A quick guide to what goes in your curbside bins. Rules vary by city — check with your local garbage hauler or search the RE:Source Guide for specific guidelines.
Compost
Food scraps, food-soiled paper & plant waste
YES
- Food scraps (all types - including meat, bones, and seafood shells)
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Food-soiled paper (napkins, paper towels, pizza boxes)
- Yard trimmings
- Leaves and grass clippings
NO
- Plastic bags (even "compostable" ones in most cities)
- Pet waste
- Diapers
- Treated wood
Recycling
Paper, flattened cardboard, bottles, cans & jars
YES
- Paper and cardboard (flattened)
- Bottles and cans (empty, rinsed)
- Glass jars (lids removed)
- Plastic containers #1-7 (empty, rinsed)
- Cartons (milk, juice, broth)
NO
- Plastic bags and film
- Styrofoam
- Food-contaminated items
- Electronics, batteries, or hazardous waste
- Tanglers (hoses, cords, chains)
Landfill
All garbage, including plastic bags & wrap, plastic-lined paper, and to-go containers
YES
- Non-recyclable plastics
- Chip bags and candy wrappers
- Broken ceramics and dishware
- Styrofoam
- Pet waste and diapers
NO
- Hazardous waste (batteries, paints, electronics)
- Textiles and clothing
- Construction debris
Common Mistakes
"Wish-cycling"
Putting items in recycling hoping they'll be recycled often causes more harm than good. When in doubt, throw it out (in the garbage).
Empty and Rinse Containers
Food residue contaminates recycling. A quick rinse or wipe is enough — they don't need to be spotless.
No Plastic Bags or Film in Recycling
Plastic bags jam sorting equipment. Return them to grocery store collection bins instead. See the Plastic bags guide
Keep It Loose
Don't bag your recyclables in plastic bags. Put items directly in the bin.
Items That Don't Go in Bins
These items require special disposal:
- Batteries — HHW facility or curbside in clear bag. See the Guide
- Electronics — HHW facility. See the Guide
- Paint — HHW facility or PaintCare retailer. See the Guide
- Clothing/Textiles — Donation or textile recycling. See the Guide
- Large items — Bulky pickup from your hauler. Guide
- Medications — Pharmacy drop-off kiosks. Guide
Check Your City's Rules
Recycling rules vary by city and garbage hauler. For specific guidelines:
Call to Action
Not Sure Where Something Goes?
Search the RE:Source Guide to find recycling, donation, and disposal options for any item in Alameda County.