Camarillo's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Camarillo, California, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Recycling Requirements

Camarillo requires recycling under CMC Section 9.04.052 (commercial recycling) and Section 9.04.054 (organic waste recycling). California AB 341 mandates recycling for businesses generating 4+ cubic yards of waste weekly. SB 1383 requires all residents and businesses to separate organic waste for composting.

Key details: Residential Recycling: Required - blue bin provided. Organic Waste: Separation required (SB 1383). Commercial: Mandatory if 4+ cubic yards/week. Green Waste Mixing: Prohibited (CMC 9.04.112). Code Section: CMC 9.04.052, 9.04.054.

Businesses failing to recycle per CMC 9.04.052 and AB 341 may face penalties. Residents contaminating organic waste bins or failing to separate organics may receive warnings under SB 1383 enforcement. Contact the city's waste hauler or Public Works for recycling questions.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Camarillo's solid waste collection is regulated under CMC Chapter 9.04 (Integrated Waste Management). The city contracts with a franchised hauler for residential curbside collection of trash, recycling, and green waste. SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion through green waste and food scrap recycling.

Key details: Collection: Weekly curbside (franchised hauler). Three-Bin System: Trash, recycling, green waste. Food Scraps: Required in green bin (SB 1383). Scavenging: Prohibited (CMC 9.04.090). Code Section: CMC Ch. 9.04.

Failure to maintain collection service violates CMC 9.04.030. Illegal dumping is prohibited under CMC 9.04.120. Contaminating recycling bins with non-recyclable materials may result in service warnings. Contact the city's waste hauler or Public Works for service questions.

Bin Placement Rules

Residential trash, recycling and organics carts in Camarillo (collection by E.J. Harrison & Sons under City franchise) must be placed at the curb no earlier than the evening before the scheduled pickup day and removed within 24 hours after collection. Carts must be kept out of public view between pickups.

Key details: Hauler: E.J. Harrison & Sons (franchise). Set-Out: Evening before service day. Removal: By end of day after pickup. Storage: Out of public view (side yard / garage). Organics: Mandatory per CA SB 1383.

Leaving carts at the curb for extended periods is a property-maintenance violation enforceable under CMC and the City's nuisance abatement procedures. The franchise hauler also has authority to refuse service if carts are not accessible or overloaded.

Bulk Item Disposal

Camarillo residents receive on-call bulky-item pickup at no extra charge from E.J. Harrison & Sons (the City's franchise hauler), with limits on the number of items per pickup. Mattresses, furniture, appliances and large e-waste qualify; hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, batteries) must instead go to the Ventura County household hazardous waste facility.

Key details: Hauler: E.J. Harrison & Sons. Cost: Included in service. Scheduled: On-call (advance request). HHW: Ventura County HHW Facility.

Illegal dumping — leaving bulky items on the curb without scheduling pickup, or dumping in alleys/empty lots — is a CMC nuisance violation enforced via administrative citation and possible criminal charge under California Penal Code §374.3 (up to $1,000 fine).

Camarillo is more permissive than most cities when it comes to bulk item disposal. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Camarillo's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Camarillo is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Camarillo can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.