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Ever wonder where your recycling actually goes? The Materials Flow Map shows the journey of recyclables and compost from Alameda County homes and businesses to their final destinations.


What You'll Learn

Where Materials Go

See the facilities that process Alameda County's:

  • Recyclables (paper, plastic, glass, metal)
  • Compost and organics
  • Garbage and landfill waste

Processing Facilities

Learn about the transfer stations, sorting facilities, and processing plants that handle our waste.

The Full Journey

Follow materials from curbside collection to their final destination — whether that's a paper mill, compost facility, or landfill.

Why It Matters

Understanding where materials go helps explain:

  • Why proper sorting is so important
  • How contamination affects the entire system
  • What happens when the wrong items end up in recycling
  • How our waste management infrastructure works

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