Guide for Reuse, Repair, Recycling, and Safe Disposal
for Alameda County, Contra Costa County, and the City of Palo Alto

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Curbside Service Information

Select your county and service area below to view information about your curbside collection service.

Albany - Curbside Service Information

Hauler Contact Information

Recycling

  • Aerosol Can - Empty
  • Aluminum Foil & Pans - Clean
  • Cardboard
  • CRV - Glass Beverage Containers
  • Glass Bottles & Jars (Food & Beverage) - Non-CRV
  • Milk & Ice Cream Cartons
  • Newspaper
  • Paper
Show All Items
  • Aerosol Can - Empty
    Use up before putting in recycling.
  • Aluminum Foil & Pans - Clean
    Free of food and grease/oil, otherwise the foil and pans belongs in the trash.
  • Beverage Containers - Mixed
    Empty and drip-free.
  • Bimetal Cans (Food & Beverage) - Non-CRV
    Empty, drip-free. Wipe clean as needed.
  • Books - Hard Cover - Non-working
    The paper pages are acceptable, remove cover. Covers go in the trash.
  • Books - Soft Cover - Non-working
    Poor, damaged condition.
  • Cardboard
    Cardboard should be clean and dry. Flatten, cut or fold to fit into cart or bin. . If your recycling cart is full and you have extra cardboard, flattened corrugated carboard not exceeding 4’ x 4’ may be leaned against your recycling cart for collection. Other option: Offer collapsed moving boxes to community for reuse or sheet mulching.
  • CRV - Aluminum Beverage Containers
    Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed.
  • CRV - Bimetal Beverage Containers
    Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed.
  • CRV - Glass Beverage Containers
    Empty and drip-free.
  • CRV - Plastic Beverage Containers
    Empty and drip-free.
  • Egg Cartons - Paper - Clean
    Clean paper or cardboard egg cartons accepted; polystyrene cartons go in the trash.
  • Envelopes - Paper
    Clear, plastic windows okay.
  • Food Service Ware - Plastic Cups & Plates
    Empty and drip-free.
  • Frozen Food Boxes
    Clean and dry.
  • Glass Bottles & Jars (Food & Beverage) - Non-CRV
    Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed.
  • Greeting Cards - Musical/Electronic Piece
    Remove electronic/musical element for reuse or ewaste. Recycle the paper card when free of plastic and/or metallic decoration (trash).
  • Junk Mail Opt-Out
    Keep or photograph mailing labels to use when following online opt-out instructions from the resource vendors below, before recycling or dropping off desirable magazines (or seed catalogs) for sharing (ex. libaries, salons, waiting rooms, office lunchrooms). Rec
  • Magazines
    Clean and dry. Collect good condition magazines to donate to teachers, libraries, salons, waiting rooms, office lunchrooms, friends & family.
  • Metal Cans
    Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed.
  • Milk & Ice Cream Paper Cartons
    Milk cartons are accepted, empty and drip free.
  • Moving Boxes & Packing Materials
    Large or multiple pieces should be flattened, bundled with twine, string, or tape and set next to the recycling cart.
  • Newspaper
  • Packaged Foodgrade Liquids
    Empty contents down drain and recycle drip-free container & lid.
  • Paint Cans & Buckets - Empty & Dry
    Only empty and dry paint cans are accepted. Remove lid, shake paint chunks out into garbage and place empty, dry paint can into recycling cart, do not attach lid. Containers with wet paint should be dropped off at www.PaintCare.org locations.
  • Paper
    Clean and dry. Covered in tape and paint? Then put it in the trash.
  • Paper Bags
    Clean and dry. Compost food-soiled paper bags.
  • Paperboard Boxes/Tubes
    Clean and dry. Consider collecting for reuse art and craft projects.
  • Personal Care & Beauty Product Packaging
    Empty and drip-free rigid plastics over 4" may go in the recycling. Other plastic packaging may go in the trash. Some brands offer take back of packaging for recycling.
  • Phonebooks
    Clean and dry.
  • Pill Bottles
    4 inches or bigger. Reattach plastic lid to plastic bottles.
  • Pizza Box - Non-greasy
    Clean and dry cardboard pizza boxes can be recycled. (If greasy, put in compost.) Remove plastic "pizza table" and place it in the trash.
  • Plant Pots - Plastic
    Free of dirt.
  • Plastic Bottles & Jugs - Non-CRV
    Empty and drip-free. Commercial size (5g max).
  • Plastic Lids & Caps - Bottles and Jars
    Caps reattached to empty plastic bottles may be recycled. Loose lids under 4" will not be captured for recycling and should be placed in trash.
  • Plastic Wide Mouth Container
    Empty and drip-free. Wipe clean as needed.
  • Pots & Pans - Non-working
    Poor, damaged condition are accepted, however, anything with a cord such as an electric skillet is not acceptable in recycling. For pots and pans, consider repairing or refurbishing if possible.
  • Rigid Plastics
    Empty and drip-free. Plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and containers. Lids should be reattached or placed in the trash. Disregard numbers as they do not indicate recyclability.
  • Scrap Metal
    Scrap metal not exceeding ten (10) pounds in weight nor two (2) feet in any dimension for any single item - acceptable. Must fit in container with lid closed.
  • Water Bottles - Reusable
    Broken, poor condition metal and plastic #1 & #2 water bottles go in recycling, others in the trash. Donate good condition clean and dry water bottles and lids.
  • Wrapping Paper - Non-Metallic
    Paper gift wrap that is not shiny, laminated, textured, or contains glitter is acceptable. Paper should be clean and dry.

