Amazing service and local. Went and handled some recycling we had and came away with knowledge of the industry and how to handle the situation well. read more

Greetings to all, this is not my first time to this recycling center; let's see how it went today: Parking is street side only and everyone in the same line. We're all dumping goods into the empty bins and waiting in the same long lines, service is ok. The value of what we present is completely at the mercy of the scale master; it must be challenging to look and get weights correctly at all times. Thanks to Zarc for being the only recycling center in our area read more

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Here's a stronger version that remains focused on your experience and avoids making claims that can't be verified. If I could give this place zero stars, I would. I had a very disappointing experience at Zara Recycling in South San Francisco. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was being treated unfairly. When I handed the employee my ID, he wouldn't even take it from my hand. He immediately started complaining about the water bottles I brought in and carefully inspected them because they had a small amount of water residue left inside. What frustrated me most was that I saw other customers with bottles in similar condition, and nothing was said to them. This isn't the first time I've felt singled out at this location. My dad has also had negative experiences here and has been treated unfairly as well. I tried to calmly explain my side of the situation, but instead of listening, the manager/owner was extremely rude and wouldn't let me speak. When I told them I would be leaving a review about my experience, the situation only got worse. Another woman came outside yelling at me, and I was ultimately banned from the recycling center. I understand that every business has rules, and I have no problem following them. What I do have a problem with is being treated disrespectfully and differently from other customers. Everyone deserves to be treated with fairness and professionalism. I almost believe they were being racist against my dad! Not to mention the lady from the office came in and started pointing her fingers at my dad and started yelling at me! Wouldn't even comprehend anything I was trying to explain to her! Based on my experience, I would not recommend this recycling center. I hope management takes a serious look at how customers are treated because no one should have to go through an experience like this. Worst company ever would not go back! read more

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I think some people may expect too much from a recycling center. In my experience, this place is perfectly good for what it is. I haven't had any negative experiences here. It can get busy, so be prepared to wait at times, but the staff handles a large volume efficiently. They accept a wide variety of items, and the process is straightforward and easy to work with. Overall, I've found it to be a convenient and reliable place for recycling. read more

Zarc Recycling can get busy at times, and there may be a line. When it's crowded, things can feel a little disorganized with the number of people trying to recycle, but the actual process is still easy and moves fairly quickly. The staff are knowledgeable, polite, and helpful, which makes the experience better even during peak times. They offer fair rates for recyclable items and pay you on the spot. They also accept larger items, though there is a fee for those, which is clearly explained. Overall, it's a straightforward and reliable place to recycle electronics if you're looking for fair pricing and efficient service. read more

This is a very convenient facility and well organized for processing recycling for cash.

It's pretty fast even though you think it eill take long for parking. Guy there is good getting cars parked.

Busy place. Pretty efficient Have plenty of big. Containers to put all your glass, cans and plastic into

Fast service; if you are a beginner, you need to hand over your ID for them to enter in the system. after the cans and bottles are weighed, walk to the cashier's area and sign the receipt and then she hands you the money. read more

Very friendly staff working and keeping facilities very organized and clean. Access is controlled and only allows cars that can accommodate the limited parking lot. 2 lines available once you ready to get weighed in. Make sure you have your ID available as they require it for processing. It's better to have your cans and plastic organized and separated so you are not holding up other people who are ready to go. Once you are weighed in, you will receive a receipt with itemized list of your items and amounts. You then take that receipt and go to window counter w your ID and get cash on the spot. $67 for me today. Not bad at all! read more

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Great location. Great prices. Great service. Only problem is lining up on the street. It does cause a traffic congestion. Otherwise, it's great. read more

Don't people recycle anymore? Why are these places going out of business? It took forever to find a recycling center and this one was a drive through with a very long wait. It took me 45 minutes to try and save the environment, and that's just to get a parking space! It was another half an hour wait in their long line just to recycle my water bottles and get $10. If it weren't for the environment, this would not be worth it. They should open up more centers! read more

