Contamination & Overage Surcharges
Recycling Industry Changes
Increased regulation of landfilled waste and changes to international recycling markets have caused waste sorting requirements to become more stringent. Material previously sent to overseas markets to be recycled is no longer accepted and local facilities cannot process loads of materials contaminated with non-recyclable items. Additionally, overages in containers cause a significant impact to local systems through scattered litter, clogged drains, and polluted runoff and debris entering the Bay. Please see the FAQ section below for more details.
Avoid Contamination
Rates Begin January 1, 2021
To avoid a $25.00 per cart and $75.00 per bin, per incident surcharge (after two warnings), $50.00 (cart) and $100.00 (bin) charge for every incident after that, keep your recycling and organics carts/bins clear of contamination.
Review the resources below to avoid contamination and learn how to properly sort waste. Visit the StopWaste Re:Source Search Tool to learn where to put various items you might have questions about. Visit

Avoid Overages
New Rates Begin January 1, 2021
To avoid a $8.71* per cart, $65.75 per bin, per incident surcharge, keep lids closed on your carts and bins when serviced.
*Lids should be flat. Charges are based on a typical 13 gallon trash bag ($.67 per gallon).
Review the resources and tips below to learn how to avoid overages.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Overages:
- Breakdown cardboard boxes
- Place recyclables loose in cart - never bag
- Keep appliances and Household Hazardous Waste out (please visit the "Household Hazardous Waste" tab to learn more)
- Increase cart size if overages are a reccuring issue
If you regularly have excess materials, Waste Management is here to help you put a lid on overages. Call Waste Management of Alameda County Customer Service at (510) 613-8710 to help you right-size your service.
Proper Cart Placement
Place the cart in front of your house with the wheels against the curb, away from any obstructions and neighbors' carts.

Proper Cart Placement
Tools & Education
Waste Management Customer Communication
Visit the links below to update your contact information, review important service information, and view waste sorting guides.
Waste Management Customer Education
Visit the links below to view service brochures, explore Waste Management's Recycle Right website, and explore StopWaste's Re:Source guide for answers on what is accepted in Emeryville.
Video Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the first time cameras have been used on a Waste Management collection truck?
No, Waste Management has used cameras on trucks for almost ten years. They use mounted cameras to improve safety by assisting drivers with rear and side-view perspectives and documenting driving incidents.
How can you tell if a cart is contaminated?
Mounted cameras record the containers serviced. The picture below shows a sample image identifying the contents of a contaminated container that was collected from a service address and placed in the truck.

What happens when Waste Management Smart Truck technology detects a service issue?
A dedicated team of service consultants reviews the images from each route daily. They look for a variety of conditions including overfilled containers, contamination, damaged containers, graffiti, recorded service levels and more. Depending on the issue identified, a repair ticket is created, a customer notification is generated and/or a charge is applied to a service account.
What about privacy?
Waste Management will not share the images or customer information with third parties for marketing or data mining. The photographs or videos are used to educate and inform customers and the city to improve collection service, recycling and diverting materials away from the landfills.
What kind of quality control is in place to ensure accuracy?
Waste Management service consultants are trained to carefully identify service issues, such as overage, contamination and damaged carts. We have standard protocols for assessing every situation with built-in checks and balances to ensure accuracy.
Can a customer dispute a charge?
Yes, customers are encouraged to contact Waste Management's Customer Service. The Customer Service phone number is provided in the email or letter notifying a customer of an Overage or Contamination incident. Trained Waste Management staff will review the incident images with the customer. If a mistake has been made, the charge will be removed and records will be updated to avoid the error in the future.