Recycling Requirements: Berkeley vs Fremont
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Fremont, CA?
Berkeley and Fremont 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 →Fremont, CA
Alameda County
Fremont requires residents and businesses to separate recyclables and organics from trash under state SB 1383 and local ordinance. Blue carts take recyclables; green carts take food scraps and yard waste.
View full Fremont rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Fremont |
|---|---|---|
| State law | SB 1383 organics mandate | SB 1383 organics |
| Local law | BMC Chapter 11.28 | - |
| Streams | Landfill, recycle, compost | - |
| Food scraps | Required in green cart | - |
| Enforcement | Contamination tags, fees | - |
| County law | - | Alameda Mandatory Recycling |
| Blue cart | - | Paper, glass, metal, plastic 1-7 |
| Green cart | - | Food scraps and yard waste |
| Contact | - | (510) 494-4570 |
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.
Fremont FAQ
Can I put food scraps in the green cart?
Yes. SB 1383 requires all food scraps, including meat and dairy, to go in the green organics cart.
Are plastic bags recyclable in the blue cart?
No. Plastic bags are not accepted curbside. Return them to grocery store drop-off bins.
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