Recycling Programs

Big Bear Disposal provides comprehensive recycling programs to meet the needs of residents and businesses. Our services include weekly curbside recycling pickup, convenient Clean Bear Drop-Off Sites, and a Buy-Back Center that offers cash redemption for California Redemption Value (CRV) containers. These programs make it easy for the community to reduce waste and recycle responsibly.

Our Clean Bear sites accept a wide variety of recyclable materials, including.

Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, office paper, and cardboard.

Bottles and containers labeled #1 through #7.

Beverage and food containers (rinsed, no lids).

Aluminum cans, tin cans, foil, and empty aerosol cans.

Our Buy-back Center returns cash for food and beverage containers that are part of the California Redemption Value program including:

• Redeemable plastic beverage containers such as water bottles
• Redeemable glass beverage containers such as wine, spirits, beer and soft drink bottles
• Redeemable aluminum beverage containers

Check with the Big Bear Disposal Recycling Redemption Center to learn what is redeemable. To avoid contamination, please do not place food waste, plastic bags, or non-recyclable items in your recycling cart.

Recycling with Big Bear Disposal is simple and efficient. Follow these steps to ensure proper recycling:

Rinse food containers to remove most residue and flatten cardboard boxes for easier storage.

Keep recyclable items such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals separate from the rest of your trash.

Place recyclables in your blue recycling cart that is part of regular collection service for curbside collection

Bring them to a Clean Bear Drop-Off Site or to our Buy-back Center

In addition to curbside collection, the community can also access these additional recycling locations

Big Bear Disposal operates two drop-off locations exclusively for City of Big Bear Lake residents (ZIP code 92315). These sites accept recyclables, green waste, and household refuse. Proof of residency is required.

These drop-off facilities have bins designated for household refuse, recycling, green/yard waste, E-waste, universal waste and ashes only. Ashes must be soaked for a minimum of 48 hours prior to disposal.

Clean Bear Site #1 – 92315 Residents Only
41790 Garstin Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Open Daily

Clean Bear Site #2 – 92315 Residents Only
39690 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Open Daily

Note: To use the Clean Bear Sites, visitors must show proof of eligibility. Accepted documents include a photo ID, utility bill, car registration, property documents (like a mortgage statement, lease, or tax bill), or a rental contract for visitors staying at a City of Big Bear Lake residential property.

Located at 41970 Garstin Drive, the Buy-Back Center provides cash redemption for CRV-eligible containers, including plastic, aluminum, and glass. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a lunch closure from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hours:

Tuesday – Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Closed for lunch: 11:30 to 12:30

Sunday & Monday: Closed

By participating in Big Bear Disposal’s recycling programs, you help reduce waste, conserve resources, and join the movement toward a more Sustainable Big Bear.