Building Recycling Permit Requirements

All Oakland building permits require an approved Recycling Plan (also called a WRRP) before they can be issued, and a recycling Summary Report (also called a CDSR) before final inspection can be scheduled. Below, you will find step-by-step directions to meet both requirements using the online software system called Green Halo.

Step 1: Apply for an Oakland Building Permit

Image of the Dashboard page of the online Green Halo construction database tool. Visit the Online Permit Center and click "Video Tutorial" or "Apply for Permit" to get started.

As soon as your Permit Application has been processed, a Green Halo project will be created for you and an invitation for the project will be sent to the email address that you supplied in your Permit Application. Watch the How-to Video for step-by-step instructions.

Visit the Online Permit Center

Step 2: Accept Your Green Halo Project Invitation

Image of the invitation email message that is sent to all Oakland building permit applicants from Green Halo Services. Find your Green Halo New Project invitation in the Inbox of the email account that you supplied in your Building Permit Application (be sure to check Spam and Junk folders too). Watch the How-to Video for step-by-step instructions.

Watch How-To Accept Your Green Halo Invitation Video

Step 3: Create and Submit Your Recycling Plan

Image of the Projects page of the online Green Halo construction database tool. Follow the directions in Green Halo to write a Recycling Plan for all of the debris that your building project will generate. Watch the How-to Video for step-by-step instructions.

Watch How-To Submit Your Recycling Plan Video

Step 4: Follow Three Keys to Success for Using Green Halo in Oakland

Image of clean drywall piled in its own separate bin, and of clean lumber and wood, piled in its own bin. By source separating lumber, drywall and more; re-using wherever possible; and using only authorized haulers, you can make your path to final inspection much easier. Watch the How-to Video to learn more.

Watch Three Keys to Success Video

Step 5: Add Re-Use Tickets to Your Summary Report

Image of the Ticket Upload page of the online Green Halo construction database tool. Once you have completed your project, open Green Halo and use the "Add Tickets" button to report all materials that you salvaged, donated, or re-used in this project. Watch the How-To Video for step-by-step instructions.

Watch How-To Add Re-Use Tickets Video

Step 6: Add Recycling and Disposal Tickets to Your Summary Report

Image of the Ticket Upload page of the online Green Halo construction database tool. Once you have completed your project, open Green Halo and use the "Add Tickets" button to report all items that you recycled or disposed in this project. Watch the How-To Video for step-by-step instructions.

Watch How-To Add Recycling and Disposal Tickets Video

Step 7: Submit Your Summary Report for Final

Image of the Submit for Final page of the online Green Halo construction database tool. Once you have uploaded all Re-Use and Recycling and Disposal tickets to your Green Halo project, your recycling Summary Report is ready to be submitted to the City. Watch the How-to Video for step-by-step instructions and an outline of what comes next for your project.

Watch How-To Submit Your Final Summary Video

Still Need Help?

Image of a blue question mark. City staff are available online to help you one-on-one every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2-3 p.m.

Find Out How to Talk to Staff Online