Compost

Call WMAC Albany at 510-613-8710 request a free kitchen food scrap pail.

  • Egg Cartons - Paper - Soiled
  • Food Scraps
  • Food Service Ware - Paper Products - Uncoated
  • Paper Towels & Napkins
  • Pizza Box - Greasy
  • Yard Trimmings & Plant Debris
Show All Items
  • Cardboard - Wet
    If food-soiled or wet, cardboard may go in the organics container. If clean and dry, place in recycling.
  • Cooking Oil/Grease/Fats
    Compost wiped fats and grease with a paper towel. Compost small amount of solid fats & grease in paper container for compost. Collect large volumes of used cooking oil in a plastic bottles with a resalable cap to transport for drop-off at at a collection facility.
  • Corks - Natural
    Consider collecting for future reuse craft/art projects or ReCork recycling collection bins.
  • Egg Cartons - Paper - Soiled
    Food soiled paper egg cartons go in the organics container. Clean and dry paper egg cartons go in Recycling. Egg cartons made of polystyrene go in the trash.
  • Facial Tissues - Used
  • Food Scraps
    Clean out the fridge. All food scraps OK including meat, condiments, vegetables, and spoiled food. Please separate food from any packaging or plastic wrap.
  • Food Service Ware - Paper Products - Uncoated
    Uncoated food soiled paper products are acceptable. Check for coating by looking for a surface sheen that indicates coating. Coating may be found on items such as cups, plates, or food take-out boxes.
  • Food Service Ware - Wood/Bamboo Products
    Accepted in Organics, but consider washing for reuse, or collecting enough reusables for events with family and friends.
  • Gift Tissue Paper
    Acceptable in organics, but consider saving tissue paper that's in good condition for reuse.
  • Grandma's Fruitcake
  • Hair and Fur Trimmings
  • Packaged Food - Expired/Non-working
    For expired foods, the food may go in the organics container, but not the packaging.
  • Pallets - Wooden - Broken
    Remove nails.
  • Pallets - Wooden - Broken
    Remove nails and fit into container with lid closed.
  • Paper - Shredded
    To prevent shredded paper from flying, they may be mixed with food scraps or moist yard waste. Shreds can also go in a paper bag. Fold, tape, or staple to keep shredded paper from flying out.
  • Paper Bags
    Food-soiled. Clean and dry go in recycling. Collect good condition for reuse.
  • Paper Straws
  • Paper Towels & Napkins
  • Pizza Box - Greasy
    Please remove the plastic "pizza saver/table" and put it in the garbage.
  • Sawdust - Untreated Wood
    Shavings from clean, unpainted, stained wood, or non-bonded wood which includes, plywood, particle board and blue pallet wood.
  • Sponges - Natural
    Natural sponges should be free of any detergents, solvents and chemicals.
  • Straw/Hay
  • Tea Bags
    Paper tea bags are acceptable, tea leaves are acceptable. However, nylon mesh tea bags belong in the trash.
  • Wood - Untreated
    Pieces must fit in cart or bin.
  • Wood Chips
  • Wood Scraps - Untreated
    Clean wood pieces free of paint and chemicals, cut to fit in the cart or bin are acceptable. However, composite, engineered, or bonded wood like plywood, particle wood, and blue pallet wood belong in the garbage.
  • Yard Trimmings & Plant Debris
    If your trimmings are too much for your bin, let them dry out a few days or wait until next pick up as the volume decreases over time.

