Whether you need to set up recycling and composting, comply with the plastic bag law, or establish a food donation program, StopWaste offers free help to get you into compliance.

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StopWaste staff can work with you directly — by phone, video call, or in-person visit — to help with compliance across all three rule areas. This includes setting up collection service, placing indoor bins, training staff, establishing food donation programs, and transitioning away from plastic bags.
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Find Guidance and Resources

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Recycling & Composting

Three steps to meet SB 1383 recycling and composting requirements.
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Food Donation & Recovery

Set up a compliant food recovery program, find partners, and track donations.
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Plastic Bag Laws

Bag ban requirements for retailers, restaurants, and wineries.

Recycling & Composting

California's SB 1383 requires all businesses, nonprofits, schools, and multi-family properties to separate organics and recyclables from garbage. Follow these three steps to comply.

Step 1: Get Compost and Recycling Service

Contact your waste hauler to subscribe to compost and recycling collection. Adding organics service often lets you reduce garbage service and lower overall costs.

Step 2: Set Up Indoor Bins

Place color-coded, labeled recycling and compost stations next to garbage bins throughout your facility. Free bin stickers are available from StopWaste.

Step 3: Sort Materials Correctly

Sort materials into the proper bins — compost, recycling, and garbage — and educate staff or tenants about the rules at least once a year.

Food Donation & Recovery

Certain food-generating businesses must recover and donate surplus edible food under SB 1383. The goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions from landfills while helping feed people in need. See the Food Donation Rules page for full details on who must comply.

Step 1: Assess Your Surplus

Evaluate what types and quantities of edible food your business generates as surplus, and identify opportunities to reduce waste at the source.

Step 2: Find a Food Recovery Partner

Search for food recovery organizations in Alameda County to receive your surplus food donations.

Step 3: Establish a Donation Process

Set up a written agreement with your food recovery partner and create procedures for safe, consistent food donations.

Step 4: Track Donations and Keep Records

Maintain monthly records of the type, frequency, and pounds of food donated — inspectors may check for these at any time.

For tailored guidance by business type, see the Industry Guides.

Plastic Bag Laws

State and local laws regulate the carryout bags that retailers and restaurants in Alameda County can distribute. These laws ban thin plastic carryout bags and control the types of bags that can be offered at the point of sale.

Overview & Recent Changes

Bag rules changed for stores selling food and/or alcohol effective January 2026. Get the full overview of current requirements.

For Retailers

Requirements differ based on whether you sell food or alcohol. Learn about banned bags, required charges, and compliant alternatives.

For Restaurants

Restaurants, cafes, food trucks, bars, and delivery services have their own set of bag rules.

Compliant Bags & Resources

Specifications for allowable bags, plus free signage, postcards, and outreach materials in multiple languages.

Contact

Recycling, Composting & Food Donation: rules@stopwaste.org

Plastic Bag Laws: bags@stopwaste.org

Phone: (510) 891-6575 (leave a message for callback)

Online: Ask a Question

Alameda County Waste Management Authority
1537 Webster Street, Oakland, CA 94612

Received a Letter or Citation?

If you've received a notice to subscribe, notice of violation, or citation about recycling, composting, food donation, or plastic bags, take action promptly to avoid fines.
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