Say Goodbye to Hazardous Waste

It’s time for a clean out! Collect all your hazardous waste and bring it to our next free drop-off event on Sunday, August 16 in Union City. This is your chance to safely dispose of old batteries, medications, cleaners, electronics, and more. Sign up, pack your trunk, and come see us at the event where the technicians will handle the rest. It is open to all residents of Alameda County.

Recipe for Scrappy Veggie Burgers

The average family of four wastes nearly $3,000 worth of food each year. Fresh produce and leftovers are among the foods most likely to go uneaten, but a bit of creativity can transform them into delicious, affordable new meals.

This flexible recipe from Daniel McChesney-Young, the Berkeley Ecology Center Farmer's Market Manager, turns leftover beans, rice, and whatever vegetables you have on hand into a simple, satisfying meal. Check out his recipe for inspiration and stay tuned for more food-saving tips and cooking demonstrations from the Ecology Center team.

Get the Recipe!

New Energy-Saving Programs for Small Businesses

Own or know a small business in Alameda County?

BayREN has expanded eligibility for its energy efficiency programs, helping more local businesses lower energy costs and upgrade equipment.

Eligible businesses can receive low or no cost improvements such as LED lighting, HVAC systems, refrigeration, and other energy-saving upgrades.
Businesses with commercial refrigeration systems may qualify for 80% off refrigeration repairs through BayREN's Refrigerant Replacement Program.

Want to let your local corner store or mom-and-pop shop know? Or are you a small business owner? Visit the BayREN website or call (415) 355-5030 to reserve your rebates today!

See Incentives for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Gardening Wisdom

StopWaste is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! Let’s look at some StopWaste history: The Bay-Friendly Gardening Program. The program ran from 2004-2010 and included the Bay-Friendly Garden Tour and hands-on home gardener workshops.

Bay-Friendly Gardening was based on 7 sustainable practices:

Build healthy soil
- Amend your soil with compost
Reduce waste in the garden
- Maintain an at-home compost bin or worm bin, and use your green waste cart for any plant waste that is difficult to compost on-site.
Conserve water
- Use mulch in garden beds and around perennial plants
Create wildlife habitat
- Provide water with a small pond, bird bath, bee bath or water dish
Protect local watersheds and the Bay
- Avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers, and drop off any toxics at your local Household Hazardous Waste facility.
Contribute to a healthy community
- Grow vegetables organically for food and enjoyment, and use an integrated approach for controlling weeds, pests, and diseases with least toxic controls first.
Save energy
- Reduce home energy requirements by placing trees and shrubs on the south-west side of your home to provide shade in the summer and allow light to warm the house in the winter.