Landfill

  • Aseptic Packs
  • Berry Baskets - Woven Plastic
  • Compostable Plastic Bags - BPI Certified Products
  • Compostable Plastic Foodware - BPI Certified
  • Food Service Ware - Condiment Packets & Cups
  • Plastic To-Go Containers
  • Food Service Ware - Plastic Utensils
  • Glassware - Decorative & Kitchen - Non-working
  • Light Bulbs - Incandescent/Halogen
  • Multi-layer Plastic Packaging
  • Packing Peanuts - Styrofoam
  • Sponges - Synthetic
  • Styrofoam Blocks
Show All Items
  • 6-Pack Rings
  • ABS Plastic
  • Agricultural Plastics & Film
    Farm quantity may have recycling options.
  • Air Mattress
  • Aseptic Packs
    Empty and drip-free
  • Ashes - Grill/Fireplace
    Cold ashes.
  • Auto Glass
    Damaged, broken condition.
  • Auto Upholstery - Non-working
  • Balloons
  • Berry Baskets - Woven Plastic
    Damaged, broken condition. Return to local market for reuse.
  • Blueprint Paper
  • Boat Upholstery - Non-working
  • Bubble Envelopes - Paper or Mylar
  • Bubble Wrap
    Loose bubble wrap jams recycling equipment. Consider collecting for future reuse or donation. If collected as bag-of-bags for grocery store drop-off, must be clean and dry. Loose bubble wrap jams recycling equipment. Consider collecting for future reuse or donation.
  • Burlap
  • Camera Film & Slides
  • Cardboard - Foil-lined
  • Cardboard - Waxed
  • Cassette & VHS Tapes - Non-working
  • CD/DVD - Non-working/Non-commercial
  • CD/DVD Jewel Cases
  • Child Car Seats - Non-working/Expired/Accident
    Consider removing all straps and covers to offer to another family with the same model. Include a photo of the assembled car seat and brand/model. Rigid plastic base with any foam removed (trash) may then be possibly collectd for recycling in a bin that fits or for bulky pick up.
  • Christmas Lights - Non-working
  • Christmas Trees - Artificial
    Poor, damaged condition.
  • Cigarette Waste
  • Cleaning Wipes - Used
    Do not flush. Wipes are made from plastic resins, do not degrade in compost, and clog pipes.
  • Clocks & Watches - Non-working
    Remove and properly dispose of batteries.
  • Clothes Hangers - Broken
  • Clothes Hangers - Metal - Working
    Consider reuse or drop-off at a dry cleaner before landfilling.
  • Clothing - Undergarments - Poor Condition
    Poor, damaged condition beyond repair or recycling.
  • Coffee Pods - Compostable
  • Coffee Pods - Metal/Plastic
    Empty coffee or tea grounds in the compost first. Consider investing in reusable pods.
  • Compostable Plastic Bags - BPI Certified Products
  • Corks - Plastic/Synthetic
  • Dead Animals
    NOT ACCEPTED IN ORGANICS/GREEN WASTE CONTAINER. Contact vet for pets. Contact local animal control (e.g. deer, neighbors pet, injured or entrapped/tangled animal) or large livestock.
  • Disposable Diapers & Wipes - Used
  • Dryer & Vacuum Lint
  • Egg Cartons - Plastic
    Compost eggshells.
  • Espresso Machines
  • Foam Padding
    Poor, damaged condition. Large, high quality pieces may desired for reuse in local community.
  • Food Service Ware - Compostable Plastic - BPI Certified Products
    Scrape food scraps into the Compost Bin. Compostable plastics no longer collected in organics in Albany.
  • Food Service Ware - Condiment Packets & Cups
  • Food Service Ware - Paper Products - Poly-coated
    Scrape food scraps into the Compost Bin. Poly-coated paper products are no longer collected in organics in Albany.
  • Food Service Ware - Plastic Clamshells/To-Go Containers/Trays
    Empty and dry.
  • Food Service Ware - Plastic Utensils
    Consider washing for reuse, or collecting enough reusables for events with family and friends.
  • Food Service Ware - Styrofoam Products
  • Food Service Ware - To-Go Cup Lids
  • Gel Ice Packs
  • Glassware - Decorative & Kitchen - Non-working
  • Hardware & Fasteners
  • Hoses - Garden/Rubber - Non-working
  • Houseware - Non-working
  • Jewelry - Non-working
  • Keys
  • Knives & Shears
  • Lab Glassware - Poor Condition
  • Lab Plastics - Used
  • Leather Remnants & Scraps
  • Light Bulbs - Incandescent/Halogen
    These do not contain mercury and are not recyclable.
  • Luggage - Non-working
  • Manure
  • Medals/Trophies/Ribbons
    Broken, damaged, or unable to be donated
  • Metal Bottle Caps
