Three Ways to Properly Dispose of Toxic Waste

Hazardous waste requires special handling when disposing or recycling, that’s why it can’t go in your garbage bins. Great news—in Alameda County, you have at least three ways to safely and properly deal with hazardous waste you may have at home.

Drop it off at one of the Household Hazardous Waste events.
Events are free and open to all Alameda County residents. Catch this weekend’s event in San Leandro on May 3 or in Pleasanton on Sunday, May 17. Register today .

Drop it off at one of the four Alameda County facilities open year-round.
Registration is not needed to drop off your items. Just make sure to check the hours and days of operation, as they vary by facility.

Check RE:Source for alternative drop-off options.
Our RE:Source guide may provide additional options for disposal and recycling. This may be the best option if you have few items.

View All Hazardous Waste Disposal Services

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Ready to lower your energy use and support the next generation of green workers? We’ve partnered with Rising Sun to offer Green House Calls. Connect with a trained Youth Energy Specialist who will assess your home and install energy- and water-saving devices at no cost. Participants receive items like low-flow showerheads, smart power strips, and even an induction cooktop hob with a compatible pan (a $165+ value), along with personalized tips to reduce energy use, lower bills, and improve comfort.

This program is open to all homeowners and renters in Alameda County, regardless of income. If you’re located outside of cities where in-person visits are available, you may still qualify to receive a free energy-saving kit by mail.

Keep Your Berries Fresher, Longer

Fresh berries are back in season! Did you know that one of the main reasons berries go bad is because of excess moisture? Here's how you can keep your berries fresh for days: First, remove any bruised, damaged, or moldy berries—clean and wash these to eat immediately. Next, keep the remaining berries dry by storing them in a clear, sealed container with clean cloth or paper towel moisture-absorbing layers at the bottom and between each layer of berries.

Find the full storage tip as well as some simple ideas to preserve berries that are already past their peak on our blog.

How to Store Fresh Berries

Compost and Gardening Workshops

If you are interested in gardening but not sure where to start, our compost and gardening events calendar is the place to start. We continuously update it with workshops and events hosted by StopWaste or community partners. Join us for an event in the month of May:

5/2 & 5/3 | Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour and Green Home Features Showcase
Hosted by: Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour

5/2 | Compost Workshop at Gardens of Lake Merritt
Hosted by: Friends of Gardens at Lake Merritt and StopWaste

5/9 | Compost Workshop at Fertile Groundworks
Hosted by: Fertile Groundworks and StopWaste

5/16 | Water-Efficient Landscape Designs for the Five Senses Workshop
Hosted by: Alameda County Water District and Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency

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What We're Reading

Before the Bin: Breaking Down Food Date Labeling—Resource Recycling, Inc.
The absence of standardized food labeling in the U.S. leads to millions of tons of food being discarded each year due to confusion over date labels. Last year, California enacted a law regarding date labeling, and there are ongoing efforts to establish a federal law as well. Read on to learn more about what the common food labels mean.

Why Do Stores Throw Away So Many Perfectly Good Products? I Went Dumpster Diving to Find Out—NY Times
Get a glimpse into retail store practices for their unsold merchandise as dumpster divers rummage through garbage bins in different cities.