This report, published by StopWaste in September 2025, evaluates the county's progress in recovering surplus edible food from commercial generators under California's SB 1383. The report also assesses the capacity of the local food recovery network — including the Alameda County Community Food Bank and independent organizations — and offers recommendations for strengthening the system.
Key Findings
The 2024 Edible Food Recovery Capacity Plan confirmed that Alameda County has adequate capacity to recover edible surplus food from Tier One and Tier Two Commercial Edible Food Generators operating in every jurisdiction in the county — and that this capacity is projected to remain sufficient through 2034.
Current Capacity (2025)
- Total edible food disposal from commercial food generators: 3,957 tons per year (estimated)
- Current verifiable capacity at food recovery organizations: 6,181 tons per year
- Capacity excess of 2,225 tons per year — the current infrastructure can handle significantly more than the expected disposal amount
Projected Capacity (2034)
- Based on population growth, edible food disposal is projected to increase by about 3% to 4,072 tons per year
- Using current infrastructure, there would still be an excess capacity of 2,110 tons per year
- Additional expansion opportunities could add 1,182 tons per year of new capacity
