Measure D (The Alameda County Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiative Charter Amendment) was approved by Alameda County voters in 1989 with the goals of reducing waste, promoting recycling, and setting a path toward ambitious landfill diversion targets for the county. The measure takes a unique and comprehensive approach to waste reduction and environmentalism by addressing a wide range of topics with multiple benefits, from residential recycling programs to mitigating the effects of climate change, along with prohibiting incineration as a waste management solution in the county.

To better understand what types and amounts of materials are in our waste stream, StopWaste periodically conducts waste characterization studies at material processing facilities throughout the county. Our latest study is the first to examine all three streams – landfill, recycling, and organics – and reveals some promising trends in overall waste tonnage in Alameda County while illuminating ongoing challenges related to consumption, sorting, and contamination.

Each year, an estimated 8 million people across the country use over 3 billion needles, syringes, lancets, and auto-injectors (collectively known as “sharps”) for at-home medical care. Due to the health and safety risks involved, proper disposal of these items is crucial to prevent:

California’s Bottle Bill has been one of the most successful and cost-effective recycling and litter-reduction programs in the United States, targeting aluminum, glass, plastic, and bimetal containers.

Single-use foodware items, such as plastic and paper cups, plates, and utensils, have a short lifespan but a long-lasting negative impact on human health and the environment. Additionally, most of these single-use foodware items are neither readily recyclable nor compostable, and contaminate recycling and composting programs. Replacing single-use foodware with durable, reusable alternatives is essential to addressing these issues.

This provides an overview of the StopWaste Budget for FY 2025.  It outlines the agency's strategic priorities and funding allocation for the coming year, which focuses on advancing environmental sustainability, fostering a circular economy, driving innovation in construction, and nurturing a local food system through various programs, partnerships, and community engagement.  The complete budget document is available here.

Happy Earth Month! Whether you’re interested in learning how to get started with worm composting, how to electrify your home, reduce wasted food, or grow your own food, there’s a way to celebrate for everyone! Check out these suggestions for new things to try this month (or any month!) and also check our city-specific guides for events happening near you.

• ACCFB Canned Food Safety Guide
• Detailed Guidance for Items Past Date:  English | Chinese | Spanish

Spring is the time of fresh beginnings! With the seasonal shift, we are often inspired to clean and declutter our homes. Here are a few tips for a healthier home and planet.

This example food donation agreement, developed and shared by Oakland Unified School District, provides an example and template for complying with SB 1383 local education agency food recovery and donation requirements.