Best recycling place I've been to. The workers are very nice, helpful, and are definitely working hard. In the front, they have a lot of cards to hold all your recyclables. They also offer gloves. They take a lot of recyclables including: -bottles -glass bottles -cans -printers -tvs -computers -phones -monitors -almost any electronics -aluminum -brass -copper -stainless NO kitchen appliances There are three sorting stations so you don't have to wait in any lines, they have instruction in English and Español, and the workers also give helpful instructions. After sorting your bottles and cans, they give you an account for future and faster use. Overall, the process only took about ten minutes, the pay out is pretty great and better than most places for just recycling bottles and cans, I haven't recycled any electronics yet, so I'll definitely post that up next time. read more

See all

They lie say u can't separate cans and bottles at the site. That is not what the law says they say there sign says that not true. The cashier was very rude. Wouldn't go there again read more

Located right across Home Depot on Fairmount Avenue, One Earth Recycling is the cleanest recyling center I've ever been to. The workers, here, are very friendly and they recycle bottles, cans, metals, and e-scrap (i.e. computers, television, cell phones). I've only recycled bottles here so I don't really know how the process for e-scrap or metal goes. However, they do make everything very simple and convenient. (For the bottles, I recommend separating them from glass, plastics, and aluminum). They are open everyday from 8-5 pm. And, if you've never recycle before, this is the place to start. You can even donate the money you earn to a local charity of your choice. I definitely like this place and they definitely have great graphic design/typography. Directions (from their site): Exit I-8 at Mission Gorge/Fairmount Ave. heading north; left onto Fairmount Ave., left into the second driveway of The Home Depot's parking lot, we're six doors in on the right (next to Sprint). read more

See all

Pet peeve #6 People who consciously throw recyclables in trash bins cause they are too lazy or worse, they just don't care. Does it really take that much effort to separate plastic, cans, glass from trash? Pet peeve #6.01 Seeing vacuums, microwaves, old box TVs and other electrical gadgets thrown out in a dumpster. Why, why...why would you do that??! There's recycling centers that help dispose these non-biodegradables and get your money back for the CRV on those bottle waters and aluminum cans. ....enters One Earth Recycling. They take most everything, except for huge appliances like stoves and refrigerators. (A suggestion: If it's working, why not just donate those, right?) Plus this place isn't some junkie looking recycling center. It's organized, clean and has a very 'green' feel to the place. There's earth saving messages written on the walls that reminds you, you did the right thing. /pat yourself on the shoulder No more excuses....they make it easy and effortless to recycle and be good to this planet that we all live in. read more

See all

I love this place. They've got decent hours, merchandise (what?!!) and everyone is super chill. I feel like I get more money when I take my stuff here versus a couple other places I've been in the city. Their site is inside, so beware on a hot day. You'll feel bad for yourself because you'll be dying and then you'll feel like a jerk for making people sort your used materials in stifling heat. They have a cool can crusher that I can't bring myself to buy because it costs as much as a large return for me ($10-$12) but I guess in the end, you'll be able to store more cans before bringing them in, so it's an investment? So they also have a rewards program. You can like them on FB or display a free bumper sticker and get an extra 2 cents per pound on your return. Sign me up. I always wondered how people had their cool One Earth stickers. One earth! Holding it down. read more

I had several large bags of old electronics to dispose of and they took it all at no cost. It was good to know there is somewhere to take these items and not just throw away in the dump. read more

I have to laugh: why am I giving 5 stars to a recycling place?!?!? Because they get it right! Organized, fast, helpful, clean, quick. They offer ways to increase the money you get from recycling too. Easy to park, easy to get to location, and on a Saturday Morning, we were in and out in less than 15 minutes. Really, they get it right! read more

This place now closes at 4pm everyday, not 7. They usually try to give nothing but $2 bills, which is cool if you really like Thomas Jefferson. The lines can be ridiculously time consuming, especially Saturday. Not a bad place if you get in at a good time. The employees are generally happy and work fast for you. read more

