The Agency is a national leader in pursuing effective solutions that reduce the waste of material and other natural resources.
Leadership requires innovative ideas, advanced technology, proactive policy development, effective communication and heightened visibility for the Agency and its programs. It requires that the Agency use in-house programs to “practice what it preaches.”

Alameda County achieves 75% diversion from landfills by the year 2010, and progresses toward even greater reduction in later years. 
Alameda County’s broad waste reduction goals are supplemented with specific quantitative and/or qualitative goals for all programs. 

The Agency’s waste prevention and recycling programs are integral to a society that is environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable over the long-term.
Agency programs are linked with other resource conservation efforts and with local and countywide social and economic development programs. 

In achieving waste prevention and recycling goals, the Agency helps accomplish other worthwhile goals:
* Helps create an aware and educated public that has adopted the values and behaviors associated with conservation and sustainability with respect to the consumption and disposal of materials and natural resources;
* Establishes durable, economically sustainable markets for discarded materials that are recovered; and
* Creates jobs and other forms of social betterment for the residents of Alameda County. 

The Agency’s internal operations support its mission.
The Agency ensures that all residents and businesses can participate in its decision-making process and ensures that all programs funded with public monies meet rigorous standards of evaluation. Board members and staff work together cooperatively, harmoniously and with mutual respect.