Setout Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

Click the question or statement to reveal helpful answers and suggestions.

Welcome to Alameda! Property owners/managers need to contact us to start or stop service. Click here for the required form.

What goes in each collection container?

Garbage goes in the gray, Recyclables in the blue, and Organics (food/yard waste) in the green.Visit our Publications & Resources page for details.

What do I do with my kitchen scraps?

If your complex doesn't have an Organics bin, contact your property manager about starting service. Until then, you'll have to toss kitchen scraps in the trash.

My property manager/owner doesn't want to subscribe to Organics collection. I'm used to composting and can't stand throwing away kitchen scraps. I don't have a yard, so what can I do?

Bravo for not adding to the landfill! No need to give up composting just because you live in an apartment. Consider letting worms do the dirty work. Visit www.stopwaste.org for info on how to get started. In a few months you'll be rewarded with rich soil for your indoor plants.

I moved from a single-family home to a multi-family complex. What is different about garbage and recycling pick up?

The biggest difference you'll notice is that you won't have to push any containers to the curb for service. You'll be sharing centrally-located collection containers with other residents. Here are some quick tips:

Do not overload containers. Lids should close completely.
Do not wedge or compact materials into your containers.
If you have extra waste, please contact your property owner/manager to arrange for additional service.
Breakdown boxes before adding to the recycling container.
Make sure your car never blocks the containers.

What size are the bins/dumpsters that ACI uses?

Sizes vary but all bins are approximately 81" long. Additional approximate measurements are as follows:

1-yard bins are 3'3" high and 2'11" wide
2-yard bins are 4' high and 3'3" wide
3-yard bins are 4'9" high and 3'9" wide
4-yard bins are 5' high and 5' wide
6-yard bins are 5'3" high and 5'7" wide
8-yard bins are 7'2" high and 6'1" wide

I have questions regarding my last invoice. Is there someone who can help me?

It's important to us that our customers understand their invoice and correct any mistakes as soon as possible. Please contact us with your questions.

I have some old cleaning fluids, paint, fertilizer, a few burned-out fluorescent bulbs, and some old medications and sharps (needles/lancets). How can I get rid of it all?

No liquid or hazardous items can go in any of our bins. You can take them to Alameda County's hazardous waste collection facility. Click here for information.

I bought a new fridge and sofa. How do I dispose of the old ones?

If the old stuff is in good shape, consider donating to a local charity (like www.salvationarmy.org or www.EastBayGoodwill.org), selling it at a consignment shop, or listing on Craig's List or Freecycle.org. If your old stuff is in poor shape, see if the store you made your new purchase from will take it. You can also talk to your property owner or manager about contacting us to arrange a special pickup.

I cleaned out my closet and found lots of good clothing I no longer wear. What should I do with it all?

Passing your things back into circulation helps other people AND keeps your landfill from overflowing. You can sell it at a consignment shop, or try donating (www.salvationarmy.org, www.EastBayGoodwill.org, www.freecycle.org)

I'm doing some spring cleaning and have more garbage than usual. How do I get rid of it?

We can provide additional or special pickups at the owner/manager's request. Please have them contact us to make arrangements.

I'm about to move/just finished moving. Where can I get/ get rid of boxes?

Check out www.freecardboardboxes.com or try listing on www.freecycle.org. You can also contact us to arrange for additional service.

I'm sick of all this junk mail! Is there a way to make it stop?

Visit www.stopjunkmail.org. To cut back on unsolicited catalogues, visit www.catalogchoice.org

I'm looking for basic waste reduction and recycling information. Any good websites to visit?

Sure, try these:

How do I dispose of e-waste?

For free e-waste collection events and locations, visit StopWaste.org or go to the CalRecycle website and search their database.

I'm interested in teaching my child more about the environment. Any suggestions?

Visit the Kid's Club at the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Read eco-themed books to your child and discuss them afterwards. Click here for a suggested reading list.

I'd like to reward companies that go out of their way to do the right thing. Is there a way to find local green businesses?

Yes! Visit www.greenbiz.ca.gov

Didn't see your question?

Visit our Publications & Resources page or contact us for answers.