Starting January 1, 2010, Alameda County landscapers, gardeners and organizations (that generate significant amounts of plant debris) who DO NOT separate plant debris (grass, leaves, shrubbery, vines and tree branches) from contaminants such as bottles, fast food containers and construction materials, will be fined.

StopWaste.org has providedan FAQ to help answer your questions about the new requirements:

Alameda County Landfill Ban
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Alameda County Landfill Ban?
The ban, which was passed by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority in early 2009, prohibits disposal of plant debris in county landfills. Plant debris includes grass, leaves, shrubbery, vines and tree branches. This plant debris must be separated from all garbage and deposited in the disposal facility’s designated “clean green” area or a designated “organics” cart or collection bin.

Who does the ban apply to?
The ban applies to any person or organization generating significant amounts of plant debris that hauls the material to Alameda County disposal facilities or places the material in bins for collection, including:

• Residential landscapers and gardeners
• Commercial landscapers and gardeners
• Commercial and residential property managers
• Municipalities and institutions (e.g. colleges, hospitals)
• Commercial customers subscribing to 4 cubic yards or more of weekly solid waste collection service.

What is accepted at designated “clean green” areas of disposal facilities?
Only plant debris is accepted. Therefore, plant debris must be separated from contaminants, such as glass, plastic, take-out containers or construction materials. If the plant debris contains even a small amount of such contaminants, it cannot be composted and must go to the landfill.

Why is the separation of plant debris and garbage so important?
Alameda County is under voter mandate to divert 75 percent of waste away from landfills by the end of 2010. By making sure that plant debris is free of waste, landscapers and gardeners can help Alameda County meet this goal. Deposit of plant debris at designated “clean green” areas allows the material to be turned into rich compost, which improves soil health.

Does the Landfill Ban apply to Alameda County residents who use green organic carts for organic recycling?
Individual residents do not typically generate enough volume of plant debris to justify hauling to a disposal facility. Residents should continue to dispose of plant debris in their green organics (yard trimmings) carts, along with food scraps and other organic materials.

What happens to those that don’t separate plant debris from waste?
Beginning January 1, 2010, landscapers and organizations that fail to separate plant debris from waste can be fined. Fines range from 50% surcharges on their dump fees to $100 citations for the first violation within a year, to $500 for the third and successive violations. Loads will be randomly checked at generator locations and at disposal facilities for violations. However, the goal of the ordinance is compliance and environmental protection, not the collection of fines.

Where can people find out more about the ban?
More information about the Landfill Ban can be found at www.LandfillBan.org, or by calling the Landfill Ban Hotline at (888) 893-9929.