Union City Recycling & Compost Programs
Tri-CED Community Recycling provides Union City’s recycling and compost collection services in partnership with Republic Services, which manages landfill collection and customer billing. Together, we work to support Union City’s commitment to reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and maintaining a clean, healthy, and beautiful community—now and for generations to come.
Collection Guidelines
To ensure efficient and clean service, please follow these set-out guidelines:
- Set your carts at the curb by 6:00 AM on your collection day.
- Leave at least 2 feet between each cart.
- Face carts toward the street, with wheels against the curb.
- Sort materials properly per state and local rules to avoid additional prohibited items fees.
- Do not overload carts; lids must close completely.
Acceptable Materials & Services Guide
Make sure you’re recycling right! Visit our Acceptable Materials page to learn what goes in your blue recycle bin and what doesn’t. For more helpful tips and collection info, download our Services Guide. Recycling correctly helps reduce contamination and keeps our program running efficiently!
Recycling Collection Services
Used Oil & Filters
To recycle used motor oil and filters:
- Request one-gallon screw-top jugs for used oil and Ziploc bags for filters from Tri-CED.
- Collection Instructions: Place the oil jugs and filter bags next to (not inside) your recycle cart on your regular service day for curbside collection.
Battery Recycling
To recycle batteries and cell phones:
- Request a Ziploc bag from Tri-CED, or use your own clear, heavy-duty Ziploc bag.
- Collection Instructions: Place the zip-top bag on top of your recycling cart for collection on your regular service day.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal
It is illegal to dispose of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) in recycling, compost, or landfill carts. To safely dispose of HHW, visit an Alameda County HHW Drop-off Facility or attend County-sponsored events throughout the year.
Feet on the Street: Recycling Monitoring Program
To improve recycling quality and comply with state and local regulations, Union City and Tri-CED Community Recycling have launched the “Feet on the Street” Recycling Monitoring Program. As part of this initiative, trained recycling auditors will visit neighborhoods, check the contents of recycling carts, and leave personalized feedback to help residents recycle properly. By providing real-time guidance, the program helps reduce contamination, strengthen recycling habits, and promote a cleaner, more effective recycling system throughout the city.
Compost Collection Services
Acceptable Materials
Union City accepts a wide range of organic materials, including food scraps, soiled paper, and yard waste. To make sure you’re recycling right, learn which materials are acceptable and which are not.
Free Kitchen Pails
Collect food scraps easily! Request a free kitchen pail by calling Tri-CED at (510) 429‑8030.
Holiday Tree Recycling
Recycle your holiday tree with your regular curbside service. Just:
- Remove stands, decorations, tinsel, and lights.
- Cut trees over 6 feet in half.
- Only natural, unflocked trees are accepted.
Landfill Collection Services
Landfill collection services are provided by Republic Services. For information on your collection day, current service guides, newsletters, and to print educational posters and decals, please visit the RepublicServicesAC.com or call (510) 657‑3500.
Billing Information
- Current Billing: Residential landfill, recycling, and compost collection services are billed through property taxes.
- New Billing System: Starting June 2025, Republic Services will directly bill for services beginning July 1, 2025.
Bulky Item Pickup
Union City residents are eligible for two free bulky item collections per year. This service is ideal for disposing of large or bulky items responsibly.
Multi-Family & Commercial Services
SB 1383 Requirements
Effective January 1, 2022, California law SB 1383 requires that compostable materials—including food scraps, yard trimmings, and paper—are kept out of landfills to reduce methane emissions.
Property owners/managers of multifamily buildings (5+ units) must:
- Subscribe to recycling and compost service.
- Provide color-coded, labeled bins in shared areas.
- Educate tenants annually and at move-in/move-out.
Free Support for Property Owners
Tri-CED Community Recycling offers free on-site waste and recycling assessments to help you comply with state and local recycling ordinances. We provide cost-effective recycling services that are easy to implement for your tenants. Our Recycling Coordinator can help you:
- Choose the right service levels.
- Provide staff and tenant education.
- Set up workshops and provide materials.
Contact Information for Union City Residents
For recycling and organics services, please reach out to Tri-CED.
Tri-CED Community Recycling
33377 Western Ave., Union City, CA 94587
(510) 429‑8030 | info@tri-ced.com | TriCED.org
For questions about landfill services, billing, or bulky item pickups, contact Republic Services directly. They offer support for waste management and can assist with related inquiries.
Republic Services of Alameda County
42600 Boyce Road, Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 657‑3500 | RepublicServicesAC.com
The City of Union City’s Waste Collection Programs & Services webpage provides information on curbside recycling, composting, and landfill collection. It offers resources for residents and businesses to reduce waste, recycle, and comply with local laws like SB 1383.
Union City Recycles
34009 Alvarado-Niles Blvd., Union City, CA 94587
(510) 675‑5433 | UnionCityRecycles.org