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.

Save water - don't rinse out your recycling! Please empty your plastic, glass, and metal containers, but there is no need to wash them. Pour liquids down the drain, empty food scraps in your green bin, and put fats, oil, and grease in your green bin.

Recycle:
All plastic containers (1-7)
All metal containers
All glass containers
Paper and cardboard

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

Garbage:
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

See our guides for more information:
Single Family Guide to Recycling Services.pdf
Multifamily Guide to Recycling Services.pdf
Business Recycling Mandates.pdf
Business Guide to Recycling Services.pdf

• View more Commercial Recycling Tips
• View more Residential Recycling Tips
• See what happens to your trash after it's hauled away by the garbage truck.
• Donate - Search for places to donate your used items.

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.