One Earth Recycling - 10-4! - Recycling Center Near Me - El Cajon, California

Where to begin... It's a hot day and I have to make the drive from La Jolla to Fairmont Ave to drop of 113 lbs of aluminum extrusions. I willingly drove to One Earth because on their website, it CLEARLY states that they mail their checks to a business location 3 days after the date of the sale. (Act I) After my extrusions are weighed, they attendant calculates the money that I'm due. He tells me that in 3 days, I can come to pick up my check. HOLD UP, come pick up the check?? Not a chance buddy... I tell him that his website states that having the check mailed is an option. He responds saying that he's NEVER heard of a check being mailed. In the most comical turn of events, the same damn poster that was found online (stating that checks can be mailed), is right behind him, in BIG, bold letters. All of his coworkers start laughing a bit because they realize how ironic the situation just became. So I let the guy know that the policy regarding mailing checks is right behind him... Fast forward 5 minutes and he agrees to mail me the check. (Act II) So here I am, exactly 3 weeks later, UNPAID. I actually emailed them at the 2 week point asking about the status of my check, but I received no response. So today, I decided to give One Earth a call, asking where my check is. The girl that picks up walks me through a few template questions regarding my name and ticket number. I let her know that I still hadn't received the check by mail. Somehow eerily familiar, she tells me that they don't mail checks... WAIT WHAT. I told her that all of the employees that were in attendance on the day I recycled my extrusions reassured me that my check could be mailed. She then tells me that the guys don't know the policy and that it's all the girls that handle the paperwork... How does that response help me? IT DOESN'T. So now I know that the employees here aren't on the same page and I have to spend me time and money picking up this check. I've never seen a company that has its employees on so many different pages that they can't even come to the same conclusion on such an integral part of their business - PAYING THE CUSTOMER. So I guess the entire point of going to One Earth was to save a trip in picking up the check... Mission Failed. Thanks for nothing One Earth! read more

One Earth Recycling - Somehow they don't follow their own policies - classic move! Expect to come back to pick up your check. Solid 0/10. - Recycling Center Near Me - El Cajon, California

They provide gloves so you can stay pretty. Organized. I like coming in coz the music they have blarring is a trip! Sometimes it's EDM, Reggae and sometimes it's symphony's read more

I called and they told me i'd get $3.40 per pound for bright and shiny wire so i show up and they take it. I thought it was easy breezy so i went home and when i went to check the receipt they only gave me $3.10 per pound which is by far the lowest i've seen in san diego. read more

Unbelievably rude. Was told I did not sort my recycling adequately and that I should just throw it away. I did not get what I had gotten in the past as well. When I complained Kevin and the manager told me not to come back. I went to nexcycle in North park where they accepted my recycling and gave me what it was worth without attitude. Apparently one earth doesn't want business. read more

I called the number provided here on Yelp - be aware that it's a central number for many locations. I asked if they would accept metal filing cabinets, and was told yes, then headed over to this location, only to be told that they don't accept them, and I couldn't have called, because they don't have a phone number... as I was looking at the phone on their desk. They did take our broken TV, so that was good. And it was clean. The call center is the saving grace though. When I returned to my car, I called again. She apologized, and told me to take them to California Metals in El Cajon. She said that the first location is supposed to accept them, and she would follow up regarding their refusal. A quick trip to California Metals, where everyone was SUPER friendly, made the whole trip a success. I'll go there again in the future. read more

The floor was really sticky here which was a little bothersome but aside from that, this recycling place is pretty straight forward. They are quite selective though in terms of what they will give money for and what not. Basically if there's no CA CRV labeled, you'll most likely get nothing for it. I have been to other recylcing centers before and this place asks for your driver ID which I didn't feel too comfortable doing. read more

This is my go-to recycling center. Staff is always helpful, and getting your cans and bottles recycled is usually a very quick process. You're not allowed to park in front of the building and unload, you have to park and bring your stuff up. To make the process faster, make sure you have all your stuff pre-sorted and you'll be in and out before you know it! read more

One Earth Recycling - Updated hours of operation. - Recycling Center Near Me - El Cajon, California

There's a recycling business operating at this address but they don't accept bottles or cans.

