Recycling & Waste Reduction

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Compost & Recycling - It's the Law!

When compostable materials such as food scraps, plants and paper products break down in a landfill, they produce methane (CH₄)—one of the most potent greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere. Composting them instead reduces these harmful gases. Recycling our bottles, cans, jars, and paper also helps fight climate change. That's why state law (SB 1383) requires that all residents and businesses compost properly.

In Newark, garbage, recycling, and compost collection services are provided by Republic Services. Visit their website to find service information, download recycling guides and other publications, schedule a bulky pickup and more.

Find compost and recycling information for residents, businesses and multifamily properties by clicking the tabs below.

Residents

Compost your food scraps, food-soiled paper and plant clippings —it’s easy! To help you collect compostable items at home, the City of Newark provides free kitchen pails. Here’s how to request one:

Single-family home residents: Call Republic Services at 510-657-3500 to have a kitchen pail delivered to your home or pick one up at their offices at 42600 Boyce Rd, Fremont, CA 94538.

Multi-family home residents: Contact your property manager to make the request on your behalf.

Food scrap collection how-to guide: Click here to download: Food Scrap Collection Program.

"Recycle, reuse and repair: Use the search tool below to find options near you!"

Businesses and Multifamily Properties

Recycling and Composting Rules

State and local law requires businesses, nonprofits, institutions, schools, and multifamily properties in Newark to:

Have compost (organics) and recycling collection service or have an approved waiver
Set up color-coded and labeled indoor bins
Ensure that materials are sorted correctly
Educate employees, tenants, and contractors at least annually about the requirements

Surplus Food Donation Rules

In addition, commercial edible food generators such as grocery stores, large restaurants and health facilities must recover and donate surplus edible food that would otherwise be thrown away, to nourish people. Affected food generators are required to enter into an agreement with food recovery organizations. StopWaste offers a list of food recovery organizations and services serving Alameda County, including information on each entity's location, staff contacts, hours of operation, and the types of edible donated foods they accept. The list is part of RE:Source, an online guide for reuse, repair recycling, and the safe disposal of materials.

Citations for failure to comply: Fines up to $500 are being issued every 60 days for continued non-compliance.

To learn more, find free resources and request free personalized support, visit StopWaste.

Sustainable Foodware Ordinance

No - Foodware In June 2023, the City of Newark adopted the Sustainable Foodware Ordinance requiring food service establishments like restaurants and grocery stores to eliminate disposable food containers made from expanded polystyrene and provide certain single-use food service items only upon request. Download the foodware-business-flyer for details.