Don’t Forget

Mandatory Commercial Recycling and Organics Collection Now In Effectorganic_food

Mandatory recycling and organics collection is now in effect for all commercial customers in the District.

Starting July 1, 2017, Stopwaste will conduct audits and may fine those businesses not in compliance. For help in setting up a recycling or organics program or to schedule a free solid waste assessment, email the Waste Management Recycling Coordinator, Beverly Perez, at bpc@wm.org, or call (510) 390-0371.

A Review of the Mandatory Requirements

Effective January 1, 2017, businesses in Oro Loma Sanitary District that generate significant* quantities of organics and all multi-family properties with five or more units are required to provide adequate on-site collection service for all compostable materials (organics), under Alameda County’s Mandatory Recycling Ordinance. This includes food scraps, food-soiled paper, and plant debris. Businesses must ensure these compostable materials are kept separate from garbage.

* Organics are considered significant when they meet or exceed a total of 20 gallons in a garbage bin or 10 gallons in a garbage cart. Check your garbage containers the day before collection day to determine if you exceed the threshold. Businesses and institutions that typically generate significant quantities of organics include restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, coffee shops, food processors and senior living facilities or corporate offices with central cafeterias.

In addition to the organics collection requirements, Oro Loma businesses and multi-family properties (5+ units) must provide adequate on-site collection service for recyclable materials. Businesses must also ensure these materials are kept separate from garbage.

The law also requires property owners/managers to provide information at least annually to employees, tenants, and contractors describing how to properly use the recycling, organics and garbage containers.  Learn more at www.RecyclingRulesAC.org/cities-overview.

Oro Loma provides free technical assistance to help businesses assess their recycling and organics service needs. For assistance, contact Solid Waste Program Consultant Natasha Neves at 510-481-6964 or email nneves@oroloma.org.

For more information about the mandatory requirements, visit http://www.recyclingrulesac.org/.