# Recology vs SFPL

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Recology at 540 against SFPL's 50. Recology also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.0 for Recology against 4.0 for SFPL. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Recology has 540 ratings behind it against 50, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 23% of Recology's written reviews are positive against 28% of SFPL's.

Recology ships an update every 3 months, SFPL every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Recology | SFPL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (540 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recology/id914373771/reviews) | **[4.0 (50 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sfpl/id952828394/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **540** | 50 |
| Positive reviews | 23.4% of reviews | **27.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 82 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Recology](https://appshunter.io/developer/728120985) | [San Francisco Public Library](https://appshunter.io/developer/1591076880) |

## What reviewers say

### Recology

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/recology/id914373771)

Access your garbage and recycling collection schedules and receive timely reminders. Stay informed about your waste and recycling pickups directly from your device.

**Highlights:** View garbage schedule, View recycling schedule, Collection notifications, Waste pickup reminders

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Useful reminder for trash pickup
- 🔍 Helpful for sorting and identifying recyclables
- 🗓️ Provides holiday schedule updates

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Address lookup not working
- 🗓️ Inaccurate holiday pickup schedule
- 📱 Limited functionality compared to website
- 🔍 Incomplete database of items to recycle

**Reported bugs**

- App crashing after address entry
- Calendar not showing pickup details
- Bulky item pickup booking not working

**Requested features**

- Ability to pay bills through the app
- Option to order new trash/recycle bins
- Indicator for recycling vs. green waste pickup weeks
- More detailed information on proper item disposal


### SFPL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sfpl/id952828394)

Access your local library's catalog from your mobile device. Browse new releases, manage holds, renew borrowed items, and discover upcoming events. Plan your library visits with ease, all from your pocket.

**Highlights:** Browse new titles and recommendations, Place and manage holds, Renew checked out materials, Plan library visits, See upcoming events

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Recology free?

Recology is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SFPL free?

SFPL is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Recology or SFPL?

SFPL is rated higher. Recology averages 4.0 out of 5 from 540 ratings, while SFPL averages 4.0 from 50 ratings.

### Do Recology or SFPL have ads?

Neither Recology nor SFPL shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Recology or SFPL?

Recology ships an update every 3 months, and SFPL every 4 months. Most recently, Recology was updated on October 22, 2026 and SFPL on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*