Schools Support Materials
This page provides free downloadable materials to assist private schools in complying with the Alameda County Waste Management Authority Mandatory Recycling Ordinance. Public schools may also find these resources helpful for setting up or improving recycling and composting programs and complying with State laws AB 341 and AB 1826.*
For an overview of the recycling rules that apply to private schools in Alameda County, see the Businesses & Institutions Ordinance Overview page.
To order or change recycling or organics collection service for your school, public schools should contact the District’s Director of Maintenance and Operations. Private schools can visit your city’s Recycling Rules page for service provider contact information.
For additional support setting up or improving your school’s recycling program or help educating staff and students about proper sorting please refer to our School Help Pages.
For translated ordinance information and resources in Spanish (Español), Chinese (中文), Korean (한국인), and Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) visit www.RecyclingRulesAC.org/languages.
*Note: State agencies such as state government facilities, public schools, and special districts are not covered by the Alameda County Mandatory Recycling Ordinance. State mandatory recycling and composting laws AB 341 and AB 1826 may apply. Click here for more information.
Overview of Recycling Rules - .pdf
This 1-page handout summarizes the compliance requirements for and highlights resources available to help businesses and institutions comply with the Ordinance.
For more details about the compliance requirements in the various Alameda County jurisdictions, go to Rules by City.
Compliance Guide for Businesses & Institutions - .pdf
This guide was developed for businesses and institutions to explain how to comply with the Mandatory Recycling Ordinance. Includes tips for success and case study examples. Content is relevant to schools as well.
Notice to Public Schools -- State Law Changes effective Sept. 15, 2020 - .pdf
While Alameda County’s Mandatory Recycling Ordinance does not apply to public schools, there are two State laws that require recycling and composting at public schools and districts. Effective September 15, 2020, the State requires more sites to have organics collection service; schools that generate two or more cubic yards of solid waste per week (garbage and recycling service volumes combined) must have organics service. This notice provides an overview of the State laws with links to resources and more information.
Notice to Public Schools -- State Law Changes effective Jan 2019 - .pdf
While Alameda County’s Mandatory Recycling Ordinance does not apply to public schools, there are two State laws that require recycling and composting at public schools and districts. Effective January 1, 2019, the State requires more sites to have organics collection service; schools that generate four or more cubic yards of solid waste per week (garbage and recycling service volumes combined) must have organics service. This notice provides an overview of the State laws with links to resources and more information.
Overview of State Recycling Rules for Public Schools - .pdf
This one-page flyer produced by the State agency, CalRecycle, provides an overview of the rules that apply to public schools and districts. Additional information can be found online at www.CalRecycle.ca.gov/ReduceWaste/Schools.
To help communicate the Ordinance requirements with non-English speakers, the Overview Flyers have been translated into Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. They provide a one-page summary of the Recycling Rules and resources available.
For additional translated ordinance information and resources in Spanish (Español), Chinese (中文), Korean (한국인), and Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) visit www.RecyclingRulesAC.org/languages.
Sample Memo Template for Employees and Contractors - .doc
This customizable letter provides useful site specific information describing where recycling and composting containers are located and how to use them. The Mandatory Recycling Ordinance requires that employees and contractors be notified of this information at least once a year.
Use prominent posters or stickers that contain drawings or pictures of the materials that go into each container. Be sure to clearly indicate which bins are for garbage and which are for recycling and composting. If you’d like customized signage to meet your school’s needs, you may use any applicable general signage available at https://www.stopwaste.org/at-school/recycling-at-school/school-recycling-resources.
Indoor Containers for Recycling & Composting Collection Guidance - .pdf
This 2-page flyer contains guidance about the purchase and placement of indoor containers that support recycling and composting collection programs.
Container Count Worksheet - .xlsx
A worksheet for use in assessing what trash, recycling, and composting containers you already have and what you may need for each room, area or floor.
Recycling Bin Suppliers - .pdf
Shopping for indoor recycling or food scraps/organics bins? Browse this list of bin suppliers. Note that this is not a comprehensive list of all vendors, and that the Alameda County Waste Management Authority does not endorse particular vendors.
If you need indoor food scraps/organics bins, you may also apply online here to possibly receive up to a $500 value of free containers from one of three pre-selected suppliers.
Food Share Table Guide - .pdf
Step-by-step instructions to setting up a food share table where students can place unwanted, sealed or uneaten food items for other students and for donation.
Food Donation Guide: Helping Schools Save Food - .pdf
A four-page introduction for Alameda County schools interested in setting up a donation program for surplus edible food. Includes guidance on legal protections, program models, food safety precautions and how to find and form a partnership with a food recipient non-profit partner.
Compostable Food Service Ware Guide - .pdf
Provides purchasing guidance for single use compostable food service ware items that can be placed in the organics cart/bin such as plates, cups and cutlery.
Free Indoor Food Scraps Collection Containers
Non-public K-12 schools (private and vocational schools, preschools and colleges) are eligible to receive free indoor food scrap bins for the collection of food scraps, compostable paper and plant debris (“organics”). A variety of containers and lids are available–up to a value of $500 per approved site! Click here to get additional information and/or to fill out the online request form.
Currently, the StopWaste public school bin program is on hold due to COVID-19. Contact Schools@StopWaste.org for questions.
FAQs for On-Site Composting Programs - .pdf
Some schools choose to compost food scraps and plant debris on-site in traditional compost piles or bins, in addition to subscribing to curbside collection of organics for all remaining materials. This two-page guide provides an overview of the new State laws that are in effect for schools and other small-scale composters.