City of Oakland hired consultants, staff and Climate Core Fellows will conduct field audits of residents’ and business’ trash, compost and recycle containers March 3- March 15. Senate Bill 1383, the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Act mandates that all CA cities conduct annual field audits. The field audits will occur in residential neighborhoods on trash collection days from 6:00am to 4pm, by visually inspecting the contents of residents’ trash, compost and recycle carts or bins. When auditors find misplaced items in residents’ carts, they will leave an “Oops!” tag explaining what items were wrongly placed and information on correct sorting. When they find material correctly sorted, they will leave a “Good Job!” tag. Businesses and apartment buildings will be audited one day before their service day(s). They will receive follow up communication by phone or mail after the field audit. About 2% of all trash, recycle, and compost containers in Oakland have been randomly selected for this audit. These field audits are being conducted in coordination with Waste Management, California Waste Solutions and Civicorps. This will be the City’s third SB 1383 audit. Staff have used findings from the audits to inform educational initiates.
Please refer to the FAQs for additional details.
FAQs
Why is the City of Oakland looking in my carts/bins?
State law Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requires cities to conduct annual field audits to track how well residents and businesses sort their materials. SB 1383 also requires residents and businesses to put their compost, recycle, and trash into the correct carts or bins. When buried in landfills compostable items such as food scraps, food soiled paper, and plant debris produce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. For more information about local implementation of SB 1383 visit StopWaste.org/rules. Click here complete details about how to sort your waste.
What will happen if I put something in the wrong cart at home?
If you put something in the wrong cart, auditors will leave an “Oops tag” explaining what items were wrongly placed in a specific cart or bin and information on correct sorting.
Note: Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC), California Waste Solutions (CWS) or Civicorps do not have to service recycle or compost carts if they have items that do not belong. If your cart is not serviced due to contamination found by a driver, call your service provider. WMAC at (510) 613-8700 (csnorthbay@wm.com), or CWS at (510) 625-5263 (OaklandCS@calwaste.com).
What will happen if I put something in the wrong cart or bin at work?
If you put something in the wrong cart or bin, auditors may call or mail a letter to the business address explaining what material was placed in the incorrect cart or bin and information on correct sorting. Resources to improve waste sorting will also be offered such as training, signage and decals. Multifamily properties can proactive request free tools. Businesses can access free resources and request technical assistance.
Note: Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC), California Waste Solutions (CWS) or Civicorps do not have to service recycle or compost carts if they have items that do not belong. If your cart is not serviced due to contamination found by a driver, call your service provider. WMAC at (510) 613-8700 (csnorthbay@wm.com), or CWS at (510) 625-5263 (OaklandCS@calwaste.com).
Will any items be removed from my carts/bins?
Auditors will not permanently remove any items or document any personal information that may be in your carts or bins. Auditors may open trash bags as part of their review. A photo will be taken of the contents of your cart/bin to track how well Oaklanders are sorting their waste.
Who is SCS Engineers?
SCS Engineers is a contractor hired by the City to conduct this annual field audit.
Who is Civicorps?
Civicorps is a contractor hired by the City to conduct in field inspections of trash, recycle, and compost containers.
Who are Climate Corp Fellows?
Climate Corp Fellows are working at the City of Oakland for one year. Fellows are supporting SB 1383 field audits. This is one of many environmental projects the Fellows will work on this year.
What items are accepted in the trash, recycle, and compost cart or bin?
Click here for a detailed explanation of what material should be placed in each cart or bin. Download and print a recycle, compost, and trash sorting guide to help you remember what items belong where.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Contact the City of Oakland Recycling Hotline at recycling@oaklandca.gov, or call (510) 238-SAVE (7283).
