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Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
Do I have to put my recycling container(s) out if they are not full?
May I leave my garbage and recycling containers out on the curb?
When do I need to put my recycling container out at the curb?
What if I am physically unable to bring my containers to the curb?
I'm a low-income senior citizen. Is there a discount available for me?
I just moved to Oakland. How do I start garbage and recycling services?
What should I do if I see someone other than the recycling company taking recyclables from my recycling container?
What is my collection schedule during holidays?
The wheel fell off my garbage cart. What do I do?
May I save money by getting a smaller garbage container?
What do I do with syringes and hypodermic needles?
I'd like some free paint. Do you know of any?
Do I have to put out my recycling container(s) if they are not full?
No. In fact, it is more efficient if you wait until they are full.
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.
What if I am physically unable to bring my containers to the curb?
If you're physically unable to take your garbage, yard trimmings, and recycling containers to the curb, you may be eligible for backyard service at no extra charge. Call Waste Management of Alameda County at (510) 613-8710. They will send you a simple application for this service.
I'm a low-income senior citizen. Is there a discount available for me?
Low-income senior citizens are eligible for a 12.5% discount on their garbage bill. To qualify, you must be 60 years of age or older, live in an owner-occupied single family dwelling, duplex, triplex, or fourplex, and demonstrate that you receive assistance under PG&E's CARE program.
For more information about PG&E's CARE program, call PG&E at (800) 743-5000 or visit www.pge.com.
If you're already part of the CARE program, call Waste Management of Alameda County at (510) 613-8710. They will send you a simple application for this discount.
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 should I do if I see someone other than the recycling company taking recyclables from my recycling container?
Get a description of the person and/or the make/model of the vehicle and call the police non-emergency number at (510) 777-3333.
What is my collection schedule during holidays?
There is no garbage, yard trimmings, or recycling collection on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. During weeks when these holidays fall on a weekday, 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'll replace or repair broken carts at no charge.
May I save money by getting a smaller garbage container?
When you recycle, you have less waste to throw away, so you may be able to switch to a smaller garbage cart to save money. Residents who reduce waste and use a 20 gallon mini-can may save approximately 25% of the cost compared to a typical 35 gallon cart service.
But be sure to choose the right container for your garbage needs. Charges will be assessed for overflowing garbage, garbage set out beyond your service level, or allowing garbage to accumulate on your property. Tip: For occasional increases in weekly garbage, you may buy "Bag-It" pre-paid bags.
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.
I'd like some free paint. Do you know of any?
Some things in life are still free! The Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Program is giving away 5-gallon buckets of recycled exterior latex paint. The colors vary but are usually beige. For details on free paint, listen to the recorded message at Alameda County's Household Hazardous Waste Paint Giveaway Hotline at (510) 567-6750. For further information, all (800) 606-6606 or (510) 670-6460 to speak to the program staff.
