StopWaste is a public agency that helps Alameda County's businesses, residents, and schools waste less, do a better job of recycling, and use water, energy and other resources efficiently. It is governed by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority, the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board, and the Energy Council. StopWaste works cooperatively with 17 member agencies: the County of Alameda; each of the fourteen cities in the county, including the City of Pleasanton; and two sanitary districts that provide refuse and recycling collection services. Among other things, the organization oversees the reusable bag and mandatory recycling ordinances for Alameda County.

"One of our big focus areas is reducing wasted food," says Communication Manager Jeff Becerra, who has been with StopWaste since 2010. "Food is the single largest component of landfill by weight. When it breaks down in the landfill it emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas."

StopWaste works with schools and businesses in a variety of ways to help reduce waste and improve the environment. It sponsored the Dublin Home Energy Resources Fair in May to connect residents of the Tri-Valley area to different energy-saving services and rebate programs. In May it also helped organize a hazardous waste drop-off event for the public. StopWaste often has sustainable gardening events for home gardeners. It also provides technical assistance to Alameda County businesses to help them reduce waste. Hacienda's Carl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy, for example, recently asked StopWaste for help in improving the recycling processes at the company.

"Tom Murman, Director of Manufacturing Operations, was a great ally through the process of adding mixed recycling and compost service at the company," notes Becerra. "He got recycling bins and signage throughout the building in advance of a staff training that we conducted. Employees were excited about adding food scrap collection for composting. Tom rolled out a top-notch bin system throughout the company, and more than fifty employees attended the staff training."

One surprising way that StopWaste works to fight climate change involves 1,600 acres of rangeland in the Altamont area near Livermore. This land, owned by StopWaste, is used for cattle grazing and windmill leases. Soon it will support a new project as well. "In partnership with the Alameda County Resource Conservation District, we're beginning implementation of a Carbon Farm Plan on the property," says Becerra. "The project will use compost to help soil and plants pull carbon from the atmosphere and sequester it deep in the soil." Recently, StopWaste received a Healthy Soils Demonstration grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to further expand the project.

In the same way that StopWaste helped Carl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy, it can help other businesses, organizations, and schools either directly or via its online resources. StopWaste's website includes helpful tips for home, work, and school. It helps Alameda County residents recycle by showing locations that accept many different things. It has advice on how to reduce energy and water bills at home, and explains how to safely dispose of hazardous waste such as paints and pesticides for free. StopWaste is an excellent resource for individuals, families, and companies that want to reduce all types of waste.

For more information about StopWaste, please visit www.stopwaste.org.

For information about how to store food properly and reduce wasted food, please visit www.stopfoodwaste.org.

For information about Alameda County's Reusable Bag Ordinance, please visit www.reusablebagsac.org.

For information about the recycling rules and ordinances within Alameda County, please visit www.recyclingrulesac.org.