    These lined with plastic and are too small to be captured by recycling equipment. Consider collecting for reuse projects.
  • Metal Jar Lids
    Those lined with plastic and are too small to be captured by recycling equipment. Consider collecting for reuse projects.
  • Microscopes & Accessories - Non-working
  • Mirror
  • Multi-layer Plastic Packaging
    Empty and free of food
  • Musical Instruments & Gear - Non-working
  • Nail polish - Empty
    Use up nail polish, trade with friends, or bring full containers to the HHW facilities as most nail polishes contain toxic chemicals.
  • Packing Peanuts - Starch-based
    NOT ACCEPTED IN ORGANICS/GREEN WASTE CONTAINER. Collect for future reuse packaging or art projects. May be dissolved in hot water in the sink.
  • Packing Peanuts - Styrofoam
    Bag to prevent spilling during hauler pick-up. Save for reuse as possible.
  • Paper - Carbon
  • Paper - Plastic Laminated
  • Paper Bags - Polycoated
    Empty and free of food and crumbs.
  • Paper Receipts - Thermal
  • Personal Care & Beauty Products - Used
  • Pet Waste
    Even bags of poop in "compostable" bags belong in the trash. Pet waste from vegetarian pets (i.e. rodents, bunnies, hamsters) and bedding may go in the compost.
  • Photographs & Photo Paper
    Photographic paper is not recyclable.
  • Pillows - Poor Condition
  • Plant Pots - Broken Ceramic/Terra Cotta
  • Plant Pots - Ceramic
    Broken, damaged condition. Some folks use these pieces at the bottom of other plant pots to increase drainage.
  • Plastic Bags
    Consider reuse of clean, dry plastic bags. Albany does not accept plastic bags for recycling.
  • Plastic Bubble Envelopes
    Loose plastic jams recycling equipment. Accepted clean and dry in bag-of-bags grocery store drop-off.
  • Plastic Bucket
    Not accepted in recycling. Consider offering for reuse.
  • Plastic Corrugated Signs
  • Plastic Film & Wrap
  • Plastic Packaging - Blisterpak
  • Plastic Shower Curtain Liners
  • Plastic Strapping
  • Plastic Straws
    Single-use, disposable straws or damaged silicone straws.
  • Plastic Tarps
    Poor, damaged condition.
  • Plate Glass
    Broken, damaged.
  • Plexiglass
  • Polyester Batting/Filling
    Cotton filling may go into the compost. Consider reuse of both materials if in good condition (e.g. pet bed).
  • Pool Cover - Non-working
  • Purses & Backpacks - Non-working
  • Purses & Backpacks - Working
  • PVC
    Scrap pieces.
  • Rags - Paint/Chemical/Oil Soiled
  • Records
    Broken, damaged condition.
  • Reusable Bags
    Poor/broken condition. Consider cleaning and reusing.
  • Rubber Bands
    Consider collecting, cleaning, and donating to local farms for reuse.
  • Rubber Items
    Poor, damaged condition.
  • Rugs & Mats - Non-working
    Poor, damaged condition.
  • Sawdust - Composite Wood/Painted Wood
    Any wood waste from wood with glues and adhesives belongs in the trash.
  • Shoes - Poor Condition
    Unusable condition by others.
  • Single-use Personal Protective Equipment
  • Small Household Appliances - Non-working
    If electric, not electronic. If electronic, consider e-waste and can be picked up for household Bulky Pick-up. Consider going to iFixit to find repair instructions, bring it with you to a Repair Café or FixIt Clinic. May also be collected during a scheduled bulky waste pickup.
  • Sponges - Synthetic
  • Stuffed Animals
    Poor, damaged condition.
  • Styrofoam Blocks
  • Styrofoam Sheets
  • Tape
  • Tennis Balls
    Teachers often accept balls with no bounce to cut and place on the bottom of their chairs.
  • Tents and Outdoor Gear
  • Tire/Rubber Scraps
  • Tires - Bicycle
  • Tools & Accessories - Hand - Non-working
  • Toys & Games - Non-working
    Poor, damaged condition.
  • Toys & Games - Plastic Parts Only
    Consider posting online pieces as replacement parts for others who may be missing pieces or parts you have.
  • Transparency Film Plastic
  • Tyvek
  • Vacuum Cleaner Bags & Filters
    Used condition.
  • Water Filters
  • Wax & Parchment Paper
  • Wigs
    Poor, damaged condition.
  • Window Screens
  • Window Treatments - Non-working
  • Wood - Engineered/Composite
  • Wood - Painted
    Cut to fit in cart or bin such that lid closes.
  • Wrapping Paper - Metallic
    Damaged, torn condition.

