Alameda
Setout Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Click the question or statement to reveal helpful answers and suggestions.
My collection container is damaged. Can I get a replacement?
Please contact us to arrange delivery of a new container.
How do I start my service?
You will need to complete a service form (with credit application for new customers or without the credit application for existing customers) and contact us in order to start service. Service can start immediately.
We no longer need garbage service. How do we cancel?
Service is mandatory but if you’re closing or moving, we’re happy to stop service. Please contact us for further assistance.
How often do ACI's rates change?
Rates are subject to change at any time but adjustments most often occur on July 1 of each year. The rate review process is outlined in our Franchise Agreement with the City of Alameda.
If I am already recycling and composting all I can. What can I do to keep my bill down?
Look into ways to reduce your waste. Invest in as many reusable products as make sense. For ideas, visit www.UseReusables.com, www.StopWaste.Org, and our Publications & Resources page. You can also contact us to arrange for a free waste assessment. We’ll schedule a visit to your business and take a look at the waste generated. Our representative will try to find ways for you to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost everything possible.
We'd like to start a new waste prevention and/or recycling program but lack the funds for necessary equipment and training. What should we do?
Look into teaming up with the StopWaste Partnership. Chances are you can find what you need to go green.
What should I do if not all our garbage, recycling or organic material was picked up on our last service day?
If you need an extra pickup, would like to increase your service level, or need to report a missed pickup, please contact us immediately. If you were missed, we’ll send a driver back around within one business day. To facilitate service, make sure your collection container(s) are not overloaded or blocked.
What belongs in each of my collection containers?
Proper sorting makes a difference! Garbage belongs in the gray, recyclables in the blue and organics (food/yard waste) in the green. Please click here for our Commercial Service Guide.
Click here for a searchable list of what belongs in each container.
What should I do with unwanted medications, sharp (needles/lancets), leftover paint, old cleaning products, and other potentially hazardous items? What about old computer equipment and cell phones?
Hazardous items like these are not permitted in any of our collection containers. Businesses are required to arrange for proper collection and disposal of hazardous items including but not limited to the following:
- Pesticides
- Fertilizers
- Pool chemicals
- Photo chemicals
- Paint/varnish
- Toxic cleaning products
- Mercury-containing items (thermometers & fluorescent lamps for example)
- Medications
- Sharps/needles
- Cell phones
- Batteries
- Motor Oil
You may be eligible to take many hazardous items to Alameda County’s local collection facility. Visit StopWaste.org to find out about the County’s business disposal services.
For free e-waste collection events and locations, go to the CalRecycle website and search their database.
My business has a one-time surplus of food. I'd hate for it to go to waste —any suggestions?
Consider donating to the Alameda County Food Bank to pass on your bounty.
We've been going out of our way to do the right thing and would like people to know it. Is there a way for us to gain recognition as a green business?
Yes! Take a look at the California Green Business Program.
I'm sick of junk mail! Is there a way to make it stop?
Visit www.stopjunkmail.org. To cut back on unsolicited catalogues, also visit www.catalogchoice.org
What size are the bins/dumpsters that ACI uses?
What are the cart measurements?