StopWaste Partnership FAQ’s
Click on a question link, or scroll down to view the answers below.
ABOUT THE STOPWASTE PARTNERSHIP
RECYCLING
RESOURCES AND FUNDING
ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PURCHASING
BEYOND RECYCLING
ABOUT THE STOPWASTE PARTNERSHIP
What is the StopWaste Partnership?
The StopWaste Partnership is a free, publicly-sponsored technical assistance service dedicated to improving the environmental performance and reducing costs of businesses and public agencies located in Alameda County. The program provides expert support and funding to prevent waste, conserve water and energy, and use all resources more efficiently. The StopWaste Partnership can help your company reduce operating costs and increase efficiencies. Plus, you can eliminate waste before it's created and learn to recycle materials that now go into your garbage.
What is the first step in working with StopWaste to start or expand my business’ recycling program?
If your business has more than 50 employees and/or generates at least 20 yards of trash per week, call our hotline (877-STOPWASTE) or send an email to Partnership@StopWaste.Org and let us know you are interested in the StopWaste Partnership. We will ask you some additional questions to determine if we can help you reduce waste from your business. Next steps typically include an on-site waste assessment, a recommendations report and personalized implementation assistance for waste prevention and recycling activities at your site.
What types (and size) of businesses are eligible to become StopWaste Partnership clients?
The StopWaste Partnership is designed to provide individualized assistance to medium and large businesses and institutions in Alameda County that have the potential to divert large amounts of waste from the landfill. The Partnership is designed for organizations with about 50 employees or more and at least 20 cubic yards per week of waste generation. We have worked with many industries including:
- Airlines
- Biotechnology
- Colleges and Universities
- Distribution companies
- Electronics firms
- Food processors
- Hospitals
- Hotels
- Retail
- Large recreational facilities – such as the Oakland Coliseum
- All kinds of Manufacturers
- Public Agencies
- Utilities
Are there any fees for the StopWaste Partnership’s business assistance?
Our programs are non-regulatory and completely free to businesses and public agencies located in Alameda County.
What are the qualifications of the StopWaste team?
The StopWaste technical assistance team has been developed to provide business, industry and institutions with the most expert technical assistance in the region. The team is a blend of private and public sector experts, who have worked with hundreds of clients in many types of businesses to cut waste, reduce operating costs, conduct cost-benefit analyses, provide funding assistance and positive recognition, and improve overall efficiency.
Who are the sponsors of the StopWaste Partnership?
StopWaste.Org sponsors the program along with East Bay Municipal Utility District, Economic Development Alliance for Business, and Pacific Gas & Electric Company.
Who are the partners of the StopWaste Partnership?
Our partners are all of the business and institutions that have worked with us to save money while reducing their waste stream, saving energy, and reducing water use. We have worked with hundreds of businesses in Alameda County since 1998.
Return to "About the StopWaste Partnership"
RECYCLING
Who should I call to set up a recycling program at my office?
You can call the Recycling Hotline (877-STOPWASTE) or visit the online Recycling Wizard for a complete list of recycling vendors in your area.
If your business has more than 50 employees and/or generates at least 20 yards of trash per week, your business may be eligible to become a StopWaste Partnership client. Just let the hotline staff know if you are interested in learning more about the StopWaste Partnership and they can transfer you to one of the technical assistance team members. You also have the option of emailing Partnership@StopWaste.Org.
How do I set up a mixed paper-recycling program?
Download RecyclExpress, your one stop guide to setting up a mixed paper recycling program. The Recycling Wizard can also help you identify mixed paper recycling vendors.
How do I educate my fellow employees about our business recycling program?
Show your colleagues how much money and resources can be saved by recycling and preventing waste. You can educate your co-workers by sending informative emails, holding "Lunch and Learn" presentations, and posting signs near trash and recycling bins. Downloadable color posters are available on our Free Resources page and RecyclExpress, your one stop guide to setting up a mixed paper recycling program; included is a sample staff informative email.
Does your organization actually collect my business’ recyclable materials? If not, how do I find or choose a recycler?
StopWaste.Org does not collect materials. If you have a material you’d like to recycle, call our hotline (877-STOPWASTE) or look it up in our Recycling Wizard for recycling vendors.
How do I get rid of paint, chemicals, fluorescent lights, pesticides, batteries and other hazardous wastes?
See the Small Business Disposal Services for Hazardous waste.
How do I recycle or donate a computer, TV or other electronic item?
See our Recycling Wizard for the following:
How can I donate/sell or acquire used goods?
See our "Materials to be Reused" Recycling Wizard.
Return to "Recycling"
RESOURCES AND FUNDING
Where can I find examples of successful company waste prevention/recycling programs?
You can download case studies highlighting the waste prevention and recycling success stories of several local businesses and institutions on our Case Studies page.
How can I receive financial assistance from StopWaste?
A number of programs are available to provide financial assistance to eligible StopWaste Partnership clients, ranging from grants and incentive payments to low interest loans. In funding programs we seek to maximize the amount of waste diverted from the landfill. Read about all of our funding programs here.
How long does it take to receive funding?
Each case varies. The StopWaste Partnership offers a range of funding options, including some smaller "mini" grants that include a streamlined application process to get your recycling program up and running fast. Funding approval for StopWaste Partnership mini-grants typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
How can I obtain recognition for my company’s successful recycling program?
StopWaste supports your organization by obtaining the recognition you deserve for doing good things in your community. We host special events, maintain a high profile website, publish case studies, and help you attract positive press. For example, the StopWaste Partnership holds a prestigious, annual event known as the StopWaste Business Efficiency Awards, where companies are publicly recognized by local elected officials and rewarded for their environmental achievements. Read more about our recognition efforts here. Other recognition programs include:
Where can I find posters to publicize recycling at work?
See our Free Resources page for some downloadable recycling signs and posters. We also have case studies, and other free resources you can download to support your recycling efforts at work.
Return to "Resources and Funding"
ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PURCHASING
How do I find recycled or environmentally-friendly products for my business?
View our resources on Buying Recycled-Content and Environmentally Preferable Products here. Large companies participating in the StopWaste Partnership can also receive customized specification language and other assistance to increase Environmentally Preferable Purchasing efforts.
Return to "Environmentally Preferable Purchasing"
BEYOND RECYCLING
My company does a great job recycling our waste. What else can we do to minimize our impact on the environment and save money?
Putting recyclables in the recycling bin is the first step in the process. You can maximize your impact by implementing changes at your company that prevent waste from occurring in the first place. Review our case studies for examples of successful waste prevention projects. See our Useful Links for other organizations working on business "greening" and sustainability. Also, close the loop by purchasing products made from recycled content materials, and other environmentally preferable products.
Return to "Beyond Recycling"