An individual working here immediately came out to offer assistance as I pulled up in front of the business to park. He brought a cart to haul my bags of recycling and had a smile on his face the entire time. The inside of the building was much cleaner than I had expected for a recycling establishment. At the time of my arrival, there were not many other customers present. The place did appear to be somewhat small and lacking in separation stations. However, I had 7 bags worth of mixed recyclables and there were at least 4 guys who jumped in to help separate. They were quick to pull over cans and start on the job. I had been dreading this event and had been letting my recyclables pile up (hence the 7 bags). This will never happen again thanks to One Earth! These guys are great and had me in and out in less than 15 minutes!! I was pretty amazed! Keep up the hard work guys! read more

Finally, the South Bay San Diego has a recycling center that is open normal hours of the week. Only complaint is that they take 2 hour lunch break in the afternoon which is very inconvenient. FYI: you fill up their shopping carts with your recyclables instead of using trash barrels. read more

I wonder why they closed? One Earth Recycling was my favorite place to recycle, even though there are many recycling companies closer to me. They seemed to pay out more, there weren't any flies, wasn't as loud, or dirty compared to the dump in Convoy. read more

One Earth is seriously run by some incompetent people. Their South Bay location is now closed. This is after their Fairmount location closed. These guys cannot seem to run a business.... AT ALL. Never at any point have they communicated to people that they were closed. As of right now, this Yelp shows that it is still open. Their FB shows they're still open. Their website says they're still open. Normally I would feel for a company that suffers, but these guys screw with customers. Time to just give it up for good guys. read more

I'm outside of it right now and a guy told me it's permanently closed now. New owners, he said. I wish someone on Yelp or from Yelp had updated the status. :( I drove fast just to get here before 4pm. Sucks. read more

Went here for the first time today and made one of the cardinal errors: I did not count my money before leaving the building! They ripped me off $1.00, that's 20 cans. Doesn't sound like much? Well, I paid for the cans, I stored them, drove them to the recycling center using my gas, then sorted them with my labor. It was my money! If you go here (I recommend you go elsewhere!), count your money BEFORE leaving the building! read more

These guys close at 4:00 not 5:00. Always a wait and some guy always smells like urine or is pissing in the bushes out front. Pissed now as was here at 4:45 and they were closed, now my car is gonna smell like their customers...grhhhh read more

In and out with no problems with household bottles/cans. (I pre-sort before going.) Had never been before, saw it from Home Depot. All the dumb rules at sites by grocery stores (like no plastic drink bottle caps - ?) and long lines trying to recycle, is why I looked for an alternative. Will definitely be going back to One Earth. read more

Don't get me wrong THIS PLACE WAS SPOTLESS. I thought I would give this place a shot since every other recycling place near me sucks and stinks. One earth was extremely cute and earthy lol. However, I waited for a ridiculous amount of time to weigh my cans. Yes. I do recommend to come here because they buy cans and bottles for a higher price. Unfortunately, their employees work slow as hell or they have a slow system. I would rate this place higher but I'm extremely impatient. read more

These guys are solid convenient and north a trip. They are in a little spot but they are solid and customer service based. Amazing as they prob had 12 guys working so there was someone at every position. They are working with a "re-entry" program so they are giving back and obv getting tax breaks- but good on them...would have been 5 stars but they don't take steel. Highly recommended. Carlos is a super star and super friendly....right across the lot from Home Depot. read more

This place is clean, people are friendly, helpful, and a good return on recycling. The parking is also great since its in the parking lot of Home Depot in Mission Gorge at the far end. read more

This place is, by far, the best recycling place I've been to! It's indoors. They give me cash, not a receipt to take to the store to cash. They have shopping carts, so I can put my toddler in the front and the bottles in the back. And they take electronics, copper wiring, extension cords, and lots of other things! They were also very friendly, and I will definitely be returning there with my next load of recycling! read more

I will never go to another recycling center again. This place is awesome. By far, the best customer service that I have ever received from any recycling center. I was in and out within 10 minutes. The best part? Leaving with more cash than I came with! read more

This place is a little hectic. They don't pay u for alcohol bottles such as smirnof beer bottles , champagne bottles and vodka bottles which I found very odd but they take them... so I took mine back. U can like their facebook for 2 cents to every ib. Of plastic only . I like and then unliked. Just somewhat disappointed . I will definitely be going back to my regular recycling place. read more

