Questions about Recycling

Recycling rules can be confusing. You may have felt that moment of hesitation at the recycling or compost bin, but keeping these three basic rules in mind can help:

1. Recycle only bottles, cans, paper and cardboard

2. Keep food and liquid out of recycling

3. Don't place bagged recycling or plastic bags in the recycling

Hayward's recycling program is designed to manage specific items such as bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard. Putting other items in the recycling container can contaminate the material, causing it to be landfilled instead of recycled.

Take the City of Hayward's recycling quiz to test your sorting knowledge and learn how to avoid common mistakes. Participants can enter to win a gift card drawing on October 31st or November 29th!

Other useful guides include the re:source tool, which will tell you how to dispose of certain products within your specific zip code. For additional rules and tips, check out Waste Management's Recycling Myths guidebook, or visit our sorting guide.