Trash & Recycling in Novato, CA (2026)
6 verified trash & recycling rules for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Bin Placement Rules
In the City of Novato, Marin County, California, every development must place solid waste collection points within 75 feet of a through or cul-de-sac street. A common collection point serving three or more units needs a screened platform or paved area sized for a 35-gallon container per unit, and bin locations need truck maneuvering room.
Novato Solid Waste Collection Point Placement
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 5-41.008
b.Specific.1.In all developments, solid waste collection points shall be provided within 75 feet of a through or cul-de-sac street.2.Where provision 1, above, results in a common collection point accommodating three or more units, a screened platform or paved area, of sufficient size to accommodate a 35-gallon size container for each unit, shall be provided.3.Where a bin-type container is to be...
Recycling Requirements
In the City of Novato, new multi-family projects of five or more units and new non-residential projects must provide storage areas for recyclable material as well as solid waste, sized by Tables 3-3 and 3-4 of Section 19.20.120. Each dwelling needs an indoor area of at least three cubic feet for recyclables.
Novato Recyclable Material Storage Requirements
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.20.120
This Section provides standards for solid waste and recyclable material storage areas in compliance with the California Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Access Act (Public Resources Code Sections 42900 et seq.). ... A.Applicability. These requirements apply to new multi-family residential, and non-residential projects, and additions to existing non-residential projects.B.Required Storage for Mul...
Mandatory Organics Recycling
In the City of Novato, California, section 7-14.060 requires every food vendor that provides waste containers for customer use to offer separate receptacles for garbage, recyclables and organics, colored black or grey, blue and green. The rule is part of the Reusable Foodware Ordinance, whose effective date is June 8, 2023.
Novato Food Vendor Organics Bin Requirements
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 7-14.060
a.All food vendors who provide solid waste containers for customer use, must provide separate receptacles for solid waste, recyclables, and organics. Receptacles shall be colored black or grey for garbage, blue for recycling, and green for compost/organics;b.To the extent possible given space constraints, all receptacles for solid waste, recyclables, and organics should be placed adjacent to on...
Illegal Dumping
In the City of Novato, Marin County, California, section 7-2.1 makes it an infraction to place or dump trash, garbage, refuse or rubbish on a public street, park, waterway or other public place, or on private property so as to be dangerous or injurious to health. Infraction fines under section 1-5.1 run up to $100, $200 and $500 for repeat violations within a year.
Novato Illegal Dumping and Litter Penalties
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 7-2.1
Any persons, firm, or corporation, whether as principal agent, employee, or otherwise, creating, causing, committing, or maintaining: a.Any trash, garbage, refuse or rubbish to be placed, deposited, dumped, maintained, or permitted upon or in any public park, square, school, street, or highway (including sidewalk, parkway, or any other portion of the right-of-way thereof), bay, lake, waterway, ...
Dumpster Rules
In the City of Novato, Marin County, California, non-residential buildings must provide solid waste and recycling storage areas sized by floor area, kept out of required front yards, street side yards, parking areas and landscaped areas. Section 19.20.120 of the Novato zoning ordinance sets the sizes, the allowed locations and the design.
Novato Commercial Trash Storage Area Rules
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.20.120
C.Required Storage for Non-residential Structures and Uses. Non-residential structures and uses within all zoning districts shall provide solid waste and recyclable material storage areas in compliance with Table 3-4. These requirements apply to each individual structure, and shall apply to both new structures, and additions to existing structures which increase floor area by 30 percent or more...
Recycling Rules
In the City of Novato, every covered construction, demolition and renovation project must divert at least 50 percent of its construction and demolition debris through reuse or recycling. Compliance is a condition of the building permit, and the community development department withholds final approval or the certificate of occupancy until the recycling documentation is approved.
Novato Construction Debris Recycling Rules
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code §§ 4-12.3, 4-12.7
a.Covered Projects. Every covered project shall comply with this section. Failure to comply with any of the terms of this section shall subject a person or applicant to the enforcement mechanisms set forth in section 4-12.8. ... c.Compliance as a Condition of Approval. Compliance with the provisions of this section shall be a condition of approval for a building permit to be issued to any cover...
Looking for Marin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novato city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Marin County →