Overview

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program is funded through two fee sources: an annual residential assessment collected via property taxes and a per-ton fee on landfilled waste. Together, these fees generate approximately $8.6 million annually to operate collection facilities, coordinate disposal events, and ensure environmentally sound processing of hazardous materials from Alameda County homes.

The program is implemented through Memoranda of Understanding with the County of Alameda and the City of Fremont.

Current Fee Structure

Fee TypeAmountCollection Method
Annual Residential Fee$7.80/year per residential unitProperty tax bill
Disposal Fee$2.15/tonAssessed on landfilled waste

Note: The annual residential fee of $7.80 is effective through June 30, 2029.

What the Fees Fund

The HHW program provides Alameda County residents with:

  • Safe collection of household hazardous waste
  • Permanent drop-off facilities
  • Mobile collection events throughout the county
  • Environmentally sound processing and disposal
  • Public education on proper hazardous waste handling

Fee History

chart of hhw fee adjustments over time

In 2014, the Alameda County Waste Management Authority (WMA) Board adopted a fee capped at $9.55 per year per residential unit, collected via the property tax roll, to support the household hazardous waste (HHW) program for Alameda County.

On September 25, 2019, based on the 2019 HHW Fee Report, the WMA Board amended the fee (via ordinance), setting the fee at $6.64 per year per residential unit through June 30, 2024, and removed the June 30, 2024, sunset date for the fee.

Based on the most recent HHW Fee Study, completed in February 2024, the WMA Board approved adjusting the annual fee to $7.80 per household effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029.  Prior to July 1, 2029, a financial analysis of the program will be conducted to determine if the fee needs to be adjusted (raised or lowered) for the next five years and in five year intervals thereafter.

Resources