Compost guide: how to manage your green organic waste
Organic waste is picked up weekly with your other waste. Use your green cart for your food or yard waste.
Free, unlimited organic waste
If you have more organic waste than fits in your cart, you can still get rid of it for free. Here’s how:
- Put it in compostable (plastic, BPI certified) or paper bags. BioBags are acceptable.
- Bundle and tie the bags.
- Call (800) 320-8077 and let Republic Services know before your collection day.
- Place the bags next to your weekly curbside carts.
You can use your own bags or get free ones from us.
Your green cart
Make sure you don’t put any plastic bags or non-compostable material in your green cart. All items must fit with the lid completely closed, including twigs and branches.
What’s allowed
- Yard waste (such as grass, leaves, weeds, branches)
- Food scraps (such as fruit, vegetables, bread, pasta, dairy, meat, bones, egg shells)
- Food-soiled paper (such as pizza boxes, coffee filters and tea bags, paper plates and cups)
What’s not allowed
Here are some common items people ask about:
- Dog poop (put in your landfill cart)
- Used diapers
- Plastic and black garbage bags
If you aren’t sure if something is allowed, use the RE:Source Piedmont curbside waste guide to find out.
State food recovery laws
Senate Bill 1383, requires all municipalities to collect organic waste from residents and businesses to be composted.
Large food-generating businesses, institutions, and public schools are required to participate in a food recovery program. Food recovery means collecting edible food that would otherwise go to waste and providing it to people in need.
Learn about food recovery and where to donate food in Alameda County.