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  Food Scrap Recycling

food scrap recycling. make it second nature.

What’s New with Food Scraps:

To help meet our state and county waste reduction goals, many Cities in Alameda County have begun Food Scrap Recycling Programs.

Why we recycle food scraps

Food scraps and food soiled paper are the largest single item in our waste stream - making up approximately 35% of what we throw away in Alameda County. Food scraps are a resource, not a waste. By participating in the food scrap recycling program, food scraps and food soiled paper are sent to a composting facility. Instead of taking up space in the landfill, your food scraps become compost - a valuable resource used by landscapers and farmers. See attached flyer (PDF)

Recycling food scraps is easy!

1. Collect food scraps in your kitchen pail   2. Empty the contents of your kitchen pail into your green yard waste cart  3. Set out your green yard waste cart for weekly pickup

What you can include . . .

YES

NO

All Food Products
  • Fruit, vegetable, breads, cereal, dairy
  • Meat, fish (including bones)
  • Leftovers & table scraps

    Coffee Grounds, filters & tea bags

    Food-Soiled Paper
  • Paper towels, plates & napkins
  • Pizza boxes
  • Plastic (bags, containers, Styrofoam etc)

    Glass

    Metal

    Liquids

    Helpful hints:

    • Line your pail with a paper bag or newspaper to help keep it clean. 
    • Using the pail is not required.  You can collect your food scraps in paper ice cream cartons, take-out containers, milk cartons paper bags or any other paper container that works for you. 
    • Do not set your little pail out at the curb

    The following cities offer residential food scrap recycling programs:

    Find out more about your city's residential recycling program.

    Residential Food Scrap Recycling Survey Results – November 2007

    Residential Food Scrap Recycling Survey Results – May 2004

    Food Scrap Recycling Pilot Program Focus Group Findings – March 2002





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    © 2010  Alameda County Waste Management Authority & Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board

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