Stop Waste

Stop Waste programs are based on the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Plan Vision 2010: 75% and Beyond, adopted in January of 2003. The Recycling Plan, drawing on several major planning studies as well as years of programmatic experience, detailed specific strategies to reach the 75% and beyond waste diversion goal in each of five programmatic areas. The programmatic focus areas included in the plan are:

- Green Building
- Business and Public Agencies
- Organics
- Schools
- Media and Outreach

The Stop Waste website also offers a variety of resources to Alameda County residents including Household Hazardous Waste Management, Household Sharps Disposal, Food Scrap Recycling, and Bay Friendly Gardening.

The Waste Management Authority and the Source Reduction and Recycling Board form an integrated Agency dedicated to achieving the most environmentally sound solid waste management and resource conservation program for the people of Alameda County. Within this context, the Agency is committed to achieving a 75% and beyond diversion goal and promoting sustainable consumption and disposal patterns.

Accomplishments in FY04/05 include:

Green Building: The Construction & Demolition diversion rebates program continues to divert 5,000 tons of mixed C&D debris per year.

Business and Public Agencies: Staff developed several business related waste prevention fund projects, funded eight StopWaste Partnership mini-grants and continued to meet the StopWaste Partnership annual diversion goal of 7,500 tons.

Organics: The residential food waste programs diverted over 16,000 tons of material, and commercial programs diverted over 22,000 tons in calendar year 2004.

Schools: The K-12 Curriculum project provided assemblies to 24,000 students, provided after school 4Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle and rot) lessons and activities to 950 children, and training to 120 teachers. The program also provided environmental education experiences to 1,400 children through Camp Arroyo. In addition, eight high schools participate in waste reduction and clean campus service learning projects.

Disposal has remained steady at around 1.6 million tons per year, while diversion rates have increased. The current estimate is 55% for 2003, placing Alameda County on track to reach its goal of 75% by 2010.