Special Items

Hazardous Waste and Residential Curbside Set-out Information for batteries, cell phones, CFLs, and motor oil & filters

  • Household Batteries
Show All Items
  • Batteries - Household - Rechargeable (up to 5 lbs)
    Put batteries in a clear plastic bag, seal it shut and place on the top of the recyclables cart.
  • Batteries - Household - Single-Use
    Put batteries in a clear plastic bag, seal it shut and place on the top of the recyclables cart.
  • Cell Phones - Non-working
    Seal cell phones in clear plastic bag. Place CFL in specific Vaporlok bags. Call WM for bags. Place all bags on top of recycling cart.
  • Christmas Trees
    Trees will be collected on regularly scheduled collection days throughout the month of January every year. Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut into lengths of 6 feet or smaller. Remove all décor, tinsel, tree stands, nails, and lights. Flocked trees belong in the garbage.
  • Light Bulbs - CFLs
    To dispose of CFL Bulbs call WM(510) 613-8710 for your free Vaporlok Foil Bag. Place up to 6 used, unbroken CFLs inside the bag, and keep sealed at all times. Place bag on top of the Recyclables Cart.
  • Motor Oil
    Set out up to 3 used motor oil jugs (call WM for jugs) and 3 used filters in a sealed plastic bag next to your recycling cart.
  • Oil Filters
    Set out up to 3 used motor oil jugs (call WM for jugs) and 3 used filters in a sealed plastic bag next to your recycling cart.

Bulky Pickup

On-Call Bulky Pickup (Single Family Residential Only) is available annually to single family residents. Call Waste Management of Alameda County (510) 613-8710 to schedule your bulky pickup any time of the year. See Albany Bulky Guidelines. A second bulky pickup appointment is available for the first 300 requests per year.

