The Oakland Trash Cart Upgrade Program has been extended to June 30, 2024.
You can continue to use the new, larger dark gray trash cart without incurring any additional charges during this time. Please remember to keep recyclables and compostable materials out of the trash cart.
Welcome to the Oakland Recycles Trash Cart Upgrade Program
The City of Oakland and Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc. are working together to pilot solutions to improve trash services, assess community needs and reduce litter and illegal dumping. One action we are evaluating is providing increased trash capacity to residents on one route, for no additional cost. This pilot is called the Oakland Recycles Trash Cart Upgrade Program. If it results in reduced litter, better service, and cleaner recycle and compost streams, it may be scaled, route by route, across the City. Thank you in advance for your participation in this pilot.
Here are some answers to questions you might have:
A. In the past ten years, Oakland’s population has grown, and households have changed significantly. One service that has not necessarily changed accordingly is the amount of trash collection service homes, apartments, and businesses have, which has created some issues: overloading of trash carts and bins, contamination of recycle and compost carts with trash, and even illegal dumping.
We anticipate that if customers have more trash service, some of the issues noted above will decrease.
A. The Upgrade Program focuses on a single collection route. So, you might be part of it, but not your friend who lives by Lake Merritt, or even your neighbor a few blocks away.
There are approximately 350 residential properties that are part of this program that all share the same route. The route is like others close by and beyond – we chose to work with your route as it is typical to many other areas facing issues possibly caused by not having enough trash service.
A. No. Your trash bill will remain as it is during the pilot.
A. We are reaching out to all the property owners and/or property managers to explain the program.
A. Your larger, dark gray trash cart will be delivered on your regular service day between January 16 and February 1. Please leave your current trash cart at the curb on your regular trash day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. until your new cart arrives. Please note a separate truck will deliver your new trash cart.
A. UPDATE: The program has been extended to June 30, 2024. A representative from Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc. (WMAC) will be in touch to discuss the cost, if you want to keep your larger cart. They will review all available containers and costs and adjust your service as you wish.
You will keep the new larger cart until you confirm the size of cart you prefer, and your service choice is finalized. If you do not confirm your desired service after 30 days, WMAC will return your previous container and pre-Upgrade Program service will resume.
A. We expect to see a decrease in:
- Overfilled carts and bins
- Trash incorrectly placed in recycle and compost carts and bins
- Fewer illegal dumping incidents along your route
Did you know?
Bulky for All
Oakland households (single-family homes and apartment buildings), owners and renters, can directly schedule a drop off and a curbside bulky item pickup appointment. Reservations required for drop off and curbside pickups.
Call 1-888-WM-BULKY or request an appointment online. Learn more here: https://www.oaklandrecycles.com/bulky-service/.
Sorting Right
Everyone in Oakland needs to do their part to keep recyclables, food scraps, food soiled paper, and plant debris out of our landfills.
Learn more about what goes where.
Extra Trash
Single family home residents may purchase an extra waste sticker from WMAC. Place sticker on a 32-gallon bag and set out next to your trash cart on your regular pickup day. Call 510-613-8710 to order an extra waste stickers.
If you have questions about your service, please contact a customer experience representative at Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc.:
Residential customers: 510-613-8710
Commercial customers: 510-613-8700