Last updated October 20, 2015 *
If your question is not answered here, or elsewhere on our website, please contact us at
(510) 238-7283 (SAVE) or email recycling@oaklandnet.com.
Frequently Asked Questions about July 1, 2015 Zero Waste Service Changes for Oakland Businesses
New Services, Requirements and Rates
- How is my service changing and when?
- How did Waste Management and California Waste Solutions get these exclusive franchises?
- How will these changes affect my rates?
- What are the franchise fees includes in my rates? Are these new, or did they increase?
- Can I use service providers other than Waste Management for compost and trash collection services at my business?
- When am I required to start composting at my business? Can I be fined if I don’t? Where can I find information about the rules and regulations that require me to recycle and compost?
- What are the potential consequences if I put recyclables or compostable materials in my trash?
- What are "Push Rates"?
- When did push charges take effect?
- I don’t want to pay Waste Management or California Waste Solutions to do this work. Can I use a different service provider to move my containers?
- How can I reduce or avoid these charges?
- I don’t want to pay the push charges on my October 2015 bill. Can I get them waived?
- I talked to Waste Management and I still need assistance. Who can I contact?
- I have an informal recycling arrangement with a scavenger service or a private hauler with a pickup truck. Can I continue this arrangement?
- Where can I read the new garbage and recycling contracts?
Service Issues / Information Requests
- How can I get help adjusting my container sizes and service levels to meet my business’ needs?
- How can I find a recycling service provider that is right for my needs?
- I’m having a hard time finding a recycler who will provide service to my business. What can I do?
- Can multiple businesses share service containers as a solution to save on our bills?
- I purchase biodegradable plasticware and cups for my business, and ask my customers dispose of them in my compost bin. I’ve heard that Waste Management will refuse to compost these materials. Is this true? Will I be penalized for putting these materials in my compost containers?
Other Issues
- I currently receive my bill from Waste Management at the end of the month. Will that change?
- I am with a nonprofit or religious organization. What changes apply to me?
More Information
For Businesses:
New Services Overview for Businesses | Frequently Asked Questions for Businesses | Getting Started for Businesses | Business Trash and Compost Rates | Business Recycling Service Provider Directory
Other:
Construction & Demolition Recycling | Event Recycling | Fats, Oils & Grease | Greenware Ordinance (Polystyrene Ban)
History of Procurement of Zero Waste Services in Oakland
Frequently Asked Questions for Businesses
What is Oakland’s Zero Waste program?
The program includes curbside trash, recycling and compost services for households and businesses in Oakland. In 2006 the Oakland City Council adopted a Zero Waste Goal and a Strategic Plan, providing a framework of policies and initiatives that guide the planning and decision-making process to achieve our goals of diverting all recyclable and compostable material away from Oakland’s landfills and into reusable streams.
Those plans and policies took a big step forward in 2014 when the City Council voted to approve new services from California Waste Solutions (CWS) and Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc., effective July 1, 2015. Under these new services, CWS will provide residential recycling services citywide, and Waste Management will provide trash and composting services (including food scraps, food-soiled paper and plant debris) for all Oakland homes and businesses.
New Services, Requirements and Rates
Trash, recycling and compost services and rates for Oakland businesses will change on July 1. While Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc. will remain the exclusive provider of trash collection services, they will become the sole provider of compost collection services too. This change affects rates and services for businesses that currently subscribe to compost collection. Likewise, changes to the commercial recycling services mean that current participants in the Small Business Recycling Program may experience rate changes, and should consider shopping around for services that best suit their business needs.
The City of Oakland solicited competitive rate and service proposals through a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process that incorporated programs and policies approved by the City Council. Only Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc. and California Waste Solutions submitted responsive proposals. After negotiations and public hearings where rates and services were considered, the franchises were awarded.
A complete chart of rates for trash and compost services is available online here. If you need assistance determining what your bill will be, call Waste Management at 510-613-8700. The Small Business Recycling Program will expire June 30, and while service for current subscribers may continue uninterrupted, your rates are likely to change. For information about your recycling service rates, contact your service provider.
