Multi-Family

FAQs

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

How do I start my service?

Welcome to Livermore! Property owners/managers need to contact us to start or stop service. A form is required in order to start/stop service. Click Here to download the forms.


I moved from a single-family home to a multi-family complex. What is different about garbage and recycling pick up?

The biggest difference you'll notice is that you won't have to push your cart to the curb! You'll be sharing centrally-located bins with other residents. Click here for a pdf copy of our multi-family service guide. Here are some quick tips:

  • Do not overload your bin. The lid should close completely.
  • Do not wedge or compact materials into your bin.
  • If you have extra waste, please contact your property owner/manager to arrange for additional service.
  • Break down boxes before adding to the recycling bin.
  • Make sure your car never blocks the bins.

What goes in each of my bins?

Garbage goes in the gray, recyclables in the blue, and organics (food/yard waste) in the green. Click here to download our multi-family service guide.

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

What exactly are Recyclables?

Most paper products (junk mail, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, boxes), glass bottles & jars, metal & aluminum cans, and plastics marked with the recycling symbol and a number 1-7.

Recyclables

What do I do with my kitchen scraps?

If your complex doesn't have an Organics bin, contact your property manager about starting service. Until then, you'll have to toss kitchen scraps in the trash.


My property manager doesn't want to get Organics pickup service. I'm used to composting, though, and can't stand throwing away kitchen scraps. I don't have a yard, so what can I do?

Bravo for not adding to the landfill! No need to give up composting just because you live in an apartment. Consider letting worms do the dirty work. You can get a worm bin from www.stopwaste.org. In a few months you'll be rewarded with rich soil for your indoor plants.


I have questions regarding my last invoice. Is there someone who can help me?

It's important to us that our customers understand their invoice and correct any mistakes as soon as possible. Please contact us with your questions.


I have some old paint, fertilizer, and a few burned-out fluorescent bulbs. How can I get rid of them?

No liquid or hazardous items can go in any of our bins. Please take them to Alameda County's hazardous waste collection facility. Click here for information.

Hazardous items accepted by the County include:

  • Pesticides
  • Fertilizers
  • Pool chemicals
  • Photo chemicals
  • Paint/varnish
  • Toxic cleaning products
  • Mercury-containing items (thermometers & fluorescent lamps for example)
  • Medications
  • Sharps /needles (in approved containers)
  • Batteries
  • Motor Oil



I know I can take used motor oil to the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility, but the hours of operation there are limited. Is there anywhere else I can take it?
Yes. You can take used motor oil & filters to any certified collection center. For a list of local centers, visit www.CalRecycle.ca.gov. Be sure to call the center for hours and instructions.

Talk to your property owner or manager about setting up a special pickup.


I'm clearing out my storage closets and have more garbage than usual. How do I get rid of it?

We can provide additional or special pickups at the owner/manager's request.


I just witnessed some illegal dumping. What should I do?

Report it! Use the online form on the "Contact Us" page.


A lot of our tenants don't seem to have the knack for sorting garbage from recycling. Can you help us clear up the confusion?

Contact your property manager. He or she can arrange for us to come by and do a presentation or simply distribute informative literature.


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

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


I do my own gardening and could really use some good quality compost. Why should I give Livermore Sanitation all my organic waste?
I cleaned out my closet and found lots of good stuff I no longer wear. What should I do with it all?

Passing your things back into circulation helps other people AND keeps your landfill from overflowing. You can contact:
www.salvationarmy.org
www.EastBayGoodwill.org
www.freecycle.org


I'm moving and have an entire pantry full of food I can't use. I'd hate for it to go to waste- any suggestions?

Good for you- there's too much need to throw away food. Visit the Alameda County Food Bank to pass on your bounty. Also check out www.freecycle.org.


I'm looking for basic waste reduction and recycling information. Any good sites to visit?
How do I dispose of e-waste?

Talk to your property manager/owner about arranging a special pickup. For free e-waste collection events and locations, visit StopWaste.org or go to the CalRecycle website and search their database.


My child's school doesn't have any green programs. How can I help them to start?

Share these resources with your school. Teachers can find tools to for hands-on environmental education:

Environmental Education for Kids (EEK!)
Go Green Initiative
Waste-Free Lunches
Recycling Paper



I'm interested in teaching my child more about the environment. Any suggestions?

I'd like to reward companies that go out of their way to do the right thing. Is there a way to find local green businesses?
I'm about to move/just finished moving. Where can I get/ get rid of boxes?

Post reusable boxes on www.freecycle.org and/or try using www.freecardboardboxes.com.


I'm apartment hunting and I'd like to know which residential complexes offer recycling & organic services. Do you have a list?

Yes we do! Please refer to our Green List of multi-family residential complexes.


Still need help?

Contact us for assistance or visit our Publications & Resources.