StopWaste provides free technical assistance, grant funding, and practical tools to help businesses and nonprofits in Alameda County comply with California waste laws, reduce costs, and operate more sustainably.

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Rules & Compliance

Requirements for Alameda County businesses, nonprofits, schools, and multifamily properties to recycle and compost, recover edible food, and comply with plastic bag regulations.
Kitchen staff rolling a cart of reusable plastic food trays for storage

Grants & Funding

StopWaste provides grants and additional funding opportunities to support waste prevention efforts, strengthen local food systems, and reduce environmental impacts by transitioning from single-use disposable items to reusable systems in Alameda County.
Woman training kitchen staff

Get Support

StopWaste offers free assistance to help businesses, schools, nonprofits, and multi-family properties comply with recycling, composting, and food recovery regulations.
person saying no to plastic bags

NEW RULES

Plastic Bag Laws Updated for 2026

As of January 2026, California's SB 1053 plastic bag ban is in effect. Stores selling food or alcohol can no longer provide plastic bags at checkout — only recycled paper bags, for at least 10 cents each. The rules have already achieved an 80% decline in bag purchases countywide.
Learn About Bag Rules
Man weighing tray of food

COMPLIANCE

Food Donation & Recovery Requirements

Under California's SB 1383, certain food-generating businesses must recover surplus edible food and donate it to food recovery organizations. Requirements include having a written agreement with a food recovery partner and maintaining monthly donation records. StopWaste offers free technical assistance to help you set up a compliant program.
Learn More
food containers being filled in a commercial kitchen

SUSTAINABILITY

Switching to Reusables

Single-use packaging creates enormous waste while draining resources. Switching to reusables — in restaurants, schools, or supply chains — saves money, reduces landfill waste, and lowers emissions. StopWaste provides funding and technical assistance to help businesses make the transition.
Explore Reusable Options
Two construction men on wooden structure

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Buildings & Construction

Sustainable materials and construction waste reduction can transform the Bay Area building sector into an engine for climate action and economic resilience. StopWaste supports the industry through programs promoting deconstruction and reuse, regenerative materials, and innovative waste reduction practices.
See Programs

Free Tools & Services

  • Free Indoor Bins — Up to $500 for indoor green containers and lids for businesses and multi-family properties with 5+ units
  • Request Technical Assistance — Free site visits and support for recycling, composting, and food recovery setup
  • Signmaker — Design and print custom recycling and composting signs in multiple languages
  • Bags to Bins — Create visual sorting guides for offices, restaurants, or events
  • RE:Source Guide — Find recycling, reuse, and disposal services in Alameda County