City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility Public Tours
City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility Public Tours
Fridays 10am-1pm, June 12-August 14
Free Public Tours of the City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility are here. Don’t miss this educational community favorite activity!
Register here.
Summer Public Tours Are Back!
- Public Tours of the Resource Recovery Facility will be offered every Friday at 10 AM from June 12th through August 14th, 2026.
- A single Saturday will also be offered on July 25th. Out of consideration for others, please only sign up on Saturday if Fridays are not an option for you. Come join us!
- Get ready to discover the journey your recycling and food scraps take—and see firsthand how your actions make a difference!
- Visitors will see what happens to the 30 to 50 tons of material that Santa Cruzians place into their blue recycle bins every single day. We will also learn why it is important to “recycle right” avoid “wish-cycling” and why we can’t relay on a triangle and a blue bin any more. Visitors will see a mountain of scrap metal, learn about the facility’s Household Hazardous Waste Program, and see the Food Scrap Pre-Processor Machine. Don’t miss out on this chance to become a waste reduction pro!
- Tours are limited to 20 people. Children must be at least 8 years old. Youth ages 8 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited.
- Pre-registration is required. Registration closes 48 hours before the tour date. No Drop-Ins.
Safety Notice:
- This tour includes stairs and standing/walking for approximately 45 minutes.
- On this tour, you may be exposed to loud noises, dust, or tight spaces.
- Please note that this is a working industrial facility with potential hazards, and your safety is our top priority.
- Please wear closed-toe sturdy shoes and long pants.
- We will provide safety vests, eye protection, ear protection, and hard hats.
- Please inform City staff before your tour date if you will need accommodations.
