Overview
StopWaste levies several per-ton fees on solid waste disposed at landfills. These fees—established through voter approval (Measure D) and board adoption (AB 939)—fund approximately 90% of the agency's discretionary budget. The fees apply to waste disposed at Alameda County landfills and, in some cases, to Alameda County waste disposed elsewhere.
Current Fee Schedule
| Fee | Rate | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| AB 939 Facility Fee | $4.34/ton | All Alameda County waste landfilled in California; all waste landfilled in Alameda County |
| Measure D Landfill Surcharge | $8.23/ton | Waste disposed at Vasco Road and Altamont Landfills |
| Import Mitigation Fee | $4.53/ton | Out-of-county waste landfilled in Alameda County |
What Each Fee Funds
AB 939 Facility Fee
Supports compliance with California's AB 939 waste diversion requirements, originally adopted in 1989 with a 50% diversion goal (later updated to 75%). Revenue funds:
- Countywide recycling and waste prevention programs
- Planning and implementation efforts
- Public education and outreach
Measure D Landfill Surcharge
Established by Alameda County voters in 1990 through the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act. Revenue is allocated as follows:
- ~55% to participating member agencies for local waste reduction programs
- ~45% to countywide programs, including grants to nonprofit waste reduction enterprises administered by the Recycling Board
Import Mitigation Fee
In place since 1994, this fee offsets the environmental impact of waste imported from outside Alameda County for disposal at local landfills.
Historical Context
In 1990, Alameda County voters overwhelmingly approved Measure D, establishing the framework for ongoing disposal fee funding and creating the Recycling Board to oversee waste reduction efforts. These voter-approved fees ensure stable, long-term funding for environmental programs while requiring waste generators to contribute to sustainability efforts.