Compost at Work
Businesses that generate a lot of organic material can realize cost savings and environmental benefits by composting on-site. This guide details 7 steps to help you evaluate, plan, and launch an on-site composting project.
Table to Farm: The Story of Food Scraps
Ever wonder what happens to food scraps in Alameda County? They're turned into rich compost for California farms. Watch this video to see how. Brought to you by StopWaste.
Cal Dining Success Story
- Reduced food waste by 19%, equivalent to 27 tons per year.
- Cost of food waste avoided equivalent to saving more than $98,000 a year.
- Continue to reduce waste using automated food waste tracking system.
Recycling and Garbage Services in Your City
Every city in Alameda County has slightly different curbside recycling and garbage pick-up services. Please check with your service provider or city for more details. For information about recycling household hazardous waste, click here. Please note that due to the COVID-19 health emergency, some curbside services may have changed. Please check with your service provider or city for details.
Alameda
StopWaste At Home
StopWaste is a public agency that helps Alameda County residents recycle properly and waste less. Browse our website to find:
Two-Person Wooden Worm Bin
- For fruit & vegetable trimmings
- Basic carpentry skills needed for construction
- Doubles as a seat!
- Breathes well - will need occasional watering
- $20 - $30 for materials new
Materials
- (1 ) 4'x4' piece 1/2' exterior grade plywood
- (3) 6' pieces 2x2" wood
- (1) 4' piece 2x4" wood
- 1 pound 4 penny galvanized nails
- 16" light chain with (2) 1/2" wood screws
- (2) 2" hinges, with 3/4" wood screws
- Waterproof wood glue
Tools
Plastic Worm Bin
- For fruit & vegetable trimmings
- Very easy to build; tidy for indoor use
- Plastic bins keep compost moist-Will require regular additions of dry bedding
- $6 - $20 for new materials
Materials
- (1) Plastic storage container with a tight fitting lid, 12" to 18" tall, 12"x24" base
Tools
- Power drill (1/4" bit) or utility knife
Assembly
Urban All Wood Bin
- For plant trimmings alone, or fruit & vegetable scraps mixed with plant trimmings
- Has 2 front doors for easy harvesting and turning, a top that doubles as a sifter, and a full wire mesh lining
- Produces small to large amounts of compost
- Carpentry skills needed for construction
- $100 - $120 for new materials
Materials
- (8) 8' 1x6 wood
- (2) 8' 2x4 wood
- (1)10' 2x4 wood
- (3) 6' 1x4 wood
- 15' 1/4" wire mesh hardware cloth
- (4) 5" drawer handles
- (8) 1 l/2" hooks and eyes
Three Bin System
- For plant trimmings alone, or for fruit & vegetable scraps with plant trimmings
- Requires minimum 3'x 9' of yard space
- Excellent for hot composting, has removable front slats for easy turning, and separate bins for turning and aging compost, and/or storing compostables
- Can handle large amounts of compostables
- Carpentry skills needed for construction
- $175 - $200 for new materials
Materials
- 2x4" wood*: (8) 31 1/2", (8) 36", (4) 9', and (4) 29" pieces
- 2x6" wood: (4) 36" pieces
E-Z Wire Bin
- For plant trimmings alone (unless hoop is made rodent resistant)
- Requires minimum 3'x3' yard space
- Not rodent resistant
- Produces small to large amounts of compost
- Very easy to build
- $15 - $30 for new materials
Materials
- 10'x3' piece of heavy-duty wire mesh fencing or hardware cloth (1/4", 1/2", 1", or 2" mesh)
- (4) 5" pieces of 14 gauge insulated wire or other easy-to-twist wire larger than 12 gauge
Assembly & Installation
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