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?
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.
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