Topic Briefs

In July 2024, California’s Right to Repair Act ( SB 244) goes into effect, a significant advancement for the right-to-repair movement. This law requires electronics and appliance manufacturers to supply necessary parts, tools, and documentation for repairs to both independent repair shops and product owners. California is now the third state in the country to enact a digital right to repair law. The law paves the way for additional states to follow suit in providing their citizens with the right to fix their electronic devices by a repair servicer of their choosing rather than being forced to

In California, a significant amount of discarded food is still perfectly edible and could be used to nourish people rather than going to waste. State law SB 1383, that took effect in 2022, aims to decrease the quantity of food and compostable materials sent to landfills. It requires that many food generating businesses recover edible items that would otherwise be thrown away and donate them to support those in need. This not only reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions but also helps alleviate food insecurity within our communities.

In recent years, consumer demand for more eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic has led to a surge in the use of compostable plastics, a type of biodegradable plastic designed to break down into organic matter under specific environmental conditions. Made from both renewable sources like sugar cane and corn as well as fossil fuels, compostable plastics are used to make things like disposable utensils, straws, food scrap bin liners, takeout food containers, and cups. However, increasing awareness and emerging research suggest that compostable plastics can pose human health and

Because of its durability and resistance to decay, insects, mold, and water damage, pressure-treated wood is commonly used in the construction industry for things like fence posts, decking, pilings, docks, and railroad ties. However, what makes it withstand the elements can also make it toxic to humans and the environment. Harmful chemicals such as arsenic and copper are infused into the wood, and can contaminate soil, surface water, and groundwater when handled or disposed of improperly. These chemicals can also produce toxic gases after reacting with other materials in landfills.

Manufacturers apply a wide variety of date labels such as “expires on,” “best before,” and “sell by,” to indicate the last date that a food will maintain its peak quality and flavor. However, with the exception of certain products like infant formula, these date labels are simply used to indicate peak freshness. Date labeling is currently voluntary, and vague phrasing that varies by state leads to confusion at the grocery store and at home. Most consumers don’t realize that date labels generally refer to a product’s estimated quality, not whether it’s safe to consume. This confusion leads to

Questions around what is recyclable and what happens to our recyclables have increased since China’s National Sword policy and other changes in global markets disrupted recycling programs across the country. To help address these challenging shifts in the recycling landscape, since 2018, StopWaste has convened a taskforce, known as the Alameda County Recycling Markets Network, made up of haulers, processors, and local government staff to collaborate and discuss solutions. The network meets quarterly and is a unique model where for-profit and non-profit recyclers, franchisees and franchisors

This annual awards program honors Alameda County entities for their leadership and innovations in advancing environmental sustainability, waste prevention, and contributions to building healthy, climate resilient communities in Alameda County. Since the inception of the awards program in 2000, well over 100 Alameda County businesses and institutions have been recognized.

Many common items in our homes such as leftover paint, pesticides, cleaners, batteries and e-waste can be hazardous to humans and pets when handled or disposed of improperly. Because hazardous waste cannot be disposed in landfills, a variety of free, local options are available through the Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program and participating drop-off centers.

Each year in the United States, over 39 million pounds of textiles such as clothing, sheets, and towels are sent to landfills and incinerators. The rate of production is increasing rapidly, partly due to the rise of “fast fashion” – inexpensive clothing produced quickly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends. While only 15 percent of discarded textiles in the United States is currently collected for reuse, recycling, or downcycling (e.g., shredded for repurposing), a far greater amount could be recovered with improved systems, and a number of solutions for more sustainable

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. StopWaste helps advance reusable foodware innovation and infrastructure in Alameda County through grant funding, outreach, technical assistance, and policy tools. As