📜 A homeowner's guide to Alameda County's Waste Reduction and Recycling Ordinance

Mandatory recycling · composting · landfill bans · professional sorting

Alameda County is a statewide leader in waste reduction. The Waste Reduction and Recycling Ordinance mandates that residents and businesses recycle and compost specific materials, keeping them out of the landfill. Understanding these rules helps you stay compliant and supports the county's environmental goals. Professional junk removal services are trained to sort materials correctly. Save our my map for certified facilities and drop‑off locations.

Mandatory recycling

All recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, bottles, cans) must be separated from trash. Multi‑family properties must provide recycling bins.

Ordinance 2012-02

Mandatory composting (organics)

Food scraps, yard waste, and soiled paper are banned from landfill. Must be placed in green carts or taken to composting facilities.

SB 1383 compliance

Landfill bans

Materials banned include: recyclables, organics, electronics, mattresses, appliances, and hazardous waste. Violations can result in fines.

StopWaste rules

Key requirements of the ordinance

Recycling: All single‑family homes receive recycling carts. Apartments/commercial must have recycling service. Banned items: plastic bottles, aluminum cans, paper, cardboard.
Organics (SB 1383): California law requires 75% reduction of organic waste disposal. Alameda County enforces via mandatory composting of food scraps, yard waste, and food‑soiled paper.
Construction & demolition: Projects over $50,000 must divert at least 65% of debris (concrete, wood, metal).
Household hazardous waste: Paint, oil, batteries, electronics must go to county HHW facilities — never in trash.

Materials banned from Alameda County landfills

Recyclables

Organics

Electronics

Mattresses

Appliances

Hazardous waste

How professional sorting ensures compliance

junk removal crews are trained to separate materials on‑site or at transfer stations. They ensure:

Recyclables go to MRFs (material recovery facilities).
Organics are composted at facilities like Davis Street Transfer Station.
Electronics and appliances are sent to certified recyclers.
Hazardous items are safely diverted.

Alameda County's environmental goals

The county aims for 75% diversion from landfill by 2030. Current diversion rate is ~50%. Proper sorting of recyclables and organics is critical to reaching this target and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.

Use our my map to find recycling centers, composting drop‑offs, and HHW facilities near you.