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Over the last decade, Alameda County and the State of California have progressively tightened laws on plastic bag use, aiming to curb pollution, encourage sustainable practices, and reduce waste. These measures have notably decreased plastic bag consumption and helped protect our environment. However, due to a variety of factors, we’re seeing an increase in the number of plastic bags being distributed and a decrease in customers bringing their own. New policy is on the horizon in an attempt to reduce overall bag usage.

In July 2024, California’s Right to Repair Act ( SB 244) goes into effect, a significant advancement for the right-to-repair movement. This law requires electronics and appliance manufacturers to supply necessary parts, tools, and documentation for repairs to both independent repair shops and product owners. California is now the third state in the country to enact a digital right to repair law. The law paves the way for additional states to follow suit in providing their citizens with the right to fix their electronic devices by a repair servicer of their choosing rather than being forced to

Residential compost give away programs, which are called Compost Hubs, can help jurisdictions meet SB 1383 procurement requirements. StopWaste produced these resources to help jurisdictions start a Compost Hub: This resource assists with planning a year-round compost giveaway program with a community-based organization partner (urban farm, community garden, etc.)

The City of Oakland passed a Reusable Foodware and Litter Reduction Ordinance.

Food Waste Prevention & Recovery Grants Tri-Valley Haven supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness and poverty, with a focus on Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore. With a Food Waste & Recovery grant from StopWaste, the nonprofit has not only dramatically increased the amount of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food their food pantry distributes, but also switched to a “client choice model,” empowering pantry visitors to select those items that best suit their lifestyle, traditions, and health needs.

Reusable Transport Packaging Equipment Grants Full Belly Farm delivers vegetables, fruit, nuts and flowers to restaurants, farmer’s markets and members through host drop sites around the Bay Area and Sacramento. With a Reusable Transport Packaging grant from StopWaste, Full Belly purchased reusable plastic totes to replace the waxed cardboard boxes they had been using for produce delivery. This change is saving the farm $14,161 per year in avoided waxed cardboard box purchases and has resulted in a 36 ton reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

In California, a significant amount of discarded food is still perfectly edible and could be used to nourish people rather than going to waste. State law SB 1383, that took effect in 2022, aims to decrease the quantity of food and compostable materials sent to landfills. It requires that many food generating businesses recover edible items that would otherwise be thrown away and donate them to support those in need. This not only reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions but also helps alleviate food insecurity within our communities.

This is the final warning letter before a citation and fine are issued. You must take the actions described in the letter before the due date to avoid a citation and fine.

In recent years, consumer demand for more eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic has led to a surge in the use of compostable plastics, a type of biodegradable plastic designed to break down into organic matter under specific environmental conditions. Made from both renewable sources like sugar cane and corn as well as fossil fuels, compostable plastics are used to make things like disposable utensils, straws, food scrap bin liners, takeout food containers, and cups. However, increasing awareness and emerging research suggest that compostable plastics can pose human health and