The StopWaste Regulatory Fee is a small fee added to garbage bills that helps fund environmental programs required by law to keep compostable and recyclable materials out of landfills, reduce food waste, support edible food donation and recovery, and prevent plastic bag pollution.

Why does this fee exist?

California requires jurisdictions to reduce food waste, recover surplus edible food, keep compostable and recyclable materials out of landfills, and prevent plastic bag pollution. These requirements protect the environment, reduce climate pollution, and support food donation and recovery. However, the state provides only very limited funding to carry out this work.

StopWaste implements these programs countywide on behalf of all 17 Alameda County jurisdictions, and the regulatory fee allows StopWaste to recover the cost of this required work. For residential customers, it totals less than $4 a year, and for most commercial customers, about $2 a month.

What does the fee support?

The fee helps fund local programs in Alameda County that benefit our community and environment, including:

  • Food waste reduction and recycling and composting programs to help keep food and valuable materials out of our landfills
  • Edible food recovery, connecting surplus food from businesses with food banks and community organizations that help feed people
  • Outreach and education to promote compliance and participation
  • Reducing single use plastic bags to prevent pollution in our communities and waterways

How much is the fee?

The fee is designed to be small, proportional, and equitable. The amount is based on your account type and garbage service level. For most customers, it adds 30 cents to a few dollars per month to the garbage bill and supports environmental protection and compliance with state requirements. See fee details and examples on our FAQ page.

What will I see on my bill?

The fee will typically appear as a separate line item on your garbage bill, collected by your waste hauler on StopWaste's behalf. The fee is separate from and does not change local solid waste service rates.

When does the fee start?

The fee will take effect July 1, 2026.

Have questions?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more detail, or contact StopWaste directly:

Email: regulatoryfee@stopwaste.org
Phone: 510-891-6500 (leave a message for a call back)