Waste Management Guide for Homeowners in Hayward, California
Introduction
Waste management is critical for a clean and healthy environment. The City of Hayward partners with Waste Management of Alameda County (WM) to provide comprehensive waste management services to residents and businesses. This guide offers a detailed overview of the waste management regulations and rules for homeowners in San Hayward, California, based on official city documents, WM guidelines, and relevant news articles.
Waste Management Services in San Hayward
The City of Hayward has an agreement with Waste Management of Alameda County (WM) to provide garbage and recycling service to all residents and businesses. WM offers various services, including:
- Curbside Collection: WM provides curbside collection of garbage, recycling, and organics for homeowners. Single-stream recycling and organics carts are serviced weekly.
- Bulky Item Pickup: Homeowners can schedule two free bulky item pickups per calendar year for items too large for regular garbage carts.
- Holiday Tree Collection: During the first two weeks of January, WM offers free curbside pickup of holiday trees.
- Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal: Residents can dispose of HHW at the Alameda County HHW facility in Hayward.
- Self-Haul Option: Homeowners can self-haul up to two cubic yards of garbage to the Davis Street Resource Recovery Complex with a coupon from WM.
- Low-income assistance: The City of Hayward offers a discount on garbage rates for low-income residents. For more information, please contact the city at (510) 583-4610.
- Mattress and Box Spring Drop-off: WM offers a free mattress and box spring drop-off service at their Davis Street Resource Recovery Complex. Alameda County residents and businesses can bring up to five mattresses or box springs per day to the facility for free disposal.
- Side Yard Service: Side yard service for garbage, organics, and recyclables is available at no additional charge to single-family home residents who are disabled, or 65 years of age or older, and who have no able-bodied adults living in their home. Side yard service is available to all other residents for a fee.
- Smart Truck Technology: WM utilizes Smart Truck technology to monitor and audit trash and compost collection, ensuring compliance with state regulations and promoting proper waste diversion.
Acceptable Materials
This section outlines the materials accepted in each waste stream: garbage, recycling, and organics. Please refer to this guide to ensure proper sorting and avoid contamination charges.
Garbage
This cart is for items that cannot be recycled or composted. Acceptable Items:
- Non-recyclable plastics (e.g., chip bags, plastic wrap)
- Polystyrene foam
- Textiles (consider donating if in good condition)
- Soiled paper that cannot be composted (e.g., tissues, paper towels with cleaning agents)
- Ceramics and broken glass
Unacceptable Items:
- Food scraps
- Yard waste
- Recyclable materials (e.g., paper, cardboard, plastic bottles)
- Hazardous waste (e.g., paint, batteries, electronics)
- Construction debris
Recycling
This cart is for materials that can be processed and turned into new products. Acceptable Items:
- Paper (e.g., newspapers, magazines, office paper)
- Cardboard (flatten boxes)
- Empty metal cans (e.g., aluminum, steel)
- Empty glass bottles and jars
- Empty plastic bottles and jugs (leave lids on)
Unacceptable Items:
- Food waste
- Yard waste
- Plastic bags (place these in the garbage)
- Polystyrene foam
- Hazardous waste (e.g., batteries, electronics)
Organics
This cart is for compostable materials, which are turned into nutrient-rich soil amendments. Acceptable Items:
- Food scraps (including meat, bones, and dairy)
- Yard trimmings (e.g., grass clippings, leaves, branches)
- Food-soiled paper (e.g., paper towels, napkins, pizza boxes)
- Non-coated paper plates and take-out containers
Unacceptable Items:
- Plastic bags (even those labeled compostable)
- Pet waste
- Diapers
- Recyclable materials (e.g., plastic bottles, metal cans)
Mandatory Recycling and Composting
California is committed to reducing waste and promoting resource recovery. State law SB 1383 requires all residents and businesses to participate in mandatory recycling and composting programs. This means separating organic waste from garbage and recycling. The Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance (ORRO) implements this law in Hayward. The ORRO not only helps reduce methane emissions from landfills but also creates valuable compost that can be used for gardening, landscaping, and farming. By composting organic materials instead of sending them to landfills, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a valuable resource.
All residents must subscribe to organics and recycling collection services. Homeowners are required to sort their waste into the appropriate containers:
- Organics: Food scraps, compostable paper, and plant debris only. No garbage or recycling.
- Recycling: Bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard only. No garbage or organics.
- Garbage: Garbage only. No organics or recycling.
Cart and Bin Set Out Regulations
To ensure efficient waste collection, homeowners must adhere to these regulations:
- Placement: Carts must be placed on the street in front of your house with wheels against the curb, away from any obstructions and neighbor’s carts.
- Timing: Carts may not be placed curbside earlier than 6:00 a.m. the day before collection and must be retrieved by midnight on collection day.
- Spacing: Carts should be placed at least two feet apart to allow for automated truck pickup.
Contamination and Overage Charges
WM implements surcharges for contaminated and overfilled carts to offset the costs of processing and disposing of materials improperly. Homeowners can avoid these surcharges by following proper sorting guidelines and ensuring their carts are not overfilled.
Container Type Violation Surcharge
(after two warnings)
- Recycling/Organics Carts Contamination $25.00
- Trash Carts Overfilled $10.00
- Recycling/Organics Bins Contamination $75.00
- Trash Bins Overfilled $75.00
- Recycle Bins Overfilled $35.00
Specific Regulations for Homeowners
In addition to the general guidelines, homeowners should be aware of these specific regulations:
- Battery and Cell Phone Recycling: Homeowners can recycle household batteries and cell phones by placing them in a sealed plastic bag next to their recycling cart.
- Motor Oil and Filter Collection: Residents can recycle used motor oil and filters using containers provided by Tri-CED Community Recycling.
- Plastic Bag Ban: The City of Hayward participates in a County-wide ordinance banning the distribution of single-use plastic bags at checkout. This ban helps reduce litter and waste, protecting our creeks and the Bay.
Waste Management Resources and Contact Information
For more information and resources on waste management in San Hayward, refer to the following:
- City of Hayward Website: here
- Waste Management Website: here
- Tri-CED Community Recycling: here
- StopWaste Website: here
Contact Information
For billing inquiries or to report an issue with your service, contact Waste Management of Alameda County:
- Email: csnorthbay@wm.com
- Phone: (510) 537-5500
For additional questions, contact the City of Hayward Environmental Services:
- Phone: (510) 583-4700
Conclusion
Waste management in San Hayward is guided by regulations promoting environmental sustainability and public health. Homeowners are essential to the success of these programs. By properly disposing of waste, separating organics, recycling, and avoiding contamination and overfilled bins, residents contribute to a cleaner, healthier San Hayward.
Key takeaways for homeowners:
- Sort waste properly: Familiarize yourself with the acceptable materials for each bin to avoid contamination charges.
- Recycle and compost: Participate in mandatory recycling and composting programs to divert waste from landfills and create valuable resources.
- Avoid overfilling bins: Ensure bin lids close completely to prevent spillage and potential fines.
- Utilize available services: Take advantage of services like bulky item pickup, holiday tree collection, and HHW disposal.
- Seek assistance when needed: Contact WM or the City of Hayward Environmental Services for questions or support.
By actively participating in waste management programs and following these guidelines, homeowners contribute to a more sustainable future for San Hayward.
