Commercial Set Out

CVSAN

Commercial Set-Out Information

California’s Mandatory Commercial Recycling Law & Alameda County Recycling Ordinance – All commercial businesses are required to sort their recyclables from garbage.

  • Businesses that generate food scraps and food-soiled paper are required to sort organic material.
  • Recycling and organics service must be sufficient to handle the amount of material being separated from garbage.
  • More information about the ordinance can be found here: www.StopWaste.org/rules

We can help you start or improve your Recycling and Organics collection program today!
CVSan and ACI staff are available to:

  • provide a site assessment of your business or property.
  • lead trainings focused on starting new collection programs.
    offer refresher information to your staff on your current program.
  • Call CVSan at (510) 537-0757 ext. 119 or contact ACI for more information.

Commercial Bundling Program. Businesses that subscribe to plastic cart or 1-3 cubic yard metal bin service can combine any two of the three service options (recycling, organics, or garbage) into a bundled rate. Click here for more information about the Commercial Bundling Program.

Recycling & Organics Containers, Posters, Signs, & Decals. CVSan can donate a wide variety of recycling and organics containers, posters, signs, decals and customized signs to meet the needs of your business. In the event we cannot donate what you need, CVSan can help with easy grant applications to local agencies that can likely cover the cost. Click here for more information on the CVSan Container and Signage Donation Program.

Promote Zero Waste – Become a 4R Star Business. Businesses are certified as “4R Star” businesses by completing ongoing activities in each of the 4R categories – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot (organics or compost as it’s commonly known). More information about the 4R Star Program can be found here.

For the latest Commercial rate information, please click here.

 

SERVICE INFORMATION:

 

WHAT BELONGS IN THE BLUE RECYCLING BIN OR CART?

  • All plastics #1-7 (except foam plastic)
  • Bundled plastic bags/wrap “Bag-in-Bag”
  • Scrap metal (up to 2 ft. & 40 lbs.)
  • Glass containers
  • Aluminum foil products & metal containers
  • Clean paper, cardboard, & paper cartons

 

WHAT DOES NOT BELONG IN THE BLUE RECYCLING BIN OR CART?

  • Ceramics & glassware
  • Windows, mirrors, & sheet glass
  • Foam plastic
  • Juice boxes & pouches
  • Food-soiled paper
  • Organic material
  • Hazardous Waste

 

Polystyrene Foam Containers and Plastic Bags are Banned in Alameda County
  • Alameda County Restaurants and establishments that serve food cannot give out serve ware or containers made of polystyrene foam (commonly referred to as Styrofoam). Alternatives include paper or plastic containers.
  • Alameda County stores that sell packaged foods and/or alcohol may no longer provide customers with single-use plastic bags at checkout. Bags made of recycled paper or reusable bags may be made available for 10 cents per bag. Protective bags for meat and produce will still be allowed.
  • Encourage your customers to bring any type of bag from home they wish.
  • Learn more about the Reusable Bag Law here.

 

 
KEEP YOUR RECYCLING CLEAN!
  • Keep the Stream Clean – Cleaner recyclables have a better chance of being recycled! Please make sure recyclable containers are at least 90% clean of materials or debris. Scrape spoiled/unwanted food into the green organics container.
  • Keep Recycling Loose – Don’t bag them! (except for bundled plastic wrap/bags). Flatten cardboard boxes to maximize space and prevent litter.
  • Avoid Wishcycling – Items that are not recyclable cause contamination and can damage processing equipment. eWaste, shredding, light bulbs, food-soiled paper, ceramics/glassware, windows/mirrors/sheet glass, wire/hangers, pouches/mixed materials or foam plastic (polystyrene) do not belong in the recycling containers.

 

 

WHAT BELONGS IN THE GREEN ORGANICS BIN OR CART?

Food Scraps, Food-Soiled Paper, Yard Trimmings

  • Food Scraps
  • Waxed paper cartons & paper egg cartons
  • Shredded paper in paper bags
  • Yard trimmings, uncoated wood & chips, cactus & palm, Branches & Twigs (Up to 6’ in diameter, no longer than 4’)
  • Food-soiled paper containers
  • Paper towels & napkins, paper plates & cups

 

WHAT DOES NOT BELONG IN THE GREEN ORGANICS CART?

 

PLEASE REMEMBER:
  • Alameda County Mandatory Organics Ordinance. Businesses and institutions that generate organic materials/yard waste are required to have a green cart or bin. Violators of the ordinance may be subject to citations and fines. Contact us to start or improve your organics collections service today.
  • Reduce your Yard Waste with Bay-Friendly Landscaping. Bay-Friendly Landscaping reduces yard waste. conserves water, and prevents pollution. For more information on Bay-Friendly Landscaping visit here.
  • AVOID CONTAMINATION! Plastic bags, glass, metal, aluminum, rocks, dirt, concrete, and treated or coated wood DO NOT belong in the Green Organics containers.

 

 

WHAT GOES IN THE GRAY GARBAGE BIN OR CART?

Non-recyclable, non-compostable, non-hazardous materials

  • Foam plastic
  • Juice boxes & pouches
  • Non-fluorescent light bulbs
  • Hoses & wire
  • Sheet glass (window, mirrors, etc.)
  • Treated wood (painted & stained)
  • Diapers & personal hygiene products
  • Glassware & ceramics
  • Cat litter & non-vegetarian pet feces

 

WHAT DOES NOT BELONG IN THE GRAY GARBAGE BIN OR CART?

  • Recycling
  • Organics
  • Rocks, dirt and concrete
  • Hazardous Waste. Words such as danger, warning, caution, poisonous, and flammable on labels can mean a product is toxic. For more information on the Commercial Hazardous Waste Disposal Program, click here.

 

Dispose of Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Properly