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Building in Berkeley? Here's what Zero Waste requires.

Whether you're managing a construction and demolition project or designing space for new commercial construction, the City of Berkeley has requirements you need to meet before your permit gets finaled.

Why This Exists?

Construction and demolition materials make up a large share of what the City is working to divert from landfill as part of Berkeley's zero-waste goals.

The two sections below close a real gap. Until now, the industry audiences who build and design in Berkeley have had no dedicated guidance on this site.

The two laws, in plain language

What happens if you don't comply

Projects will not receive final permit approval until City of Berkeley Zero Waste staff have reviewed and approved all required weight tickets.

The Process Explained

For project managers, contractors, and haulers

Construction & Demolition Recycling

The Requirement

CalGreen (state law) requires a minimum 65% diversion of construction and demolition waste from landfill, through recycling, salvage, reuse, or composting. Berkeley Municipal Code requires 100% recycling of asphalt, concrete, and land-clearing debris.

Applies to any non-residential project requiring a building permit, new residential buildings, residential projects that increase conditioned area, volume, or size, residential projects valued over $100,000, and demolition permits valued over $3,000.

How It Works: Green Halo

  1. Submit a Construction Waste Management Plan with the building permit application to receive a Green Halo Tracking Number.
  2. Choose an approved facility that is RCI Certified and within Berkeley's jurisdiction.
  3. Keep materials source-separated and loose. Bagged material counts as refuse, not recyclable.
  4. Give the hauler the Green Halo number so the weighmaster can generate a digital ticket automatically; otherwise a photo must be manually uploaded.
  5. Upload every weight ticket regardless of when the 65% threshold is hit.
  6. No weight adjustments are allowed after leaving weight station.
  7. Submit for final review; Zero Waste staff confirm requirements are met and approve the project in Green Halo.

What happens if you don't comply

Projects will not receive final permit approval until City of Berkeley Zero Waste staff have reviewed and approved all required weight tickets.

Tips to Hit Your Diversion Rate

  • Order the right box: 6 cubic yard roll-off (Berkeley Limit) only, C&D materials only, filled no more than two-thirds full.
  • Check the ticket before the truck leaves the site. A “Refuse” designation forfeits diversion credit.
  • Document salvage and reuse with photos, uploaded to Green Halo as “Salvage for Reuse.”
  • Keep loads uncontaminated. Mixed material sent to a non-RCI-certified facility caps at 50% diversion, below the 65% minimum.
Ordinance on Construction Requirements
Using Green Halo

Resources

For architects, engineers, and contractors

Space Allocation for New Commercial Construction

The Requirement

Four material streams are required: trash; recycling for glass, metal, and plastics; recycling for cardboard and mixed paper; and organics for food waste, compostable paper, and plant debris. Legal basis: State Law SB 1383 and the Alameda County Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance.

Applies to all commercial and multi-family (5+ unit) properties. Sizing guideline: the 40-40-20 rule for multifamily weekly collection — 40% trash, 40% recycling, 20% organics, not including landscape debris.

Designing the Collection Room

  • Co-locate all four streams for convenient tenant access.
  • Size the room so ceiling height and floor area allow lids to open and containers to move freely.
  • Widen doorways enough to move containers in and out easily.
  • Use a smooth, easy-to-clean floor surface; convenient faucet access is recommended.
  • Reserve wall space for instructional signage with adequate lighting.
  • Chutes are not recommended; if installed, all four streams need equal access (typically four separate chutes).
  • Compactors are allowed, but service is billed at double the maximum compactor volume with a minimum once-a-week collection schedule.

Getting Materials to the Curb

  • Property owners are responsible for curbside placement. Carts and bins must go out and come back within 24 hours, with lids closing completely.
  • A staging area is needed with wide enough gate doors and permitted curb cuts.
  • Avoid locating bins in underground garages or areas inaccessible to collection vehicles; long push-outs or inclines may incur significant additional monthly charges.
  • Push/pull service rates
Construction

Resources