Zarc Recycling - Recycling Center Near Me - South San Francisco, California

I go to Zarc's to recycle cans and plastic bottles. It's pretty smooth once you get into the parking lot. Throw them in a bin they provide, line up to weigh everything - bring your ID - and get paid. The wait in line for parking can get crazy so I go on off hours. Usually weekdays around lunchtime is not bad. Happy recycling! read more

Well organized! A short wait to get in. Once in, they process us very rapidly. Friendly and business like. This was our 4 time here. read more

There are always a line of cars. Always busy, but the staff definitely try to keep the traffic flowing. I usually take scrap metal that I can find and take there when I have some spare time. If you have a "Handicap" placard you can actually come up to the front of the line and the staff will wave you in because the lot has one spot designated for "handicap" placards. I believe they are allow 8-9 cars in the lot at a time. They use to enforce wearing the mask especially when the pandemic was going on. But once California has lifted the restrictions, masks are not necessary for the customer. Though the staff are all wearing theirs. If it's your first time coming here to recycle. They have plastic bins to put your recyclables and if you have metal they have carts to put them on to roll over to the scale. And show them your Driver's License or California ID so they can add you into their system. Once you are done weighing all the materials, walk over to the window and give them your ID. They will have a print out of the weights and pay you out the amount. Pretty smooth operations. read more

I was given an old safe that I thought was in good condition but it ended up being damaged and needed a place to get ride of it. I called around but no place took it but this place accepted it. I went the next morning but expect a line. A lot of ppl scrip off a lot of items. read more

First time to this place and it was more organized than other places I've been--there's an area to sort your recycles, plenty of bins available for sorting; separate line for weigh-in/redemption (at least on my visit) line. On my visit, no one was sorting their recycles while waiting in the weigh-in line, as I have experienced--they were all off to the side. There were 2 people processing so it was moving pretty quickly too. Small parking lot, sometimes a short wait for a space, not bad. Hard to say what it would be like on a regular day and not during the holidays. Good well, run operation--I would definitely return. read more

I wasn't exactly a fan of this location. I know they mean well but the line is outside the location and backed up into the street. They tell you where to go to park but then leave you to your own devices to figure out what to do from there. I was unsure if the different trash cans meant glass or plastic etc or if it was all the same. I also didn't realize you had to go to one line 1st to weigh it and THEN go to get the cash. this should all have made it faster, but it didn't. While I liked how close this place was to where I needed to be, the process could be a lot more smooth with some signage. read more

Very quick, efficient and pleasant. I was in and out within 10 minutes. Recommend Zara recycling. read more

This place recycle everything from electronic parts, metal material from a house, wiring, glass bottles, water bottles, plastic jugs, and yakult bottles. Be prepared for traffic since there's only limited parking spaces inside the complex. When I found this place through Yelp, I was definitely skeptical of this location because of parking, the uncertainty of how long I have to wait and will there be enough plastic barrels to go around for the rest of the customers to use. Since the other recycling places had closed this down, this location seemed to be it that definitely does the job of. Patience is definitely a key from eating for park, to loading up own bottles etc to huge barrels and drag it yourself to the weighing station then head to the next window to get paid. I honestly don't remember if they pay more compare to the other sites but I'm glad I was able to get rid my recycling stuff that I've save for a whole. As far covid precautions, the staff wear mask, gloves, they have protected see though wall that you can see the staff working in the other side as well as the cashiers. My suggestions will be wear your own protective gear, gloves and most importantly hand sanitizer since there's no place for hand washing. read more

Excellent place to recycle. When you get in, park in a spot, grab a bin and fill it up by type. Pull the bin to your perspective line. It's fully self service. Guys are friendly and will help if you ask. Once your bin has been weighed they tell you to go to the window and basically get paid. It is best to separate and arrange your recycle before going to make it easier for you to load. read more

Arrived at 10:18 am on Saturday morning, there were a bunch of people filling the buckets already. I only had one bucket, and luckily the guy in front of me was still filling up his buckets so he let me went first. The staff asked for my ID, weight my bucket, I head to the cashier office which was a few steps away, and I got paid! The whole process was under 5 mins. The operation was so efficient! Keep in mind that they do parking control here, meaning they only allow a number of cars going in to the parking lot. read more

