In 2008 we surveyed you, our local businesses, about the new service plan and took to heart what you told us. Below are a few concerns you had and what together we can do to address them.

If you have a question or concern about the new service plan and don’t see it answered, please contact us at contact@cvsan.org.

“Increased garbage rates will hurt my business”
We understand that Castro Valley businesses don’t welcome higher costs, especially in the current economic climate. However, garbage collection rates have not been adjusted since 2001, and other local cities have recently undergone similar rate increases. CVSan advocated on your behalf to keep the increase as low and manageable as possible. Businesses that take full advantage of recycling—now part of your service—will see only a 33% increase or in some cases even lower costs than before.

“We’re already recycling all we can.”
We know Castro Valley businesses do a lot to reduce waste, and we appreciate it. The fact is, though, we know what’s in the trash right now, and a lot of it could be recycled. During your site assessment, a WMAC rep will help you identify exactly where the opportunities for higher performance recycling are.

“We don’t have enough space for more containers.”
We know space is a big concern for Castro Valley businesses. That’s why WMAC will be meeting with companies individually, to look at the space you do have and tailor the container configuration accordingly.

“Training employees to use the new system will take too much time.”
We know you’re busy with just the day-to-day tasks of running a business. That’s why we’re making it as easy as possible for you to help your staff transition to the new recycling program. We can even conduct a staff orientation for you. Once the new habits are in place, they will become as routine as the old ones.

“Smaller dumpsters mean fuller dumpsters. Won’t that mean more mess?”
With the new collection service you won’t have less space overall; your materials will just be going into different containers. If you had only a garbage dumpster in the past, you will now be able to place recyclables in the recycling container, reducing the amount in the garbage dumpster. (The same goes for compostables, if you sign up for organics collection.) During the site assessment, a waste reduction expert will help you decide on the best service arrangement for your business.

“I could get a better deal if I could contract with whatever recycling vendor I chose.”
When it comes to services on a large scale, it is often more cost-effective to negotiate on a collective basis. This is what CVSan did for you over the past two years during contract negotiations for the new waste franchise. We limited the rate increase as much as possible and wrote into the agreement a gradual step-up each year to ease the burden. CVSan staff will also be working closely with WMAC to ensure you receive the highest level of service possible. We could never do this if we had to meet with and keep tabs on dozens of recycling vendors.

“The new service plan tries to police businesses into recycling.”
We are not forcing any business to recycle or even get the dumpsters or carts provided for recycling. You are free to receive only garbage collection if you choose to do so. However, businesses that recycle as much of their materials as possible are able to keep the rate increase low. Recycling also means being a high performing business—a competitive advantage in today’s marketplace.

"The new program punishes businesses that are already recycling.”
If you’ve been recycling in the past, congratulations! You are ahead of the curve, and know that recycling is not only the right thing to do but also good for business. If recycling has helped you save on disposal costs in the past, it will continue to do so under the new service plan. Schedule a free site assessment to maximize the new program’s benefits. This will help minimize your rate increase or, in some cases, even lower your costs. If you are have always been recycling, get the recognition you deserve through our upcoming 4R Planet, 4R Business Award program.

Requirements for 4R Business, 4R Planet Certification

Congratulations to Castro Valley's "4R Star" Businesses

How do I Become a 4R Star Business?

How the Program Works

Common Concerns and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions About Solid Waste Services

Green Business Program

Hazardous Waste (Small Business Generator Program)