Q: Why is recycling important?
A: Recycling conserves natural resources like trees and water and also saves energy. It is important in helping Fremont meet county and state-mandated goals for reducing waste disposed in local landfills.

Q: What is Fremont's recycling goal?
A: Alameda County and Fremont City Council established a goal of 75 percent waste diversion by 2010.

Q: Where can I get a recycling container for my unit?
A: The City of Fremont provides personal recycling containers to apartment/condo residents to increase waste diversion (recycling) from multi-family dwellings. The container provides a convenient way to store and carry recyclable materials to your building’s recycling collection area. Get a container from your property manager or contact the Allied Waste.

Q: What should I put into recycling containers?
A: Recycling containers are for newspaper, mixed paper, cardboard, and containers (plastic, glass, metal, and aluminum). ALL clean, dry recyclables can go together; no sorting is necessary.

Q: What about space? Where do I store the bag/basket?
A: These containers were designed for indoor storage in units with small kitchen cabinets, closets and storage areas.

Q: What happens if people put the wrong items in recycling containers?
A: This is called “contamination.” It is important that only recyclable materials are placed in recycling carts and bins, because contaminated recycling loads become trash. Garbage and other non-recyclable items affect the processing and manufacturing of recyclables, resulting in inferior or unusable products. Please refer to the Apartment/Condominium Program Guide and the pictures on the recycling carts for instructions.

Q: How do I recycle cardboard and used motor oil?
A: Cardboard should be flattened, broken down into 3’ x 3’ pieces, and set beside the your building’s recycling cart/bin.

There are several convenient drop-off locations in Fremont for used motor oil. Call the City’s Environmental Services Division at 510-494-4570 or check www.fremont.gov/environment for a current list. Note: Some communities have restrictions that prevent residents from changing motor oil on the property.

Q: What if all the outdoor recycling carts are full?
A: If this happens on a regular basis, your property manager can call Allied Waste to request additional pick-ups or more carts. Please do not overfill containers, as this prevents Allied from servicing them.