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:
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