Franchise fees are found in almost every city that franchises trash collection services. Franchise fees have always been included in Oakland garbage rates – they are not new, and did not increase under the Zero Waste services that began July 1, 2015. The RFP documents included Oakland’s franchise fees and are available at www.ZeroWasteOakland.com.
Can I use service providers other than Waste Management for compost and trash collection services at my business?
For compost and trash collection services, Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc., is the exclusive service provider in Oakland. As of July 1, 2015, Waste Management should be providing you these services. If you need have not yet been contacted by Waste Management, or to request a change in your services, you can reach their customer service line at 510-613-8700. Commercial recycling remains an open market and businesses may use any recycling service provider that works best for them. A directory of recycling service providers is available here: http://www.oaklandrecycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/oak052264.pdf.
When am I required to start composting at my business? Can I be fined if I don’t? Where can I find information about the rules and regulations that require me to recycle and compost?
The Alameda County Waste Management Authority’s Mandatory Recycling Ordinance already requires every Oakland business to recycle, and will require all Oakland businesses to compost effective July 1, 2016. Enforcement will begin in January, 2017. This implementation schedule was delayed by one year at the City’s request to allow Oakland businesses adequate opportunity to comply with these requirements. If your business is out of compliance you may request free technical assistance to help you find solutions before receiving a fine. Find more information or request assistance at RecyclingRulesAC.org. You can also call the Alameda County Mandatory Recycling Information line at (510) 891-6575 for more information.
The most important consequence is that you’ll miss out on a chance to make a difference to protect the environment by contributing to Oakland’s Zero Waste efforts. Further, effective July 1, 2014, businesses placing recyclables in the trash are subject to enforcement of the mandatory recycling requirement by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority. All the rules are available at www.recyclingrulesac.org. With Oakland Recycles’ services you can avoid this problem and be a part of Oakland’s efforts to protect the environment.
Commercial and multi-family dwelling (MFD) customers may be charged “Push Rates” for on-property service that requires the collection driver to move trash, compost or recycling containers to a location where the collection truck can lift and empty the bin. Push rates are based on the distance the driver must push a container for emptying. Here are answers to some common questions about this service, including ways to reduce or avoid push charges.
The new program launched July 1, 2015, including charges for push service. Trash and compost push rates for multifamily customers were not included on invoices in July, August or September 2015, while Waste Management was conducting field audits of services to determine the push service level provided for each customer. In addition, some commercial customers were charged push rates beginning in July, while others were not. Push rates are included in current October 1, 2015 invoices for MFD and commercial customers.
I don’t want to pay Waste Management or California Waste Solutions to do this work. Can I use a different service provider to move my containers?
Property managers and business owners may make their own arrangements to move their containers – you are not required to use Waste Management or California Waste Solutions for this service. You may have an on-site manager, an employee, a resident or any third party move the containers.
Waste Management will provide free technical assistance to help you reduce or avoid push charges. They can assist with finding a different location to reduce the distance, reduce the number of bins or collection frequency, which can reduce the push charges or other charges. Contact Waste Management at 510-613-8710 or csnorthbay@wm.com for multifamily property managers, and 510-613-8700 or csnorthbay@wm.com for commercial customers, to schedule an on-site visit to review your container storage location(s), number of containers, and push charges..
If you are able to reduce or eliminate your push charges through relocation of containers or other changes to service, please contact Waste Management to discuss rebate or waiver of your bill(s).
If Waste Management cannot or does not resolve a problem for you, please contact the City of Oakland’s Recycling Hotline 510-238-SAVE (7283) or recycling@oaklandnet.com. Full program information is online at www.OaklandRecycles.com.
I have an informal recycling arrangement with a scavenger service or a private hauler with a pickup truck. Can I continue this arrangement?
That will depend on the details of your arrangement. Alameda County will request proof of recycling collection service from the premises and places some restrictions upon service providers. The full text of the county ordinance is online here. For further questions, call the StopWaste recycling helpline at 1-877-STOPWASTE (786-7927).
