This is so convenient and they don't complain if my dad with dementia sometimes throws stuff into the recycling trash. They sort it, if I've thrown it in the wrong recycling container, and they let you throw your dirty trash bags in their trash can. 100% would recommend!
Zero Stars – Dishonest, Unprofessional, and Disrespectful (Update: 3/22/25)
Ponce Recycling Center continues to operate with blatant dishonesty and disregard for its customers. Today, I brought in 50 aluminum cans, yet the employee counting them initially claimed I had only 48. When I insisted on a recount, he suddenly “found” the missing two. However, when I went to collect my payment, the employee printing the receipt attempted to shortchange me again—only correcting the amount after I pointed out that the count had already been verified. Instead of offering any apology, he threw the money at my face in a blatant act of disrespect.
Adding to the unacceptable behavior, the employees openly cursed at me in Spanish, assuming I wouldn’t understand. Unfortunately for them, I did. Their conduct was completely unprofessional and appalling.
Meanwhile, I watched as the customer before me was able to redeem a dish soap bottle—an item that is not eligible for CRV—without any issue. It was clear that special treatment was given to select individuals while others were treated with hostility and dishonesty.
Beyond the scamming, the employees were indifferent to their actual work, spending more time watching videos on their phones and raking leaves than assisting customers. When approached with questions, they conveniently “didn’t understand” English—until they were speaking with someone they favored.
This business operates without integrity, and I strongly advise taking your recyclables elsewhere to avoid being cheated, disrespected, and subjected to their disgraceful conduct.
Zero Stars If I Could – Absolutely Terrible! (Original Post: 2/22/25)
Ponce Recycling Center is the worst recycling place I’ve ever been to. The workers make up their own rules, shortchange customers, and act like they’re doing you a favor by giving back the CRV you already paid at the store. Every time I go, they reduce the amount of recyclables I bring in, while openly helping their friends and family by accepting things like yogurt containers and bean cans—things that aren’t even eligible for CRV.
To make things worse, they’re some of the laziest workers I’ve ever seen. Instead of tending to the line of paying customers, they either sit in the back, rake leaves, or just stare at their phones watching videos. This isn’t a one-time thing—it happens every single time I come. And if you try to ask a question? Suddenly, they don’t understand English. But the second their friends show up, they’re miraculously fluent again.
If I could give zero stars, I would. If you want to be ignored, underpaid, and frustrated beyond belief, then Ponce Recycling Center is the place for you. Otherwise, do yourself a favor and take your business somewhere else.
I have gone to this place a couple of years now. It's usually pretty quick if you have your plastic and cans separated before you get there. They load the barrels, then they weigh them, and then they pay you cash. I like this better. Before you got a ticket and had to go into Ralph's to get the money. The men working there are very nice. I would recommend this place.
I would have been nice have a phone on your web look up. What is that hours may be affected on Labor DAY. Just put you are closed. Instead wasting people’s time. Also post sign that you are closed.
This location was suggested by the person manning the Ponce place on Mustang Run behind Ralph's when that one was not accepting anything due to a broken piece of equipment. It's located at the far end of the parking lot behind the Mission Viejo Elk's Lodge on Marguerite Parkway. It was fairly busy between 4 and 5 pm with several cars, a fully loaded pickup, and a couple of SUVs. I waited in line about 40 minutes, a large portion of which was to weigh the 10 barrels of glass bottles brought in by that pickup. Some of the patrons helped with loading and moving barrels from vehicles to the waiting line to speed things along somewhat. There were two young men weighing and paying so all in all, it wasn't as bad as it might have been.
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