Love this place! Recently moved down to the San Diego area and our recyclables were piling up. Found this place on Google and saw some pictures on Yelp. I like that they're open EVERYDAY and offer carts to help you bring in your stuff. The location is clean and even features a hand washing station. So easy and convenient, by far one of the best recycling places I've been to!! Bring your ID on the first visit and then you just have to mention your name in the future. read more

My 1st time recycling for money and the experience was pretty painless. I went on a Friday around 1:30 and there was no line so I was in and out pretty quick. I explained it was my 1st time so they were nice and explained how it worked. I had all my bottles seperated already so it went quicker. They didn't take my liquor bottles, which was disappointing and they didn't pay me for my cans, but I am sure it was an accident and there weren't that many anyway, so make sure you get paid for all of your bottles. I would go there again but would like to find a place that takes liquor bottles if anyone knows of one. read more

We love these guys, especially the one who came out and help us unloaded our recycle cans, water bottle and beer bottles. He is very friendly and helpful. We want to say "thanks man!" One Earth Recycling is definitely the place we will recommend people to go and definitely the only recycle place we will go from now on. Awesome recycle place; great service and get pay, too. read more

This place is GREAT!! First time being here and the service was better than the previous recycle place I've been going too. This will be my only place from now on ill do my recycling! read more

This is my first Yelp review, and I gotta put in a good word for One Earth Recycling. Recycling is an old dirty business and this business model puts a new spin on it. They keep this place clean and the employees are great. They will answer any of your questions and help you with any questions you might have. They will also give you tips on how to get in and out of there fast and what recyclables actually have value. Free electronic drop off as well. Took a printer in the other day with no hassle. I was also able to donate a few dollars to the San Diego Zoo through the charity program. Awesome job guys. read more

Employees engaged and very helpful. Somewhat swift process. Great carts for loading up all your recyclables.

Not impressed with their customer service. Tried to call before lugging huge plasma TV. Phone was never answered. Get there and rudely told not accepted there. Change your message on the recording where you claim all TVs are taken. And people act like you love your job. It's a great service for the earth so i will always recycle. Maybe just find a more enthusiastic company. read more

Let me start by saying I'm a Vegan, tree hugging, cat cuddling hippie. So naturally recycling excites me. I previously lived in a small apartment where I attempted to compost and collect bottles in my kitchen. Obviously that didn't turn out well. So you can image my excitement when I moved to a house with a backyard: all the recycling possibilities! In addition to environmental benefits of recycling, you can make money! I have a big birthday event I'm planning so some extra funds would be helpful. After 2 months of collecting bottles I carefully looked at all the Yelp reviews for the highest rated recycling places in my location and decided upon this place. I was so excited to recycle by bottles, like a child going to Disney Land for the first time, only then the child realizes everything they dreamed about was a lie. I stood in line for 20 minutes and observed the inner workings of chaotic madness. It was filthy and t was filled with loud sounds of yelling and glass breaking. When I finally got to the front of the line they took my bags and put my aluninum and plastic in trash cans, dragged them off to the courner and didn't even weigh them! For the glass bottles they just counted them, threw them in a trash can and dragged it off without weighing it. the entire experience was dirty, loud, overwhelming and confusing. When I questioned why they were not weighing them, they just brushed me off. At the end they told me I had $20.00, but they forgot to count 2 of my bags. After they finished counting the remaining, they sent me over to the cashier and I was saddened, disheartened and frustrated to see only $2.50. I went back and questioned the employee who helped me he said he would get the manager. After a couple minutes the employee came back alone and informed me the manager said everything is fine and to leave. Although I had a horrible experience I still feel like I earned some Karma points for recycling all my bottles. I still recommend recycling bottles, just not at this location. read more

You can't knock the place for not giving you CRV reimbursement for cans and bottles with no CRV. Most alcohol bottles do not have a CRV fee when you buy them, so you can't expect any recycler to pay you for them. Be reasonable people. read more

It's 3:30 on Sunday. Why is a business that advertises being open 8-5 EVERY DAY not open? The business hours are inconvenient enough, but to not be open during posted hours? Lame. I want to save the earth, darn it! read more