Where can I read the new garbage and recycling contracts?
The contracts, as well as the Request for Proposals and all staff reports, and Council actions taken during the Zero Waste procurement process are posted at www.zerowasteoakland.com.
Service Issues / Information Requests
For trash and compost services, call Waste Management at 510-613-8700. For recycling, call your current service provider or contact providers from the business recycling service provider directory available in Adobe Acrobat format at the City of Oakland’s website.
Commercial recycling remains an open market and businesses may use any recycling service provider that works best for their needs. A directory of recycling service providers is available here: http://www.oaklandrecycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/oak052264.pdf
California Waste Solutions is required to provide service upon request to any Oakland business. Call them at 510-OAKLAND (510-625-5263) for information about their services and rates.
Yes, businesses may share service as long as the total subscription provides service that meets the requirements of local ordinances regarding trash, recycling, and compost collection services for all the participating businesses. Please note that ordinances identify minimum service levels, but also require that businesses maintain adequate service for the volume of material they generate. If your business’ zero waste services are paid for by your property manager, contact your property manager to discuss whether you can share services with your neighbors in your building. You can find out more about Alameda County regulations at RecyclingRulesAC.org.
I purchase biodegradable plasticware and cups for my business, and ask my customers dispose of them in my compost bin. I’ve heard that Waste Management will refuse to compost these materials. Is this true? Will I be penalized for putting these materials in my compost containers?
The commercial compost program allows businesses to dispose of bioplastic material in their compost containers. The City is aware that conflicting information has been released regarding the handling of biodegradable plasticware, and is investigating the issue to ensure that services and participation information accurately reflect the program. Businesses will not be penalized for putting biodegradable plasticware in their compost bin.
Yes. Currently business customers are billed at the end of each month following service. Beginning in July, your business will be billed in advance of service -- the bill for services in a given month will be sent at the beginning of that month. Consequently, in late June you will receive two separate bills: one in arrears for June services and one in advance for July services. After July you will receive monthly bills at the start of each month. Contact WMAC at 510-613-8710 for more information.
For the purpose of these services, nonprofit and religious organizations are treated the same as a business. The service changes described here will apply to your organization. For more information on trash or composting, call Waste Management at 510-613-8700.
Last updated October 20, 2015
*Updates: Questions and Answers Added:
- What are "Push Rates"?
- When did push charges take effect?
- I don’t want to pay Waste Management or California Waste Solutions to do this work. Can I use a different service provider to move my containers?
- How can I reduce or avoid these charges?
- I don’t want to pay the push charges on my October 2015 bill. Can I get them waived?
- I talked to Waste Management and I still need assistance. Who can I contact?
- Where can I read the new garbage and recycling contracts?
Contact Us
Oakland Public Works
Environmental Services Division, Recycling Program
250 Frank H Ogawa Plaza, Suite 5301
Oakland, CA 94612-2034
recycling@oaklandnet.com
Phone: (510) 238-SAVE (238-7283)
Fax: (510) 238-7286
TDD: (510) 238-3254
Follow Sustainable Oakland on Facebook.
More Information
For Residents:
New Services Overview for Residents | Frequently Asked Questions for Residents | Program Guides
Visit the new OaklandRecycles.com to: pay your bill, request new service or make changes to existing service, find out what goes where, learn about upcoming events, or contact Customer Service.
For Multifamily Property Managers:
Frequently Asked Questions for Multifamily Property Managers | Multifamily Property Manager Assistance | Multifamily Property Manager Toolkit
Residential Rates:
1-4 unit Residential Rates | 5+ Unit Residential Rates | 5+ Unit Sample Services & Charges
For Businesses:
New Services Overview for Businesses | Frequently Asked Questions for Businesses | Getting Started for Businesses | Business Trash and Compost Rates | Business Recycling Service Provider Directory
Other:
Construction & Demolition Recycling | Event Recycling | Fats, Oils & Grease | Greenware Ordinance (Polystyrene Ban)
History of Procurement of Zero Waste Services in Oakland
