Regulations & Compliance
StopWaste can help Alameda County businesses, non-profits and institutions stay informed about current landfill bans, policies and ordinances related to proper collection and recycling of resources and hazardous wastes. Our goal is to provide links to current information so that you can operate your organization most efficiently.
Some regulations apply within Alameda County, others apply only to operations within certain cities, and some affect all commercial accounts within California.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance
California State law, SB 1383, aims to keep food and other compostable materials ("organics") out of landfills to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. In Alameda County, the law is implemented and enforced under the Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance. Read more.
ALAMEDA COUNTY
Plant Debris Landfill Ban
In 2010, Alameda County enacted a new law that prohibits the disposal of plant debris in landfills. The Landfill Ban applies to landscapers and other large producers of yard trimmings (such as property managers, municipalities and institutions) in Alameda County. Plant debris (such as grass, leaves, shrubbery, vines and tree branches) must be separated from other contaminants, and must be diverted to the designated “clean green” areas of Alameda County disposal facilities. For more information about the Landfill Ban, including details about who is affected, how to comply and to request assistance, visit the Recycling Rules Alameda County website.
Reusable Bag Ordinance
The Reusable Bag Ordinance, effective January 1, 2013, prohibits free distribution of single-use bags at check out in Alameda County stores that sell packaged food. For more information, visit the Reusable Bag Ordinance website.
Facility Fee
Alameda County Waste Management Authority Ordinance 2009-01 established procedures and reporting requirements for the collection of the countywide solid waste facility fee, which is applied to solid waste originating in Alameda County that is deposited in landfills outside the county. For more information, visit the Ordinance 2009-01, Facility Fee web pages.
Additional Ordinances
Some cities within Alameda County have adopted additional ordinances. Click the following links for more information:
HAZARDOUS/UNIVERSAL WASTE
Banned From the Trash
Did you know that hazardous wastes and universal wastes are also banned from the trash? Items such as lights, batteries, CRT and LCD monitors, mercury-containing products, paint and solvents, chemicals, certain building materials, many automobile-related products and more should be disposed at authorized disposal sites. Learn what hazardous and universal wastes are banned from the trash, and how to dispose of them property at the Department of Toxic Substances Control website.
Hazardous Waste Drop-in Program for Businesses
There is a new drop-in program for all Alameda County businesses that accepts: latex paint, aerosol cans, fluorescent lamps, and household batteries.
Small Business Disposal Service
If your business qualifies as a “small quantity generator” you may be eligible for a service to safely dispose of leftover hazardous materials at affordable rates. Learn more about Alameda County Small Business Hazardous Waste Disposal Services.