Sorting garbage, recycling and organics

Don't know if you can recycle something? We can help.
Facebook, Tweet or Instagram a photo @CityofHayward with #CanIRecycleThis, or email a description to recycling@hayward-ca.gov. You can also use StopWaste's RE:Source guide below for answers on what's accepted in Hayward.

  Recycle:

  • Plastic #1 PET Bottles (screw-type narrow neck tops - no non-recyclable shrink sleeves)
  • Plastic #2 HDPE Bottles - Natural (narrow necks - includes jugs)
  • Plastic #2 HDPE Bottles - Color (narrow necks - includes jugs)
  • Aluminum cans
  • Steel Cans
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Paper and cardboard

  Compost:

  • Yard Trimmings
  • Food Scraps
  • Soiled paper plates, cardboard boxes, and paper towels
  • Untreated wood
  • Avoid “biodegradable” plastic bag and utensils – these don’t biodegrade fast enough

  Garbage:

  • Coffee cups
  • Plastic utensils and straws
  • Plastic bags and wrappers
  • Fabric and clothes that cannot be donated
  • Ceramics and Porcelain
  • Containers with multiple layers, like juice bags and boxes
  • Foam packaging

Recycling Construction and Demolition Debris

The City requires that all materials generated during construction and demolition be delivered to a third-party verified facility to maximize the percentage of material recycled or diverted from landfill. The diversion rates for construction and demolition debris are:

  1. 65% minimum recycling rate for all covered projects
  2. 100% recycling rate for asphalt, concrete, and similar material.

Proper separation of recyclable construction and demolition material from non-recyclable material will help reach diversion targets and can save permit applicants money on processing and disposal.

Some common recyclable and non-recyclable material are listed below. View the Construction & Demolition Proper Recycling Guide below for a comprehensive list of recyclable and non-recyclable construction and demolition materials.

Recyclable C&D Materials

  • Wood like untreated/painted pallets and crates
  • Inerts like concrete, asphalt, tiles
  • Dirt and sand
  • Consumer recyclables like aluminum, plastic and glass bottles/cans, cardboard and paper

Non-Recyclable C&D Materials

  • Painted or stained wood
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Film plastics like shrink wrap and bags
  • Fiberglass and reflectix insulation
  • Painted or textured drywall
  • Textiles like carpet and roofing felt

For more information on the City’s construction and demolition debris requirements, visit our construction and demolition debris disposal service on our website.

See our guides for more information:

See what happens to your trash after it's hauled away by the garbage truck.

View the Franchise Agreement between the City and Waste Management of Alameda County here.

Learn more about the facilities that collect and process your waste here.

Household Hazardous Waste – bring your hazardous items for free to the Hayward Household Waste Facility at 2091 West Winton Avenue, Hayward. Acceptable Items include fluorescent bulbs, paints, stains, solvents, adhesives, garden and auto chemicals, batteries, electronic waste.