What clients say about Ponce Recycling Center in Rancho San Diego (CA)
If you're having trouble finding it, enter the Del Mar Higlands Shopping Center from Townsgate road near the movie theater. Take an immediate right (away from the parking garage). It will be the small shed on your left about 500 ft down.
The center is helpful and quick if there isn't a line. My only complaint is that they're closed on Sundays.
Ponce Recycling has been great and it's close to my home, very convenient. Unfortunately, I went to recycle my cans/bottles this last Monday, 12/1/2025 and there was a very long wait to get help. There was a big truck there working with the large containers of recycling, loading and unloading. There was ONLY ONE attendant to help customers, and that attendant was not helping with the line of people, but working with the truck driver. All of us in line were waiting for at least 30-45 minutes to get any help. If detaining walk up customers is a regular thing on Monday mornings, there needs to be TWO attendants at this recycling center, one for working with the truck driver and one to help the customers...PERIOD.
Good luck finding it. I called twice to try to locate this place. “It’ behind Ralph’s” but after several attempts to find out how to get behind the Ralph’s I called back and was told to go “where the trucks go” (in my head, um duh where is that?). I asked again how and was told to go where the “delivery trucks go”. Now I’m angry and state “okay, obviously I am not going to find you and I’m angry. I will not make you deal with angry me so please in the future try to have better signage (none), better communication (limited) or fix the system. “Mmhm” was the response. Mine? “I can see you are going to hop right on that”. Was I out of line? Maybe, but this is in a very high end shopping center with lots of traffic. Do better.
The staff and manager at this recycling center are extremely friendly and helpful.
One important thing to note: when bringing PET bottles, do not remove the labels or tags—they must be returned with the labels intact.
The service is excellent, and the staff clearly explain the procedures.
I highly recommend this location to anyone looking for a smooth and pleasant recycling experience.
This little spot is chill. Prices are decent, it’s the nearest one near me. The customers are kind of rude tho, some white lady tried to cut me in line knowing I was there first. Worker is really fast tho! Props 🙌🏻💯
First time today at the new place .... very impressed. Over the years, the previous folks appeared to be disinterested, angry, part-time, etc. The man today was fabulous, got me in and out quickly and paid cash, not a chit to take to Ralph's. Dramatic improvement.
Wow what a difference from the old company! Super clean and the person working the center was so helpful.... We really need to support this business and keep them going.
The manager is very nice and professional. I used to come here before but the previous manager was horrible. With the new manager, now I can come here to recycle since it's close to my home. Alfredo helped me organized the different materials and explained to me the value of each item. Well done!
Alfredo is amazing! His super friendly and helpful attitude made the visit most enjoyable. What a positive experience! The process was very quick and efficient. Cleanest recycling location i have ever seen. Drove from Encinitas and will be coming back.
Brought a carload of recyclables here this afternoon. The young man there was very helpful in providing bins, in helping to segregate, was very pleasant to talk to. Overall a very good experience!
Its great to have the recycling center open! I didn't realize it reopened until recently and I am so glad I don't have to drive to the landfill recycling center. 👍
This Ponce Recycling Center location is small but gets the job done. Typically there is one employee only who is staffing it. If there is no line, you can get your recycling done pretty quickly. Otherwise, it may be a bit of a wait. The gentlemen who has been staffing it as of late has been friendly and helpful (we asked him some questions about recycling by weight vs by count). Also, since we usually do not sort our glass, plastic, and cans at home, it is nice that they have some large bins for you to sort your items at this recycling center. The only improvement that I would suggest is for them to reopen the recycling machines that used to be on the sides of this center as they allow you to recycle when the center is closed and still get money back as well as improve the speed when there is a line.
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