This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
Next Generation Recycling in Orange, CA draws polarized reviews. Strengths: a courteous, hands-on attendant (often praised as Frank), fair payouts, and quick processing when open; friendly, hardworking staff is the clear highlight. Weaknesses: inconsistent/early closures, a set lunch break, occasional system downtime, limited capacity (bins/glass), sparse signage, and long Saturday lines tied to a one-person setup; unreliable hours and waits are common gripes. Weekdays are smoother; confirm hours before you go. No parts inventory to judge. Overall 67/100.
Brought a load of recycling by today without realizing that they changed their hours a few weeks ago so they now close at 2 PM on Fridays. The young man who works there had just closed up and he let me know about the new hours. Even still, he was nice enough to open the place back up and quickly process the load I brought! What a fantastic guy! Thanks so much!
came by 40 mins before closed and to my dismay. upon my arrival. the door was closed and so I knocked like anyone else would with their car reeking of recyclables. only to say his system is down. this isn’t the first time this has happened. guy is so lazy. don’t waste your time here. go somewhere else.
Awful customer service. Came here at 12:45 and all my recycling organized. The dude has lunch at 1 and tells me he can’t help me until 1:30 ? I explain I came outta my way to come here at this time because it wasn’t busy. Please GO SOMEWHERE ELSE !
This is a one person operation so when that person does not show up for whatever the reason or is late then you are sol. Also it is very busy at times and if he does not have the room to take glass then that is a problem. But he is honest and works hard. And I would like to see the place opened earlier also.
The guys working here are nice and helpful. There is always a line here on Saturdays. Even if the line isn't that long it can still take over 30 minutes. If possible, I would suggest going here on a weekday. But keep in mind they are closed on Wednesdays and also for lunch from 1pm to 1:30pm everyday.
Staff is really nice here. However, staff does not stick to the hours posted and that is very frustrating. More than once I’ve packed my car full of recyclables, driven down to this place, just to find it closed even when it’s supposed to be open. Then I have to go home and unload my car until I have time to do it all over again. Super frustrating.
First off the hours on google are wrong and do not match what it said on goggle. I arrived when it said it was open and it wasnt. I asked inside the liquor store it’s in front of about it and I was told they were opening at one and I arrived at about 1:10 and waited the line there was a long the wall of the liquor store and it took til 1:40 for the guy to finally get there and begin processing the recycling. So I waited for half and hour after two trips to get what I did get, would advice somewhere else for your recycling needs.
Saved up all of my bottles to get there and there be absolutely no direction. Well past when the scheduled lunch period is and yet there was not an employee to be seen. There was no one to greet you, no one to tell you what to do with your bags of bottles. People were just waiting, sweating in the hot sun, with their bags and bags of bottles with no clue when or if they would ever be helped. No signs to help.
The young man who operates this facility. Is informative and patient. I don’t come often. I really appreciate how kind and respectful he is. I am 87. I learn something new every time I come. I don’t know his name but he his definitely a keeper. I hope he gets paid well for all his hard work.
Apparently doesn't have capacity to collect recycling items. Went today, Sunday at noon, was told to come back on Monday at 9 am. Good location, but no ability to serve the customers.
Dude that works there is cool and when I had to drag around an oxygen tank the employee helped me drag my bags of bottles all the way up to the scale from where I was standing. I wasn't far but I wasn't close either.
We have been coming here for months to recycle CRV -- cans, plastic bottles, and glass. It's a small operation, but the guy who runs it is kind and patient with my 12yo, who uses the money earned for her spending money. A few weeks ago, Next Generation was closed early (they had a damaged bin or something like that and couldn't accept any more recycling). So, we took my daughter's recycling up to a place off of Lincoln. She had twice as much material as she typically does and they gave her less money. I think that operation, though it is a lot larger, just isn't as fair and personable as Next Generation. We won't go anywhere else now.
You have a employee in Frank.
Each time I am there or passing by the location. He keeps himself busy; organized, sweeping, helpful and polite.
God Bless his efforts, as he gives of himself; as a devoted employee, reaching out to patrons in his daily tasks, and our environment.
Thank you Frank, blessings & prayers !
Frank is nice, positive, efficient. Even if there are lines or it’s hot, he still asks how you’re doing and moves as quick as he can. Hope he gets recognized because he deserves it!
Horrible experience! Referring to the hours on the website, I went at 12:20 since their break time is 1-1:30. The guy told me he was going on his lunch break and was closed. Went back today at 3 (website says open until 5) only to find a sign saying that they are closed and will open again tomorrow!
When I got here it was closed and I showed up a half an hour before closing time. I called right before and no one answered. I should have know. But if you decide to change your hours please notify Google maps. Cause honestly this extra cash really ruined my night.
This guy who works here is very honest and so hardworking! He was closing and stayed to take 3 more customer's bags. I just want to say this is the place will recycle from now on!
Great place to take your business and get a friendly smile from there. They're always working a fast paste then sometimes you get an extra help when you bring a large load. Best place in the OC for a fair exchange of your business.
The workers just get up and take breaks anytime even when there is a line of people waiting, as I have witnessed.
They also close early on any given day despite their posted hours saying they are open.
Closed friday? Says who?
Worst service available.
They have posted hours of business however the last 4 times I have gone they are closed, even though it is within the time they have posted that they are open. This is no way to run a business!!
I won't try here anymore!!!
This used to be my go-to recycling place when I used to live in Tustin Ranch. It's in an OK spot near liquor store the parking is usually okay. They get the job done just fine and are better than most recycling places as far as customer service.
You don't get as much as u would going to a big recycling center or one you put in one by one but very convenient and the guys that work there are really nice and helpful I'm in a wheelchair and they always rush to come help me they are great !!!!!
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