Landfill (Garbage) Collection Program

Reuse is Best!

Before you dispose of something, consider if it can be reused, repaired, or donated. For easy options to reuse, repair, recycle or safely dispose unwanted items, search the StopWaste’s RE:Source Guide. 

What is Accepted in My Landfill (Garbage) Cart?

UC Landfill Poster 2022 FINAL - ENG Opens in new window

Acceptable items include non-recyclable, non-compostable, and non-hazardous items such as:

  • Plastic bags, film, wrap (e.g., zip-top storage bags, shipping envelopes, bubble wrap, air pillows, and product wrap)
  • Plastic straws and utensils
  • Plastics labeled #3-7
  • Aseptic, multi-layered containers (e.g., juice, soup, and milk cartons and pouches)
  • Snack packaging (e.g., chip bags and candy wrappers)
  • Styrofoam products (e.g., cups, plates, meat/seafood trays, packing peanuts and blocks)
  • Broken glass/mirrors (must be packaged safely)
  • Ceramics
  • Hoses
  • Plastic or wire clothes hangers that cannot be donated
  • Carpets, rugs, mats and other textiles that cannot be donated
  • Shoes, clothing, and toys that cannot be donated
  • Diapers and personal hygiene products (e.g., sanitary napkins, used tissue, and disposable gloves and masks)
  • Pet waste (must be bagged)

What is Prohibited in My Landfill (Garbage) Cart?

Recyclable and compostable materials may NOT be disposed of in your landfill cart as per California’s Organics Reduction and Recycling Law (SB 1383) and Union City Municipal Code Chapter 7.24. Recyclable and compostable materials must be properly sorted.

  • Dirt, rock, asphalt, concrete, and brick
  • Tires
  • Construction and demolition debris
  • Household hazardous waste such as paints, batteries, and chemicals
  • Electronic waste such as televisions and computers
  • Used motor oil and oil filters
  • Fluorescent light bulbs/tubes
  • Medicines and medical sharps such as syringes and needles

It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) such as chemicals, cleaners, fertilizers, paint, pesticides, propane tanks, sharps, and electronic waste in your recycle, compost, and landfill carts. HHW materials require careful disposal by a certified facility. Safely dispose of HHW for free at an Alameda County HHW Drop-off Facility or at County-sponsored events throughout the year. For drop-off facility locations, hours, and a list of accepted items, call 800.606.6606 or visit StopWaste.org/HHW.

More Information?

When in doubt, find out: Residential Publications & Resources. For more information about Union City's curbside collection program, call Union City Recycles at 510.675.5433.