For the location I will give them the stars, customer service zero, rude ass workers especially the person weighing the matirials... signs say 1 price they give something different. I probably won't come back here I will try the sf sercostas... just further away... but might get better price for my scrap! read more

Great place to take a recycling I recommend going in the middle of the day not towards the end or when they open because it's always a huge line they're always accommodating read more

First time here after the bankruptcy and closure of RePlanet to recycle CA CRV bottles and cans. Operation was efficient, workers were helpful. I waited about 5-7 minutes for a parking space to open up on a Friday afternoon, then was done and out with cash payment in hand in about 15 minutes! You will get a professional invoice detailing the weights of what you brought in, the price/lb and the total paid. Be aware that you will need to show a photo ID at the weigh station and when you collect your payment. read more

It's been a while since I did recycling because of this location. Great setup and workers, but the new Chinese owner is a jerk! I would've given them 5 stars but that jerk owner was telling me a few PET 1 Salad plastic trays can't be recycled and threatened to charge me trash fees if I don't take them back into my car saids it all! I explained to him that they took them the last time I was there, he was telling me No no no! (He even monitored me to make sure that I took them with me.). Even the people going there for recycling were nicer than him! I am sorry but I won't give Business to jerks! read more

zarc is a typical metal recycling place. The employees are very helpful and very nice guys too. They could not have been more helpful! They would not let me pick up anything heavy and they did it all for me so i wouldnt get my dress dirty, thank you so much guys! I felt VERY WELCOMED at zarc and will continue to recycle my scrap metals here, some of the guys even complimented me on how i looked! So nice of you all! I will definitely be back! read more

Today was my first time coming here. It took awhile to find, but thanks to Maps on my iPhone, I found it! This place is definitely organized! I used to go to RePlanet Recycling on Westlake, Daly City, but since the place closed down... Zarc accepts plastic, aluminum, glass, even metals. Not to mention, they don't give you a receipt that you cash in, but they send you to receive your money. read more

The times I've gone to Zarc were OK; however, today was the worst experience. I was the first to arrive in front of the entrance at 7:20AM and right before they opened, at least 5 vehicles were waiting behind me. About 10 minutes before open, two people went in through the back, which there is a sign that says, "Exit only", yet no surprise they likely don't understand English and don't care others like myself waited a while at the main entrance. Once the place opened, I complained to one employee, who played the whole "I no speak English" and got the nerve to roll his eyes as I was talking. With the exception to Lourdes, who was working at the cashier area and told she would forward this issue to the person in charge, the staff were ignorant and can't even comply in telling the ones that sneaked in their way from the other side not to enter. Suggestion to train these employees better customer service and should have an acting supervisor on hand, which the employee said there was no one around. This is complete BS knowing there should be one person in charge when the place opens. A note in speaking to others, this isn't the first time this happens, where people sneak in first in part because they've someone related working there. Thank you for doing a disservice to the community in cheating out those that are complying in waiting at the main entrance and hope your happy in making your revenue for the day!!! Would give a negative 5 but guess one star is the best I can post. read more

My son has been collecting cans, plastic bottles and glass bottles for the past 4 months. Just a few days ago I helped him separate them all into garbage bags to take to recycling. I did some research on places where we can take them besides SF. I read some reviews on Zarc and how easy it is. We came here on a Wednesday, waited in line in my car for about 5 mins. (2 cars ahead of me) parked, grabbed 4 plastic garbage bins and unloaded my car. In and out in less than 10 mins. We bought disposable gloves, so right after we collected our money we threw the gloves away sanitized our hands and off we went. We will be using this place from now on! And I was able to get rid of my huge cardboard box! read more

Awesome recycling place, helpful and easy access. I will totally recommend this place for metal, bottles and more.

