Questions around what is recyclable and what happens to our recyclables have increased since China’s National Sword policy and other changes in global markets disrupted recycling programs across the country.

To help address these challenging shifts in the recycling landscape, since 2018, StopWaste has convened a taskforce, known as the Alameda County Recycling Markets Network, made up of haulers, processors, and local government staff to collaborate and discuss solutions.

The network meets quarterly and is a unique model where for-profit and non-profit recyclers, franchisees and franchisors, and competitors alike come together in a neutral and constructive space to discuss a variety of topics, such as changing markets, contamination, new technology, and legislation.