StopWaste is directly involved in the implementation and administration of several state laws and local ordinances that govern waste management, recycling, and environmental protection in Alameda County. This page provides an overview of each policy and StopWaste's role. For our broader advocacy positions and strategic legislative agenda, see Legislative Priorities.
Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance (ORRO)
The Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance is Alameda County's local implementation of California's SB 1383, the state's landmark organic waste reduction law. Adopted by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority and effective January 1, 2022, ORRO requires all businesses, schools, nonprofits, multi-family properties, and residents to separate organic materials and recyclables from trash and subscribe to collection services.
StopWaste plays a central role in ORRO implementation: coordinating enforcement with the Alameda County Environmental Health Department, providing technical assistance and compliance support to businesses and property managers, and collecting and standardizing data on behalf of all member agencies. The ordinance regulations were most recently revised in May 2025.
View the ordinance and source documents | Compliance guidance and resources
Measure D
In 1990, Alameda County voters overwhelmingly approved Measure D — the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act — establishing the foundation for StopWaste's ongoing recycling and waste reduction work. The measure amended the County Charter to create the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board (Recycling Board) and established a per-ton surcharge on waste disposed at local landfills.
Measure D generates approximately $9.7 million annually through an $8.23-per-ton surcharge on waste disposed at the Altamont and Vasco Road landfills. These funds are split between member agency disbursements for local waste reduction programs and countywide initiatives including grants to nonprofit waste reduction enterprises.
Learn more about Measure D, including the current fee schedule, fund allocation, disbursement policies, and five-year audit.
Reusable Bag Ordinance & SB 1053
Alameda County was one of the first jurisdictions in California to adopt a reusable bag ordinance, restricting single-use plastic bags at checkout and requiring a minimum charge for paper and reusable bags. Since its adoption, the ordinance has achieved significant results: an 80 percent decline in overall bag purchases by affected stores and a 44 percent decrease in plastic bags found in county storm drains.
In 2024, the state legislature passed SB 1053, a statewide ban on all film plastic checkout bags at stores that sell food or alcohol, effective January 1, 2026. StopWaste has aligned its local ordinance with the stricter state-level requirements and is coordinating outreach to approximately 14,000 affected businesses across Alameda County, including food establishments covered under the countywide ordinance.
Plastic Bag Law Details & Resources
SB 54 — Packaging Producer Responsibility
SB 54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, is the most comprehensive packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) law in the nation. It requires producers to reduce single-use plastic packaging by 25 percent by 2032, ensure all packaging sold in California is recyclable or compostable, and contribute $5 billion over ten years to mitigate plastic pollution.
StopWaste holds a leadership role in SB 54's implementation. Our executive director chairs the statewide Packaging Producer Responsibility Advisory Board, advocating for the interests of local jurisdictions throughout the rulemaking process. Rulemaking remains in progress as of early 2026, with a program launch targeted for January 2027.
Full SB 54 overview and StopWaste's role
AB 1572 — Non-Functional Turf Irrigation Ban
California's AB 1572 prohibits the use of potable water for irrigating non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. The law supports the state's water conservation goals and encourages property owners to transition ornamental turf areas to low-water, climate-adapted landscapes.
StopWaste supports compliance through resources on sheet mulching, compost-based soil preparation, and lawn conversion programs.
WELO — Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
California's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) establishes statewide standards for water efficiency in new and renovated landscapes. WELO applies to new landscapes over 500 square feet and renovated landscapes over 2,500 square feet, requiring water budgets, efficient irrigation, and appropriate plant and soil choices.
StopWaste provides jurisdictions and landscape professionals with a WELO toolkit, training webinars, and compliance support, with a focus on the role of compost and mulch in meeting water efficiency requirements.