  • Broken Electronics
  • Broken Furniture
  • Large Broken Appliances
  • Mattresses & Box Springs
Show All Items
  • Air Conditioner - Non-working
  • Audio & Visual Equipment - Non-working
  • Baby Furniture & Equipment - Non-working
  • Barbeque Grill
  • Bicycle - Non-working
  • Bicycle - Scrap & Parts
  • Cables & Wires - Non-working
  • Cameras & Camcorders - Non-working
  • Computer Accessories - Non-working
  • Computer Monitors - Non-working
  • Computers - Non-working
  • Dishwasher - Non-working
  • Electronics - Non-working
  • Exercise Equipment - Non-working
  • Freezer - Non-working
  • Furniture - Non-working
  • Game Cartridges - Non-working
  • Gaming Systems & Accessories - Non-working
  • Lawnmower - Non-working
  • Lighting Fixtures - Non-working
  • Major Household Appliances - Non-working
  • Mattresses & Box Springs
  • Microwave - Non-working
  • Office Chair
  • Oil-filled Heaters - Non-working
  • Plumbing Fixtures & Supplies
  • Porcelain Toilets & Sinks
  • Printers/Faxes - Non-working
  • Radios - Non-working
    Electronic components make it e-waste. If it just has a plug, it is electric and may go into the trash.
  • Refrigerator - Non-working
  • Satellite Dish - Non-working
  • Sewing Machines - Non-working
  • Small Engines
  • Solar Panels - Non-working
  • Sporting Goods - Non-working
  • Stove/Oven - Non-working
  • Television - Non-working
  • Tires
  • Tools & Accessories - Garden - Non-working
  • Tools & Accessories - Power - Non-working
  • Toys & Games - With Electronics - Non-working
  • Trash Compactor
  • Typewriters - Non-working
  • Vacuum Cleaners - Non-working
  • VCRs/CD/DVD Players - Non-working
  • Video Projectors - Non-working
  • Washer/Dryer - Non-working
  • Water Coolers - Non-working
  • Water Heaters - Non-working

Debris Box / C&D Service

Contact hauler for details and fees. See Albany C&D Requirements

  • Bricks
Show All Items
  • Asphalt
  • Bricks
  • Bricks - Broken
  • Carpet
  • Carpet Padding
  • Ceiling Tile
  • Cinder Blocks
  • Cinder Blocks - Broken
  • Concrete
  • Concrete With Rebar
  • Construction & Demolition Debris
  • Drywall
  • Ferrous Scrap Metal/Steel
  • Flooring - Non-working
  • Insulation - Used
  • Lava Rock
  • Metal Pipe
  • Mixed Debris
  • Non-ferrous Scrap Metal
  • Pallets - Wooden - Working
  • Rock/Gravel - Clean
  • Roofing - Asphalt Composition Shingles
  • Roofing - Clay Tile
  • Roofing - Concrete Tile
  • Roofing - Tar & Gravel
  • Roofing - Wood Shingles
  • Sand
  • Soil - Clean
  • Tile

Additional Details for Residents

Businesses and Multifamily Properties

Businesses

  • Recycling service is provided at no additional charge.
  • Compost service is 50% off garbage rates.

Multifamily Properties

  • With garbage BINS: Compost service is 50% off garbage rates; recycling service is provided at no additional cost.
  • With garbage CARTS: Compost and recycling services are provided at no additional cost.

Business and Multifamily Recycling Guide

Service Rates

Illegal Dumping Information

Report through SeeClickFix in the category of trash. Items dumped on public property can also be reported through the Albany Department of Public Works by creating an account that you will be able to attach photos through, or by calling (510) 524-9543.

Report dumping along the freeways and off-ramps to CalTrans noting the Situation Type as Litter - Trash & Debris. For railroad right-of-ways locations, report to Union Pacific online or by phone 1-888-877-7267.

For hazardous materials or chemical spills incidents, call: Alameda County Environmental Health - (510) 567-6700

For illegal/unlawful spraying or dumping of a pesticide, call: Alameda County Agriculture Commissioner's Office - (510) 670-5232

California State Law, SB 1383, aims to keep food and other compostable materials (“organics”) out of landfills to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. Visit  www.StopWaste.org/Rules-Resources for free resources and assistance to comply.

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