Trash & Recycling in Santa Cruz, CA (2026)
2 verified trash & recycling rules for Santa Cruz, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recycling Requirements
Santa Cruz Municipal Code §6.49 bans single-use plastic carry-out bags and imposes a paper bag charge. §6.48 prohibits polystyrene/plastic-foam food service ware and requires biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable alternatives.
Santa Cruz Plastic Bag and Foam Bans
Heavy RestrictionsMandatory Organics Recycling
Santa Cruz Municipal Code §6.12 implements California SB 1383 organic waste recycling, requiring single-family, multifamily, and commercial generators to separate organics from trash.
Santa Cruz SB 1383 Organics Collection
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Santa Cruz County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Cruz city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Santa Cruz County →