Sorting garbage, recycling and organics

Don't know if you can recycle something? We can help.
Facebook, Tweet or Instagram a photo @CityofHayward with #CanIRecycleThis, or email a description to recycling@hayward-ca.gov. You can also use StopWaste's RE:Source guide below for answers on what's accepted in Hayward.

  Recycle:

  • All plastic containers (1-7)
  • All metal containers
  • All glass containers
  • Paper and cardboard

  Compost:

  • Yard Trimmings
  • Food Scraps
  • Soiled paper plates, cardboard boxes, and paper towels
  • Untreated wood
  • Avoid “biodegradable” plastic bag and utensils – these don’t biodegrade fast enough

  Garbage:

  • Coffee cups
  • Plastic utensils and straws
  • Plastic bags and wrappers
  • Fabric and clothes that cannot be donated
  • Ceramics and Porcelain
  • Containers with multiple layers, like juice bags and boxes
  • Foam packaging

See our guides for more information:
PDF icon Residential Guide to Recycling Services.pdf
PDF icon Business Recycling Mandates.pdf
PDF icon Business Guide to Recycling Services.pdf

Household Hazardous Waste – bring your hazardous items for free to the Hayward Household Waste Facility at 2091 West Winton Avenue, Hayward. Acceptable Items include fluorescent bulbs, paints, stains, solvents, adhesives, garden and auto chemicals, batteries, electronic waste.