A quick guide to what goes in your curbside bins. Most rules are the same across Alameda County, but some items vary by city. Use the RE:Source Guide to check your city's specific rules.
Compost
Food scraps, food-soiled paper & plant waste — same in every city.
YES:
- Food scraps (all types)
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Food-soiled paper (napkins, paper towels)
- Yard trimmings
- Leaves and grass clippings
NO:
- Plastic bags (even "compostable" ones in most cities)
- Pet waste
- Diapers
- Treated wood
Recycling
Paper, flattened cardboard, bottles, cans & jars — same in every city.
YES:
- Paper and cardboard (flattened)
- Bottles and cans (empty, rinsed)
- Glass jars (lids removed)
- Plastic containers #1-7 (empty, rinsed)
- Aluminum foil and pans (clean)
NO:
- Plastic bags and film
- Styrofoam
- Food-contaminated items
- Electronics, batteries, or hazardous waste
- Tanglers (hoses, cords, chains)
Landfill
All garbage, including plastic bags & wrap, plastic-lined paper, and to-go containers
YES:
- Non-recyclable plastics
- Chip bags and candy wrappers
- Broken ceramics and dishware
- Styrofoam
- Pet waste and diapers
NO:
- Hazardous waste (batteries, paints, electronics)
- Textiles and clothing
- Construction debris
Accordion
Items That Vary by City
Some everyday items have different rules depending on your city. <a href="https://resource.stopwaste.org/">Search RE:Source</a> for your city's specific answer.
Plastic clamshells, to-go containers, and disposable cups are recycling in about half of Alameda County cities and garbage in the other half. This is one of the biggest sources of confusion countywide. Search RE:Source for your city.
Clean, non-greasy pizza boxes go in recycling in about half the county and compost in the other half. Greasy pizza boxes generally go in the green bin everywhere.
Plastic egg cartons are nearly a 50/50 split — recycling in some cities, garbage in others. Paper egg cartons always go in recycling.
Metal lids from glass jars are split almost evenly between recycling and garbage across the county. Check RE:Source for your city.
Paper bags are a three-way split: most cities say compost, some say recycling, and a few accept them in either bin. Check your city's rules.
Shredded paper goes in the compost bin in most cities. A few cities put it in recycling instead.
Waxed cardboard (like some produce boxes) goes in compost in most cities, but several cities say garbage. It doesn't go in recycling.
Juice boxes and broth cartons are garbage in most cities, but some accept them in recycling. The coating makes them tricky to process.
Plastic plant pots go in the garbage in most cities, but several accept them in recycling. Check RE:Source before tossing them.
Common Mistakes
"Wish-cycling"
Putting items in recycling hoping they'll be recycled often causes more harm than good. When in doubt, throw it out (in the garbage).
Empty and Rinse Containers
Food residue contaminates recycling. A quick rinse or wipe is enough — they don't need to be spotless.
No Plastic Bags or Film in Recycling
Plastic bags jam sorting equipment. Return them to grocery store collection bins instead. Plastic bags guide
Keep It Loose
Don't bag your recyclables. Put items directly in the bin.
Items That Don't Go in Bins
These items require special disposal:
- Batteries — HHW facility or curbside in clear bag. Guide
- Electronics — HHW facility. Guide
- Paint — HHW facility or PaintCare retailer. Guide
- Clothing/Textiles — Donation or textile recycling. Guide
- Large items — Bulky pickup from your hauler. Guide
- Medications — Pharmacy drop-off kiosks. Guide
Call to Action
Not Sure Where Something Goes?
Search the RE:Source Guide to find recycling, donation, and disposal options for any item in Alameda County.