FAQ ~ City of Oakland, California

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I volunteer or find information on hosting a volunteer event?
You can find out more information about volunteer opportunities through our volunteer hotline (510) 238-7630 or on the Public Work Agency volunteer calendar. Both the calendar and hotline will provide information about three stewardship programs: Adopt-A-Spot, Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Creek, as well as information about upcoming City-sponsored volunteer events, such as Earth Day and Creek To Bay Day.

What can I do if I have a creek running through or near my property?
There are guidelines and recommendations the City has for property owners or neighbors of creeks. Property owners must adhere to the City's Creek Protection Ordinance. For all other residents interested in protecting nearby creeks, please visit our Creekside Living page. There are recommendations for what plants to keep out and to plant in creek areas, vegetation practices and other resources to help further the protection of our creeks.

How can I report trash dumped in or near a creek in my neighborhood?
You can report illegal dumping by calling the City’s Public Works Agency Call Center (510) 615-5566.

Recycling

May I leave my garbage and recycling containers out on the curb?
Oakland's Blight Ordinance requires that you remove your containers no later than noon the day after your collection and that you place them at the curb no sooner than noon the day before. To help reduce scavenging, please place containers out in the morning.

Large apartment buildings must place garbage cans, dumpsters and recycling carts at the curb no earlier than 5:00 p.m. on the day before collection, and containers must be removed by 9:00 p.m. on the day of collection.

When do I need to put my recycling containers out at the curb?

By 6:00 a.m. on your pickup day.

I just moved to Oakland. How do I start garbage and recycling services?

Only property owners may establish residential garbage services in Oakland. If you own your home, contact Waste Management of Alameda County at (510) 613-8710 to start weekly garbage and yard trimmings/food scraps collection service. If you are renting, contact your landlord or property manager to start weekly garbage and yard trimmings/food scraps collection service. Whether you own or rent, contact your recycling company to start weekly recycling collection service.

What is my collection schedule during holidays?

There are no garbage, yard trimmings or recycling collection on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. During weeks when these holidays fall on a week day, pickup is one day later for the rest of the week, including Saturday. For example, if your regular service day is Tuesday you will get service on Wednesday or if your regular service day is Friday, you will get service on Saturday. Garbage, recycling and yard trimming collection schedules are not affected by any other holidays.

The wheel fell off my garbage cart. What do I do?

Call Waste Management of Alameda County at (510) 613-8710. They will replace or repair broken carts at no charge.

What do I do with syringes and hypodermic needles?

They cannot be recycled or thrown in the garbage and must be disposed of properly. Please call Waste Management of Alameda County at (510) 613-8710 for proper disposal instructions.

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Recycling