Services & Information
Mandatory Law and Requirements
Mandatory Trash, Recycle, and Compost
Every business in Oakland must subscribe to sufficient trash, recycle and compost service to meet weekly generation per Oakland Municipal Code 8.28.140. All material discarded by each business must be correctly sorted into the trash, recycle, or compost container. Discards must fit inside the collection containers with the lids closed.
Effective January 1, 2022, all California businesses, multifamily complexes, and residences must sort food scraps from trash and recycling and subscribe to compost collection service per State law SB 1383. SB 1383‘s intent is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change by diverting organic material away from landfills.
Mandatory Edible Food Recovery Requirements
Certain food-generating businesses in Oakland are required to donate surplus edible food to food recovery organizations.
Visit the Mandatory Laws and Rules page for details on city, county, and state requirements.
Business Recycling Collection
Recycle is mandatory for all commercial businesses. Non multifamily unit dwelling businesses may choose their recycle provider. Please choose an approved provider from the list below.
Mixed Service Buildings
If a Multi-Family property (apartment building) has mixed commercial space within the building the:
- The Multi-Family property must subscribe to residential services under minimum mandatory service requirements for trash, organics and per unit residential recycling service.
- Commercial businesses must subscribe to its separate recycling service.
Planning (New Construction)
New construction should allow for adequate space for trash, recycling, and compost collection.
Free Technical Assistance and Training
Want to achieve sustainable waste management and cut down your carbon footprint by reducing waste and recycling more? Set-up a phone consultation or visit with a recycling education representative.
- Email: oaklandoutreach@wm.com
- Phone: 510-613-2102
Recycle Right and Avoid Surcharges
Surcharges may be applied when the wrong materials are found in compost or recycle carts or bins. Account owners will be notified after each incident.
Only place acceptable items in the recycling and composting containers as shown on the container labels. Accounts can be cited for contamination and non-compliance by the city or the county, and the service provider may refuse to collect containers with the wrong material inside, and contamination surcharges may apply.
1 – 4 Incidents = a warning letter.
Over 5 Incidents in a 12 month period = discontinuation of service.
If service is discontinued, your business may not comply with the ACWMA mandatory recycling ordinance.
Avoid Overage Charges
Materials must fit inside your cart or bin with the lid closed for regular service.
Eliminate excess materials by:
- Having large enough carts/bins or pickups to manage all the waste you generate.
- Making sure the containers work properly – call for repair if needed.
- Ensuring waste is spread evenly in your bin.
- Setting out bins just ahead of pickup when possible.
- Sort your recycle, compost, and trash correctly.
If you regularly have excess materials, call WM Customer Service at (510) 613-8700 to help you right-size your service.
Trash / Compost Bin Overage Charge = $149.26 Per Yard
Service Level Changes
To order additional compost or recycle containers, or to change trash service level, contact your service providers:
- Trash & Compost: Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc. 510-613-8710
- Recycle: Contact your service provider
Food Vendors: Reusable and Disposable Foodware Requirements
Food vendors in Oakland must follow certain requirements when:
(1) providing disposable foodware and accessories to customers, and
(2) allowing customers to use their own reusable foodware.
Visit the Mandatory Laws and Rules page for details on city, county, and state requirements.
Sign Up for Service
For trash and compost service call Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc., 510-613-8710.
For Recycling service, contact the service provider of your choice directly.