If you are interested in applying to*, or learning more about, the Recology Artist in Residence Program, or if you have ever wondered what happens to the things you put in the blue, green, or trash bins in San Francisco then you'll want to join us for a tour!

*Attending The Recology Artist in Residence tour is a requirement for artists interested in applying to the Artist in Residence Program.

On this tour you will learn:

1. About Recology, how we help the City reduce landfill waste, and how to properly compost and recycle.

2. What happens to all the material placed into your curbside bins.

3. All about the Artist in Residence Program including requirements, expectations, and the resources provided to artists.

4. What past artists have created during their residency.

A few things you will see are:

1. The studios and in-progress work of current artists-in-residence.

2. The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.

3. The Public Reuse and Recycling Area (the dump), where artists scavenge

*This tour does NOT include a visit to Recycle Central at Pier 96 where bottles and cans are sorted.

Tour Requirements (please read carefully):

• All attendees must sign a release of liability form upon arrival. Children under 18 years of age must have a waiver signed by their legal parent or guardian in order to participate. 

• For safety reasons, tours are not allowed for children under nine years of age.

• Proper safety equipment (including hard hats, vests, and/or safety glasses) must be worn at all times. Recology will provide all safety equipment.

• Attendees must wear closed-toe, comfortable walking shoes (no sandals).

Please note:

• This tour is REQUIRED for artists interested in applying to the residency program. The Recology Public Tour will NOT fulfill this requirement.

• Tours may include a walk up three long flights of stairs and walking on uneven surfaces and hills.

• Certain areas of the facility may be extremely slippery.

• Tours involve loud noises, strong smells and dust.

• Tours may be cancelled or modified if it is raining.

• Tours take approximately two hours to complete; visitors must be able to complete the entire tour.
  

• If you are interested in visiting Recycle Central at Pier 96 please visit our Recology Public Tour page for more info. Saturday tours do not visit Recycle Central.

Are you a commercial business in San Francisco?

Please call 415-330-1300 to learn about tours offered specifically for commercial businesses in San Francisco including office buildings, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, shopping centers, and large commercial and residential properties. If you are a business located outside of San Francisco, or have a party of greater than five, please feel free to sign up on the Recology Public Tour.

School Field Trips:

Tours for San Francisco schools are scheduled through the San Francisco Department of the Environment. Applications for these free field trips are due in August of each school year. Please call (415) 355-3700 for more information. Additional school field trips are provided throughout the year based on availability.

Please note: we are unable to accommodate schools from outside of San Francisco at this time. Please refer to Stop Waste in Oakland, or ReThink Waste in San Carlos.

Private Tours and Special Interests:

Private tours may be offered for special interest groups, or for large groups with a minimum of 16 people. They are reserved on a first come, first served basis and dependent upon availability. Please call 415-330-9943 for more information.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Tour participants must be at least nine years old. 

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Only street parking is available at the Transfer Station, but is usually plentiful. The Caltrain stop is directly across the street. Check Saturday's schedule. 

What should I bring into the event?

Closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes, sneakers, or boots), a reusable water bottle, layers for the outdoor portion of the tour.

May I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please email Felisia Castaneda at FCastaneda@Recology.com with any questions.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. Just check in with one of our staff members upon arrival and fill out a waiver form. 

May I update my registration information?

Yes.