Fast, easy and friendly. read more

Disgusted with Novato recycling service. Bad attitude. Rude and obnoxious. One word responses to your questions. They require ID from you. ID to drop off bottles at this facility. Woman who works there stay away. She's rude. They think they are doing you a favor. Shut this facility down. read more

I was assisted by John Lynch , he helped me right away and made my trip a lot faster and hassle free.

Why is this place allowed to be in business? Read the horrible reviews on Yelp, or just show up one day at 3pm. I have been going here since it opened. The staff treat people as poorly as possible. There is one rude woman who has been there for years. Here is my complaint for today, which mirrors other trips.... the site recently opened after Covid. They do not accept batteries or light bulbs now, however, this is not on their website and they have a sign at the very entrance (a hand-written piece of cardboard) that says they are not accepting these items. People have to park their car, haul their stuff and then wade through the line to get this information. Next, they have a few new cardboard signs that say no caps on any recyclables... ok, last time I was there, you could have the caps, but not on the bottles. I want to know if the Department of Weights and Measures gets involved here, because they are paying you for the bottles, but not the weight of the cap, which is thick. Is that equal to your deposit? If not, that is illegal. So, new, handwritten, cardboard sign says no caps in the bags or anywhere... that is also at the front of the line and not on the website or anywhere else. So, today, I arrive at 3pm. They close at 4pm. There are a few people in line ahead of me. There is a new woman who has decided that she is in charge and she has a bad attitude and is going to make this as difficult as possible. She starts telling people (with anger) that they close at 4pm and they are not going to get through the line. I watch for the next hour as she works as slowly as possible to make this happen. The rest of the workers do the same. They are angry and acting that way. The best part is that the people in line cannot believe this and they start banding together in kindness... Everyone helping each other... That is nice. One poor guy is being extra nice to staff, only to be shot down and ridiculed. I spent 32 years working in government. This is the most poorly run and dysfunctional place I have ever seen. I get that they are paid minimum wage... someone needs to come and evaluate this system and decide that we no longer need the can and bottle deposit, as the current trash centers can separate and recycle it. Shut this down. End this mess. read more

The guy that waited on me has been extremely rude, beyond rude. I won't go back there anymore. Marin Recycling in San Rafael is a much better outfit. The people are very polite and you can be assured everything is being properly recycled. read more

I just moved to Novato and was referred to Novato Recycling to drop off my hazardous waste (sigh-the previous owner left a ton of old unusable paint in the garage). I packed my car up with all of these items, pulled into the hazardous waste line and was prepared to hop out of my car, unload and pay. I was pleasantly surprised when I was told to simply fill out a sheet and pull into the garage. I didn't pay a thing and the guys unloaded everything for me. They were great! read more

Now I know why people dump stuff at the curb. I went last week and asked about dropping off a printer, the guy told me next week. I get there at 3pm today, they are supposed to be open until 4pm - they were closed already, locked up. Obviously these guys only work whenever they want, it makes it hard for people to do the right thing. I wouldn't be surprised if more people dump stuff in the landfill BECAUSE of trying to deal with them instead of the other way around. Maybe it's a place to get some money on CRV containers but that's about it. read more

There is a lot you can recycle that you can keep out of your garabage can. This site will tae what they can and then try to direct you to other options if they are not equipped to take care of what you have. The young man that works there is very nice and works really hard to keep the line moving. I turned in 3 garbage cans of bottles today and made $13.50 woohoo. read more

I like this location! They've always been very friendly to my husband and l. In fact, we drive from Petaluma just to do our recycling. NEVER go to the Petaluma Recycling center. See previous review for more information. read more

It's by no means a nice facility but it sure serves a great purpose. I primarily go there to get rid of my household batteries but this time I dumped a flat screen TV that broke after only 3 years and some other electronics. The personnel is not very friendly, but I'm not there to pay for anything, so it doesn't matter much to me. read more

I have always been very pleased with the services offered at this recycling center and the staff I have dealt with. A few times a year I take household and electronic "Hazardous" waste there and they are always efficient and courteous. Sometimes theres a line of cars if I go when they open so I have learned to wait an hour or so and then it's fast. read more

I have been there more than once and they have been consistently rude. This is not the only recycling facility I have been to from Oakland to Santa Rosa so I have seen a variety of recyclers and they are the rudest. You can't be that rude by accident. It takes effort. I will take my business elsewhere an advise you to do the same. read more

The worst recycling place I've ever been to. Forced us to take the caps off the plastic bottles (which, as they're the part with the densest plastic contributes to the weight & overall profit you make). That's a managerial decision & not the workers fault but on top of that the workers were talking for long periods of time joking together as we were waiting for them. When one finally started processing our recycling, they left midway to help the people BEHIND us when they were already being helped by another employee. No regard for our time. The people who go to recycle their bottles & cans do it because they need the money. By taking the caps off they're taking an extra cut off the top of profit when it's technically already our own money we're supposed to be getting back from the CRV. This extra waste of our time on top of that just adds insult to injury. We have been cheated. I will never come here again. read more