Not sure where something goes? Search any item to find the right way to recycle, compost, donate, or safely dispose of it in Alameda County.
Accordion
Tricky Items — Check Your City
These common items have different rules depending on where you live in Alameda County. <a href="https://resource.stopwaste.org/">Search RE:Source</a> for your city's specific answer.
Takeout containers are one of the most confusing items in Alameda County. About half of local cities accept them in recycling, while the other half say garbage. Search RE:Source for your city's rule.
Clean pizza boxes go in recycling in about half of Alameda County cities and in compost in the other half. Greasy boxes generally go in the green bin everywhere.
Plastic egg cartons are recycling in some cities and garbage in others — almost a 50/50 split. Paper egg cartons always go in recycling.
Metal lids from glass jars are split nearly evenly between recycling and garbage across the county. When in doubt, check RE:Source for your city.
Disposable plastic cups and plates go in the garbage in most cities, but about a third of Alameda County cities accept them in recycling.
Plastic plant pots are garbage in most cities, but several cities accept them in recycling. Check RE:Source before tossing them.
Shredded paper goes in the compost (green bin) in most cities. A handful of cities put it in recycling instead.
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.
Waxed cardboard (like some produce boxes) goes in compost in most cities. Several cities say garbage. It never goes in recycling.
Juice boxes and broth cartons are garbage in most Alameda County cities, but some accept them in recycling. The coating makes them tricky to process.
Wayfinding Cards
Items That Need Special Handling
Some items don't belong in any curbside bin and need a different disposal path.
Hazardous Waste Drop-off
Paint, batteries, electronics, chemicals, and motor oil. Drop off at any of four free facilities — no appointment needed.
Material Fact Sheets
Detailed guides for tricky items like batteries, paint, textiles, compostable plastic, and electronics.
Special Occasions
Sorting guides for moves, holidays, and spring cleaning — sort, donate, and dispose the right way.
Numbers Cards
By the Numbers
Alameda County offers a wide range of free services to help residents dispose of materials safely and responsibly.
4 Free Facilities
Hazardous waste drop-off across the county — no appointment needed.
80+ Pharmacy Kiosks
Self-service medication disposal locations across the county.
12+ Events/Year
Free one-day collection events rotating through the county.
Call to Action
When in Doubt
Putting the wrong items in recycling can send entire loads to landfill and create safety hazards for workers. If you're not sure where something goes, search the RE:Source Guide for your specific item and city.