Topic Briefs

Materials such as plastic pallet wrap, cardboard boxes, and wooden pallets are essential for securely transporting goods and products across the supply chain. However, these materials are typically discarded after just one use, generating significant packaging waste. Plastic film in particular has become a large part of our waste stream. According to the latest Alameda County Waste Characterization study, plastic film — including stretch wrap used to secure pallet loads — makes up roughly half the weight of all plastics disposed by businesses in Alameda County. Film plastic is also a top

Measure D (The Alameda County Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiative Charter Amendment) was approved by Alameda County voters in 1989 with the goals of reducing waste, promoting recycling, and setting a path toward ambitious landfill diversion targets for the county. The measure takes a unique and comprehensive approach to waste reduction and environmentalism by addressing a wide range of topics with multiple benefits, from residential recycling programs to mitigating the effects of climate change, along with prohibiting incineration as a waste management solution in the county. Measure D

To better understand what types and amounts of materials are in our waste stream, StopWaste periodically conducts waste characterization studies at material processing facilities throughout the county. Our latest study is the first to examine all three streams – landfill, recycling, and organics – and reveals some promising trends in overall waste tonnage in Alameda County while illuminating ongoing challenges related to consumption, sorting, and contamination.

Each year, an estimated 8 million people across the country use over 3 billion needles, syringes, lancets, and auto-injectors (collectively known as “sharps”) for at-home medical care. Due to the health and safety risks involved, proper disposal of these items is crucial to prevent: Needle stick injuries to waste workers and the public Potential transmission of serious diseases like HIV and hepatitis, and Contamination of the recycling stream and environmental risk. California law requires that residents properly dispose of sharps in FDA-approved, sealed, containers and then either take them

California’s Bottle Bill has been one of the most successful and cost-effective recycling and litter-reduction programs in the United States, targeting aluminum, glass, plastic, and bimetal containers. Despite its potential, the program faces a range of challenges, foremost of which is the widespread closure of redemption centers. California has lost half of its bottle return recycling centers in the last 10 years, leaving fewer than 1,200 remaining statewide. This is the result of a drop in financial support for California’s recycling infrastructure, largely due to falling scrap values and an

Single-use foodware items, such as plastic and paper cups, plates, and utensils, have a short lifespan but a long-lasting negative impact on human health and the environment. Additionally, most of these single-use foodware items are neither readily recyclable nor compostable, and contaminate recycling and composting programs. Replacing single-use foodware with durable, reusable alternatives is essential to addressing these issues.

This provides an overview of the StopWaste Budget for FY 2025. It outlines the agency's strategic priorities and funding allocation for the coming year, which focuses on advancing environmental sustainability, fostering a circular economy, driving innovation in construction, and nurturing a local food system through various programs, partnerships, and community engagement. The complete budget document is available here.

Happy Earth Month! Whether you’re interested in learning how to get started with worm composting, how to electrify your home, reduce wasted food, or grow your own food, there’s a way to celebrate for everyone! Check out these suggestions for new things to try this month (or any month!) and also check our city-specific guides for events happening near you.

Spring is the time of fresh beginnings! With the seasonal shift, we are often inspired to clean and declutter our homes. Here are a few tips for a healthier home and planet.

Over the last decade, Alameda County and the State of California have progressively tightened laws on plastic bag use, aiming to curb pollution, encourage sustainable practices, and reduce waste. These measures have notably decreased plastic bag consumption and helped protect our environment. However, due to a variety of factors, we’re seeing an increase in the number of plastic bags being distributed and a decrease in customers bringing their own. New policy is on the horizon in an attempt to reduce overall bag usage.