Super kind staff. The place was pretty packed and they were able to keep the line moving along with everyone. It was in the middle of the day on a Friday when I went the line go so long out of the parking lot that traffic started to build up. They take almost anything that can be recycled and give a great detailed invoice of what you recycle. Make sure you have an ID on you to collect your cash. read more

Zarc Recycling - List of what they buy - Recycling Center Near Me - South San Francisco, California

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Not bad place to go to return your bottles for refunds. Just be careful of running over any other recycling items in the driveways.

Shakespeare introduced the phrase, "Wild goose chase," and my attempt to recycle all kinds of bottles brought it to light! (Grin) Indeed it turned out to be "A tedious uncertain pursuit, like the following a flock of wild geese, who are remarkably shy." It started a couple of weeks ago, when I googled NexCycle. I found a few NexCycle centers as well as a RePlanet listed and off I drove with a full trunk. Much to my dismay, about 8 of them, in a 50 mile radius, were either closed or did not exist (at the times the site said they would be open for business). Then I Yelped recycling bottles, and found a few where I live. Of course, it should get easy noo!? Not really. I drove to the Recology recycling center in San Francisco. They don't do business on Mondays, which I'm glad about cause 2mins in their parking lot almost made me cringe - the stench, oh my god, the odor....yikes! This place is Trash Heaven. Almost at the end of my tether, ready to give up, on a hot day, I called Zarc just to make sure they were open and that they did exist as Yelp said. Wowwee!!! A young lady answered the ph, told me to bring my treasure :) Ok, so!!! Before you arrive at Zarc, here's what you should do: 1. Take the caps off the plastic water bottles. 2. Sort the beer bottles by color 3. Sort the CRV bottles. 4. Make sure you keep the labels 5. All other bottles that have a refund value, sort and categorize them separately. 6. Wear LOTS of sunscreen (if its a hot, sunny day). 7. Carry Purell and wet wipes 8. A face mask would certainly help 9. A hiking hat would help too 10. Wear comfortable clothes cause this is work (only if you have TONS of bottles to recycle!) Once the basics are in place, it's easy breezy...... Park you car to the left of the entry gate, walk towards the gate and pick up industrial size trash cans, lug your treasure on a dolly to the right of the gate. Wait in line for your turn. For a first timer, you will be asked for your DL as proof of ID (splendid precautionary measure)!!!!! They weigh the stuff, and ask you to head to the cash counter. The staff are kind, attentive, and helpful. One staff member helped me sort cans as I had them slightly mixed up! Once you walk up to the cash counter, they ask again for your DL - they print out a very clear invoice, detailing the bottles, the value, the weight etc. AWESOMENESS! Voila....you're good to go! Aside, they accept all kinds of metal scrap, cardboard, electronics etc. Recycle! read more

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This place often has a line because parking is limited but it's worth the wait because the recycling process is easy. It's not the cleanest but that's to be expected, they handle large volumes of almost any plastic and metal. read more

I honestly don't know that there's much to say. They make it so easy to turn in your recycling. Will always go back to Zarc!

I've been here a few times now since the recycle place near us closed. It's very easy and the staff are helpful. They even took my wrought iron banister I needed to get rid of. It was only .02 cents a pound but I didn't have to pay to have it dumped and I like everything there is recycled. I even saw people dropping off old pots and pans. I also took a few broken TVs; they don't pay you it again I didn't have to pay and it's going to be recycled. Win. Win. read more

Since most of the recycling places are now closed or closing. It was great to find Zarc Recycling. It's cleaner than most recycling facilities and they take your standard clear/green/brown glass, aluminum, plastic, etc. The staff is helpful and friendly. The process is fairly seamless and quick. Would highly recommend visiting this facility for your recycling needs. read more

It's now 17 minutes past Zarc's opening time and what's frustrating as me and other people are noticing they've got people in there already who are recycling they must've come in the back way so that's disappointing because we've been sitting here for over an hour freezing because we don't wanna waste gas and still waiting for Zack to open read more

One of the very few places to recycle. Long lines sometimes, pretty dirty place. Does what it's supposed to do and most of the workers are nice read more