The Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) is a small public agency responsible for the operation and maintenance of the sanitary sewer collection system and administration of the refuse collection franchise within the unincorporated community of Castro Valley, California (population 64,392).
CVSan’s Zero Waste Department, ensures that residential and commercial customers receive quality organics, recycling, and garbage services at reasonable rates from CVSan’s contracted hauler, Alameda County Industries.
CVSan is an industry leader in zero waste programs and has won many industry awards over the years for communications, design, and programs. CVSan has had curbside recycling since 1991 and food scrap recycling since 2001 and has accomplished significant waste reduction.
CVSan has a goal of zero waste (90 percent or more diversion) by the year 2029. CVSan’s Zero Waste Strategic Plan was updated in 2020 and is a document which highlights their vision and significant achievements.
The Zero Waste Department does public outreach work to keep the community informed about legislation, new programs and the best recycling practices. Through extensive 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot or Compost) programs in the commercial, multi family, residential and school sectors, CVSan works with the community on its collective path to zero waste.
CVSan is on the Road to Zero Waste and has achieved a 60% diversion rate.