Environmental and Health Initiatives

Environmental and Health Initiatives 1

The City of Richmond Environmental Initiatives team promotes systems and policy changes that support the development of healthy and sustainable neighborhoods. The Division collaborates with the community and other city departments to implement actions identified in the Climate Action Plan, Health in All Policies Strategy Document, and the Energy and Climate Change Element and Community Health and Wellness Element of the Richmond General Plan 2030. The team aims to build the City and community's capacity to improve and promote sustainability and health equity. 


City of Richmond, CA Environmental and Health Initiatives
8th and Harbour Bioswale Richmond Greenway 9.29.17

I Heart Richmond

I Heart Richmond is a City-wide beautification and clean-up initiative led through a collaboration of several City departments and community-based organizations. 

To learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities, programs, resources, and City Council presentations visit, www.ci.richmond.ca.us/IHeartRichmond

Richmond, CA (10)

AB 1826: Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling Law

AB 1826 requires businesses to recycle their organic waste. This includes both public and private businesses as well as multifamily complexes or apartment buildings of five units or more.

Businesses that generate 4 or more cubic yards of any waste per week are required under AB 1826 to:

  • Prove that they either generate less than 0.5 cubic yards of organic waste each week OR
  • Arrange for organics collection from Republic Services; OR
  • Demonstrate an effective method of keeping organics out of the waste stream (self-haul or back-haul).

AB 1826 Compliance Flowchart Opens in new windowRepublic Services can offer organics collection service at no additional cost to most businesses.

For more information, visit www.recyclemore.com 

Recycling and Organics Subscription Compliance 

Subscription compliance rates for AB 1826 (Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling) and AB 341 (Mandatory Commercial Recycling)

To learn more about Richmond Zero Waste data, including solid waste tonnage and illegal dumping metrics, visit Transparent Richmond, Richmond's open data portal.

PG&E Presentation to City Council on Recent Power Outages

On April 19, 2022, the Richmond City Council received an update from PG&E regarding recent Power Outages. Below please find the list of resources from the presentation. 

Preparation: 

  • Update Contact Information - Receive outage and restoration notifications. 
  • Safety and Preparation - Prepare an emergency plan including portable backup power, hotel accommodations and accessible transportation at disabilitydisasteraccess.org. 
  • Backup Power Meter Support - PG&E has developed a new meter program to help our customers safely power their homes during emergency outages. Currently the offer is available for qualified PG&E customers who have been issued a rebate for a qualified backup generator.
  • Medical Baseline Program - Apply to receive energy savings and extra outreach. 
  • Explore Backup Power Options - Determine the right solution and generator rebate qualifications. Options include generator rebates for customers who rely on well water and portable batteries for Medical Baseline customers in high fire risk areas. 
  • Self-identify for Vulnerable Customer Status - The program’s goal is to help address the needs of customers whose life or health would be at risk should their electric or gas service be disconnected. To self-certify for Vulnerable Customer status, you must download, print, and submit an application that is valid after acceptance by PG&E. 

During a Power Outage:

California Senate Bill SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP)

In a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP), SB 1383 ultimately requires a 75 percent reduction of the level of statewide disposal of organic waste by 2025, based on levels from 2014. Additionally, 20 percent of commercial edible food will need to be recovered from disposal. 

To comply with this law, all businesses and residents will be required to separate organics and recyclable materials from trash and either subscribe to the required collection services or self-haul to an appropriate facility for diversion.

RecycleMore, the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority, has additional compliance information and will post more information as it becomes available. 

Additional information and resources can be found at, SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP) | Richmond, CA - Official Website. General information and updates on SB 1383 regulations are available at, California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy.

CAP Banner

The City of Richmond Environmental and Health Initiatives Division has launched a Climate Action Plan (CAP) Open Data Dashboard to report on the City's progress towards climate action goals. For additional information, please send an email to richmondopendata@ci.richmond.ca.us.

Adopted in 2016, Richmond’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) outlines goals and strategies for reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change on public health, infrastructure, ecosystems, and public spaces in our community. The dashboard serves to monitor progress towards reaching the CAP goals, inform policy decisions, and provide data to the community.

Bulky Item Pick-up Program for Richmond Residents

Richmond residents are eligible for a free bulky item pickup! Collections may be scheduled for single-family homes and duplexes.

Program Guidelines:

  • Serves single-family homes and duplexes.
  • May substitute five E-waste items for one bulky item
  • No commercial-sized appliances, hazardous materials, or construction and demolition material.
To schedule a pick-up contact Republic Services at (510) 262-7100. For more information about residential bulky item pick-up programs visit www.ci.richmond.ca.us/1718/Residents

Please note, the CalRecycle grant funding for the multifamily program for 3-19 units has ended. The program is no longer available.

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Free Mattress Drop-off Program for Residents


Richmond residents are eligible to bring three (3) mattresses per month at no cost to the West Contra Costa County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, 101 Pittsburg Ave, Richmond. Please bring proof of residency.

Not Accepted:
  • Cut mattresses or box springs
  • Excessively wet, damaged, partial or soiled mattresses or mattresses with bed bugs
  • Car beds or water beds
  • Fold out sofa beds or futons
  • Air mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, mattress toppers or other furniture
For questions, contact Republic Services at (510) 231-4200.
Free Mattress Drop-Off flyer 7-10-19_Page_2
Free Mattress Drop-Off flyer 7-10-19_Page_1

Clean Cars for All Program

The City of Richmond is partnering with the non-profit solar provider GRID Alternatives and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to bring more renewable energy sources and electric vehicles to Richmond. Find out if you are eligible for an incentive of up to $9,500 from the Clean Cars for All Program to purchase or lease a low-emission vehicle.

For questions, please contact GRID Alternatives at (855) 256-3656 or email, Cleancars@gridalternatives.org.

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Free Compost Giveaway Program for Residents



Every first Wednesday of the month, West County households can pick-up for free 2 cubic yards of compost from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at 101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond. Close the loop on your organics recycling by using the finished compost made right here in Richmond. This is self-service only; please bring your own bag, bin or bucket, and shovel to load the material. Valid identification is required.

For questions or additional information please call Republic Services at (510) 231-4200.
Free Compost Giveaway 1st wed 2019

Recycling Tip of the Month!

Interested in starting recycling or compost services? Questions about what is recyclable or compostable? Please contact Republic Services at (510) 262-7100. For recycling and compost signs and outreach material visit, www.republicservices.com/municipality/wccc-ca. Please note, paper towels and napkins are not recyclable.

Recycling Tip of the Month April
May- Recycling Tip of the Month

Air Pollution Complaints (BAAQMD)

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District receives over 12,000 air pollution complaints each year from members of the public. Community members are keenly aware of air pollution events and often provide the first warning of air quality problems. Satisfactory resolution of complaints is one of the most important objectives of Air District staff.

Examples of complaints include dust or chemical air pollutants emitted by industrial plants, refineries, neighborhood businesses, gas station nozzles, idling trucks, locomotives and buses; and smoke from agricultural fires, controlled burns, non-cooking backyard fires and outdoor trash burning.

To file a complaint, complete an online complaint form or call BAAQMD's 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-800-334-ODOR (6367).

For more information, visit BAAQMD online.

BAAQMD Complaint Page