08/12/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/12/2022 13:10
Prepare for students returning. Order extra trash pickups or increased service and avoid illegal dumping fines of up to $500 a day during this fall move-in.
As the fall semester begins and Cal students move in, tenants and landlords can help keep our streets clean by planning ahead and using City of Berkeley services.
Overfilling a trash bin, leaving used boxes on the curb, and ditching furniture outside create a mess and possible safety hazards. Sidewalk dumping doesn't promote reuse. These actions are also illegal and punishable by fines that can reach up to $500 a day.
We have resources to help you sustainably discard what you don't need - and avoid illegal dumping fines. Follow these three steps: plan ahead, reuse and recycle.
If you have new tenants moving in, order extra pickups or increased service for your recycling bins or trash. The property owner or authorized contacts listed on the refuse account can call (510) 981-7270 to take advantage of these City services:
For recyclable items that can't be repurposed, use your building's recycling carts or bins to recycle. Please keep in mind, Berkeley has a dual-stream recycling program, so recyclable materials must be sorted accordingly. Cardboard/paper is collected separately from Bottles/Cans/Plastic Containers. Not sure if an item is recyclable? Review guidelines.
For single-family homes or small apartment complexes with Ecology Center Recycling collection, review the Ecology Center's recycling guidelines for program specifics. Extra cardboard can be bundled and placed curbside next to your Ecology Center recycle cart on your recycling service day. Larger multifamily properties need to order additional recycling service for extra cardboard pickup.
For extras or items that can't be recycled curbside:
Please take precautions to keep refuse and recycling workers safe. Your materials should fit inside your cart with the lid closed completely. Recycled materials are hand sorted by workers, so it is important to only put recyclable materials in your bin.
Do not put the following items in the recycling:
Unsolicited donations of furniture, clothing, food, and other materials at encampments may seem like a gesture of good will to those in need, but can actually create unsafe conditions.
Consider donating to one of the City's numerous nonprofit social service agencies that directly serve the homeless population, including:
All of them provide meals and food resources to people experiencing homelessness in Berkeley.
Know that most nonprofits usually prefer cash donations. Consider calling nonprofits that work in Berkeley to inquire about their need and capacity to accept donations.
We can all play a valuable role in keeping our streets clean and safe. If you see illegal dumping, call 311 or 510-981-2489 to report.
Abandoned furniture & debris on the sidewalk or public right of way may incur citations and fines up to $1,000 a day! See Berkeley Municipal Code Chapters 1.20.010, 12.32.030, 12.32.070, 12.32.110
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