Welcome to ACI's commercial newsletter!

ACI has long published a newsletter directed at Alameda residents. Now we have one for businesses and residents of multi-family buildings (5 units or more)! This quarterly publication is distributed electronically and promises a quick read to suit your busy schedule. We hope it will fill you with waste reduction and recycling ideas, as well as with the motivation to do great things for your business (or building) and the environment.

If you would like to be alerted each time a new commercial newsletter is posted, please click here to send us an email request.

If you have a question, comment or recycling-related tip that you'd like to see in a future commercial newsletter, please send an email to AskOzzie@alamedacountyindustries.com.*

*Please type your phone number in your e-mail message so we may call you in the event that our e-mail is blocked. Thank you.

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As of July 1st, retail vendors selling prepared food in Alameda may no longer use disposable food and beverage service ware made from polystyrene foam (Styrofoam™). Local restaurants, grocery stores, delis, fast-food establishments, vendors-at-fairs, caterers, food trucks and push carts must instead serve food and beverages in reusable, recyclable, biodegradable or compostable containers. City facilities must also comply.

Choosing to utilize reusable food service ware is the best choice. That’s why the City of Alameda and ACI recommend that food vendors encourage patrons to bring their own refillable cups and containers. Doing so creates zero waste and is better than using recyclable or compostable ware which require collection, processing and a variety of resources to morph them into a “new” product.

If your business serves takeout food and/or provides “to-go” packaging for leftovers consider the following:

1. Giving customers a discount for bringing in their own reusable
food/beverage containers. Or, charging a little extra to customers who don’t.

2. Selling reusable takeout containers for the lowest price possible. You may be surprised by how many people will buy them. You’ll save money by not having to use disposable alternatives and if you print your logo on the containers, you’ll be advertising your business as earth conscious!

If you need assistance purchasing eco-friendly food service ware or have any questions regarding the use of polystyrene foam, City staff is available to help. Please call the Department of Public Works at (510) 749-5840.

Be Aware… All violations of the City’s newly implemented ordinance prohibiting the use of foam polystyrene will be investigated. Food vendors found in violation will be subject to the following:

1st offense = Warning
2nd offense = $250 fine
3rd offense = $500 fine
4th offense = $1,000 fine

The Burger Meister restaurant located adjacent to the Alameda Theater recently opened its doors. As a participant in ACI’s organics and mixed recycling programs, the new restaurant looks forward to serving the community great food while being environmentally responsible. Burger Meister is dedicated to providing their guests with the best quality burgers, excellent service, and great prices. Burger Meister’s casual atmosphere serves as a backdrop to the tasty food and fun dining experience. Burger Meister is located at 1923 Central Ave, Alameda. Burger Meister has way more than just burgers!

Click here to see a copy of their menu and to read more about the restaurant.

Let us know and we’ll feature you in a future newsletter edition.

Need help starting a mixed recycling or organics program? Contact us today!
Call us at 510.483.1400 or email us at info@AlamedaCountyIndustries.com