Search

NOTICE: New Law Requires Donation of Surplus Edible Food New State law, SB 1383, and the Alameda County Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance go into effect January 1, 2022 and require all businesses to keep compostable and recyclable materials out of landfills. The laws also require certain food generating businesses to donate surplus edible food to feed people instead of composting it. This notice provides more details about how businesses with surplus edible food can comply with the new law. Learn more about 1383 and the Alameda County Organics Reduction & Recycling Ordinance, click

Last Updated January 2024

English Spanish Updated September 2025

Reusable Foodware Grants Sparkl Reusables, in partnership with Spectrum Community Services, replaced disposable foodware with durable, reusable containers and tote bags to serve hundreds of hot meals daily to seniors at pick-up sites throughout Alameda County. With the help of a StopWaste grant, Sparkl purchased inventory, set up operations, and trained staff for the collection, cleaning, and redistribution of the reusable foodware.

Composting & Recycling Now the Law for California Residents Properly sorting your food scraps and other compostable materials not only helps fight climate change, it’s now the law. Effective January 2022, State law (SB 1383) requires residents and businesses to keep compostable and recyclable materials out of California’s landfills. This flyer covers how to properly sort recyclables & compostables, and provides tips for preventing food waste. Learn more about 1383 and the Alameda County Organics Reduction & Recycling Ordinance, click here.

This Guidance Document was adapted from CalRecycle’s Model Food Recovery Agreement and is intended to be customized and used by any organization that wishes to enter into a written service agreement or contract for donation/recovery of edible surplus food. It is recommended for those who wish to have a comprehensive agreement which provides details on agreed upon terms. There is also a simple version available in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Free indoor bins are available to qualifying Alameda County businesses, institutions, and multi-family residential properties (5+ units) for the collection of food scraps, compostable paper and plant debris (“organics”). A variety of containers and lids are available—up to a value of $500 per approved site including tax and delivery. Download the application form for more information. A new California State law, SB 1383, aims to keep food and other compostable materials ("organics") out of landfills to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. To learn more about SB 1383, click here

Historically, residents in multifamily buildings have faced barriers to improving their homes. In many cases, buildings are not maintained, and retrofits are long overdue. To address this challenge, StopWaste is working with local partners to implement energy efficiency projects in multifamily properties that also improve resident comfort, safety and health. StopWaste runs energy efficiency programs for multifamily housing in the Bay Area on behalf of the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN), a partnership between StopWaste, the Association of Bay Area Governments, and eight other county

Welcome - Angela Sandoval, Manager, Zero Waste Section, U.S. EPA Region 9 Presenters Eden Brukman, SF Environment Nicole Tai, Reuse Alliance & GreenLynx Timonie Hood, U.S. EPA Region 9 Krista Kuehnhackl, San Mateo County Max Wechsler, Urban Ore Emily English, All for Reuse Michael Chambers, The Reuse People Nicholas Harvey, Bay Area Redwood Doug Ware, Renera, Inc. Meri Soll, StopWaste: Shared Reuse and Repair Stakeholder Workgroup and Grant Funding Opportunities Q & A Download Combined Presentation (PDF)

A new California State law, SB 1383, aims to keep food and other compostable materials ("organics") out of landfills to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. Use this worksheet to help determine the indoor recycling, organics, and garbage containers needed to set your site up for success. To learn more about SB 1383 and ORRO, click here.