FAQs

We've compiled a list of your most frequently asked questions. If your topic isn't addressed below, contact us for immediate assistance.

If I'm already recycling and composting all I can, what can I do to keep my bill down?

Look into ways to reduce your waste. Invest in as many reusable products as make sense. For ideas, visit www.UseReusables.com, www.StopWaste.Org, and our Publications & Resources page. You can also contact us to arrange for a free waste assessment. We'll schedule a visit to your business and take a look at the waste generated. Our representative will try to find ways for you to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost everything possible.

Our business produces too much garbage – what can we change?

Contact us for a free waste assessment. We'll schedule a visit to your business and take a look at the waste generated. Our representative will help you find ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost.

We'd like to start a new waste prevention and/or recycling program but lack the funds for necessary equipment and training. What should we do?

Look into teaming up with the StopWaste Partnership. Chances are you can find what you need to go green.

How do we start service?

You will need to complete a service form (with credit application for new customers or for existing customers) and contact us in order to start service. Service can start immediately.

We no longer need garbage service. How do we cancel?

Just click here to fill out the form. Or, contact us for further assistance.

Help! Not all of our garbage, recycling or organic material was picked up on our last service day.

If you need an extra pickup, would like to increase your service level, or need to report a missed pickup, please contact us immediately. If you were missed, we'll send a driver back around within one business day. To facilitate service, make sure your collection container(s) are not overloaded or blocked.

What goes in each of my collection containers?

Garbage goes in the gray, recyclables in the blue and organics (food/yard waste) in the green. Click on each cart below for a more complete list of what belongs inside.


Blue: mixed recyclables	Green: organics (food/yard waste)	Gray: garbage

What should I do with leftover paint and cleaning products? What about old computer equipment and cell phones?

Hazardous items like these are not permitted in any of our collection containers. Businesses are required to arrange for proper collection and disposal of hazardous items. Visit our Hazardous & E-Waste Programs page for more information.

We're getting rid of some bulky items. Can you pick up industrial-sized appliances?

Sure, as long as we can safely lift them. Please review the service/rate menu and contact us to make arrangements.

My business has a one-time surplus of food. I'd hate for it to go to waste-- any suggestions?

Consider donating to the Alameda County Food Bank to pass on your bounty.

We've been going out of our way to do the right thing and would like people to know it. Is there a way for us to gain recognition as a "green" business?

Yes! Take a look at the Bay Area Green Business Program and Business Program and WRAP.

I'm sick of junk mail! Is there a way to make it stop?

Visit www.stopjunkmail.org. To cut back on unsolicited catalogues, also visit www.catalogchoice.org

Still need help?