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Although all “antimicrobial” products have risks, many conventional disinfectants, such as chlorine bleach, pose more serious risks to custodial workers and building occupants because they contain active ingredients that have been found to cause asthma, cancer, skin sensitization, or other health hazards. Yet, surface disinfectants with more benign health and environmental impacts than conventional disinfectants are readily available, cost effective, and have equivalent or greater efficacy in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Janitorial paper products are single-use items primarily used in facility restrooms and break rooms. They may be purchased as stand-alone items or included in a custodial services contract. Any janitorial paper products purchased directly by staff must contain a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content to comply with California’s Senate Bill 1383, aka SB 1383, which went into effect January 2022.
Keeping your facility clean is one of the most important ways to maintain a healthy indoor environment, but using some cleaning products may actually increase indoor air pollution. Using products that meet the Minimum Requirements below will, when properly used, not only meet performance requirements, but also reduce custodial workers’ and occupants’ exposure to harmful chemicals.
New State law, SB 1383, and the Alameda County Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance went into effect January 1, 2022, including requirements for certain food generating businesses to donate edible food to a local food recovery organization or service and establish contracts or written agreements with them. Organizations receiving surplus edible food from donors must maintain documen
After over a decade of gathering backyard fruit in Alameda and donating it to the Alameda Food Bank (over 23 tons to date!), Alameda Backyard Growers decided it was time to begin nurturing and collaborating with other gleaning groups in the East Bay and beyond.
Topic BriefsThis awards program honors Alameda County businesses and institutions whose leadership and continuous efforts to improve environmental performance and business efficiency have achieved outstanding results. Since the inception of the awards program in 2000, well over 100 Alameda County businesses and institutions have been recognized.
PoliciesThis is a sample of the SB 1383/Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance (ORRO) non-compliance letter being mailed to selected accounts in June 2022.
PoliciesThis is a sample of the SB 1383/Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance (ORRO) non-compliance letter being mailed to selected accounts in June 2022.
| 06/09/2022At a recognition event on June 9, StopWaste celebrated the recipients of the 2022 StopWaste Efficiency Awards, given for outstanding achievements in waste reduction, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
While food service ware may not be the first thing you think of when planning an event, being thoughtful about how food and beverages are served can support reducing waste and exposure to toxic chemicals, among other sustainability goals. As part of your planning, first assess whether reusables are available and practical for the application. If disposables are necessary, be sure to also check with your hauler/composter/facility ahead of time regarding what types of items they accept.