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.

SB 1383 regulations requires local education agencies with an on-site food facility to hold a written agreement with food recovery organizations and/or services that will recover their surplus edible food. This template is a simplified food recovery agreement that can fulfill this requirement.

Over the last decade, Alameda County and the State of California have progressively tightened laws on plastic bag use, aiming to curb pollution, encourage sustainable practices, and reduce waste. These measures have notably decreased plastic bag consumption and helped protect our environment. However, due to a variety of factors, we’re seeing an increase in the number of plastic bags being distributed and a decrease in customers bringing their own. New policy is on the horizon in an attempt to reduce overall bag usage.

In July 2024, California’s Right to Repair Act (SB 244) goes into effect, a significant advancement for the right-to-repair movement. This law requires electronics and appliance manufacturers to supply necessary parts, tools, and documentation for repairs to both independent repair shops and product owners.

In California, a significant amount of discarded food is still perfectly edible and could be used to nourish people rather than going to waste. State law SB 1383, that took effect in 2022, aims to decrease the quantity of food and compostable materials sent to landfills. It requires that many food generating businesses recover edible items that would otherwise be thrown away and donate them to support those in need. This not only reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions but also helps alleviate food insecurity within our communities.