Priority: Waste Reduction
Oakland has set a high bar for waste reduction as demonstrated by the following programs.
- Residential Recycling
- Business Recycling
- Construction & Demolition Recycling
- Polystyrene Foam Ban
- Zero Waste
Residential Recycling
On January 31, 2005, the Environmental Services Division of the Public Works Agency introduced the first major modification to Oakland’s residential recycling program since the addition of yard trimming service in 1995. The existing yard trimming program was expanded to include food scraps and to accept unlimited amounts of yard trimmings, with collection increasing from bi-weekly to weekly service. The tub-based curbside recycling program, which was previously provided as a weekly service in only half of the City, was replaced by a weekly single-cart service throughout Oakland. The results of this expansion have been dramatic: yard trimming tonnage has increased by over 46% compared to 2004, and recycling tonnage increased by 37%.
Business Recycling
The City of Oakland provides free technical assistance to Oakland businesses to start or expand their recycling programs. The Small Business Recycling service is a low-cost, curbside recycling service sponsored by the City. The City participates in the StopWaste Partnership, which is a free technical assistance service dedicated to improving the environmental performance and reducing costs of Alameda County businesses and public agencies. The program provides expert support and funding to prevent waste, conserve water and energy, and use all resources more efficiently.
Construction & Demolition Recycling
In July 2000, the Oakland City Council passed the Construction and Demolition Debris Waste Reduction and Recycling Requirements, Ordinance 12253. OMC Chapter 15.34 now requires nonresidential or apartment house addition or alteration projects that have a permit valuation $50,000 or greater in year 2000 dollars (subject to inflation adjustments) to recycle 100% of all Asphalt & Concrete (A/C) materials and 65% of all other materials.
Polystyrene Foam Ban
In June 2006, the Oakland City Council passed the Green Food Service Ware Ordinance (PDF) which prohibits the use of polystyrene foam disposable food service ware and requires, when cost neutral, the use of biodegradable or compostable disposable food service ware by food vendors and city facilities. It will go into effect as of January 1, 2007.
Zero Waste
In March 2006 the Oakland City Council adopted a Zero Waste Goal by 2020 Resolution (PDF), and commissioned the creation of a Zero Waste Strategic Plan to achieve the goal.