Recycling Requirements: Berkeley vs Castro Valley
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Castro Valley, CA?
Berkeley and Castro Valley have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley requires separation of recyclables and organics from trash for all residents and businesses under BMC 11.28 and California SB 1383, with fines for contaminated or commingled loads.
View full Berkeley rules →Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Alameda County mandates recycling and organics separation under SB 1383 and StopWaste Mandatory Recycling Ordinance. Residents must separate paper, containers, and organics.
View full Castro Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Castro Valley |
|---|---|---|
| State law | SB 1383 organics mandate | - |
| Local law | BMC Chapter 11.28 | - |
| Streams | Landfill, recycle, compost | Garbage, recycling, organics required |
| Food scraps | Required in green cart | - |
| Enforcement | Contamination tags, fees | - |
| Laws | - | SB 1383, StopWaste Mandatory Recycling Ordinance |
| Contamination | - | May incur service fees |
| Contact | - | StopWaste (510) 891-6500 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Do I have to compost in Berkeley?
Yes. Food scraps and food-soiled paper must go in the green organics cart under SB 1383 and BMC 11.28.
What goes in the blue cart?
Clean paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass, and rigid plastics #1-5. No bags, film, or styrofoam.
Castro Valley FAQ
Do I have to separate food scraps?
Yes. California SB 1383 mandates organics separation including food scraps for all residents and businesses statewide.
What plastics are recyclable in Alameda County?
Rigid plastic containers (bottles, tubs, jugs) are recyclable. Plastic bags, film, and foam go in the garbage. Check stopwaste.org for the guide.
Compare other topics
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