Resource Recovery Facility Centennial
Celebrating 100 Years of Keeping Santa Cruz Clean
In 2026, the City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility is celebrating 100 years of service to the community.
Over the past century, the facility has evolved from a local landfill into a modern resource recovery operation focused on public health, environmental protection, recycling, waste reduction, and long-term planning.
Throughout the centennial year, we will share stories, photos, and behind-the-scenes looks at the people, programs, equipment, and infrastructure that help keep Santa Cruz clean and sustainable.
Watch the Centennial Campaign Kickoff Video
Help Us Tell the Story
Do you have historic photos of the landfill, recycling operations, collection trucks, employees, or special events?
We invite you to share them as part of the centennial celebration. Submitted photos and stories may be featured on the City’s website, social media, newsletters, and other campaign materials.
Submit Historic Photos
A Century of Change
The Resource Recovery Facility has changed significantly since operations began in 1926. New technologies, environmental standards, recycling programs, specialized equipment, and stronger regulations have transformed the way materials are collected, processed, recovered, and disposed of.
More Than a Landfill
Many people know the Resource Recovery Facility as the City landfill or dump, but its role extends far beyond waste disposal.
Resource recovery services include:
- Trash, recycling, and organics collection.
- Recycling and material recovery programs.
- Food scrap and yard waste diversion.
- Household hazardous waste disposal.
- Street sweeping and litter reduction.
- Environmental monitoring and protection.
- Long-term landfill planning and management.
Together, these services help protect public health, conserve resources, reduce waste, and safeguard the local environment.
The People Behind the Service
Resource recovery services depend on a dedicated team of collection drivers, equipment operators, mechanics, technicians, environmental staff, customer service representatives, and support employees.
Their work includes collecting materials throughout the city, operating and maintaining specialized equipment, managing facility systems, supporting customers, meeting regulatory requirements, and planning for the future.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout Santa Cruz every day.
Protecting the Environment
Operating a modern Resource Recovery Facility requires multiple systems and daily practices designed to protect the environment.
These include:
- Landfill gas and methane management.
- Stormwater and water quality protection.
- Environmental monitoring.
- Vegetation and land management.
- Household hazardous waste collection.
- Recycling, reuse, and waste diversion programs.
The facility is also located within a larger environmental landscape near protected open space, coastal habitat, Wilder Ranch State Park, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Responsible operations help protect the natural resources that surround the site.
Follow the Centennial Campaign
Centennial stories and behind-the-scenes content will be shared throughout the year.
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