StopWaste conducts periodic waste characterization studies to understand better the types and quantities of materials disposed of in Alameda County. Using sampling techniques, this study measured the composition of the waste stream by generating sector and material type. This study provides a valuable snapshot in time of the materials that comprise our waste stream and can contribute to priority setting and evaluation of progress towards goals. The study was designed to be comparable with previous countywide waste characterization studies conducted in 2008, 2000, 1995, and 1990 to facilitate tracking of waste disposal trends.