Frequently Asked Questions about the New Municipal Solid Waste Services

What is the difference between Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) and Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc. (WMAC)?
CVSan oversees the municipal solid waste collection, processing, and disposal contracts on behalf of Castro Valley residents and businesses. These contracts are currently held by WMAC. CVSan does not drive the collection trucks or operate the recycling, composting, or landfill facilities. 

What’s the “new contract” for recycling, organics, and garbage services?

Following public meetings and announcements, CVSan entered into a new 10-year municipal solid waste collection agreement and 20-year disposal agreement with Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC) on May 1, 2009. The contracts run through April 30, 2019 and 2029, respectively.

What does the new service include?

WMAC will provide franchised recycling, organics, and garbage services for residents, multi-family complexes, and businesses in Castro Valley.  Annual on-call bulky goods collection services, used motor oil and filter recycling kits, and dry cell battery recycling will be provided to multi-family complexes. WMAC will also process construction and demolition debris (C&D) generated in Castro Valley.

Why did my rates go up?

In Castro Valley, the solid waste services contracts go through a Request For Proposals process approximately every ten years.  CVSan received two proposals, and WMAC provided the lower bid.  During a ten-year period, rates may increase annually, but only by a fixed amount, agreed at the onset of the contract.  When a new contract starts, there is typically a marked increase.  With this in mind, CVSan selected the best bid and negotiated the lowest rate for recycling, organics, and garbage collection, processing, and disposal.

Is there any way I can lower my rates?

Yes! You can minimize your costs by maximizing the use of your recycling and organics carts. A Recycling Coordinator from WMAC is available to visit your property (FREE site assessment) and recommend the best service level and container configuration for your property type and solid waste being generated.  In most cases, a program that emphasizes recycling will reduce the impact of the rate increase.

Can you help me determine whether or not I qualify for a rate reduction?

Yes, it’s easy—call WMAC for a FREE site assessment at (510) 613-8751. You can also find a lot of useful information, including the Commercial Services and Green Resource Guide, on this website.

May I continue to use my private vendor for recycling, organics, or garbage collection services?

No, in order to get the best rate possible on behalf of businesses and residents in Castro Valley, WMAC is the exclusive provider ofrecycling, organics, and garbage services.  Moreover, the services advance broader District, County, and State goals of reducing garbage and increasing recycling and composting.

Where do I go for more information?

• Visit the FAQs page for more information.
• Visit the Rates page for a listing of service rates.
• Call WMAC at (510) 613-8700 for service questions.
• Call CVSan at (510) 537-0757 for general questions.

Call the WMAC Recycling Coordinator at (510) 613-8751 to set up a free site assessment.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Solid Waste Services

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