Recycling Requirements: Altadena vs Castaic
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Altadena, CA and Castaic, CA?
Altadena and Castaic have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
California SB 1383 requires all residents and businesses in Altadena to separate organic waste (food scraps + yard trimmings) from trash. LA County Code Chapter 20.87 implements at the county level via Athens Services' three-bin program.
View full Altadena rules →Castaic, CA
Los Angeles County
Mandatory recycling in unincorporated LA County is required per SB 1383 Organic Waste Disposal Reduction Ordinance adopted November 2021. All residents and businesses must subscribe to organic waste collection. Three-stream waste separation is mandated across all GDDs.
View full Castaic rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Castaic |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | SB 1383 (organics) + AB 341/1826 (recycling) | - |
| LA County Code | Ch. 20.87 | - |
| Bins | Black/Blue/Green 3-bin system | - |
| Hauler | Athens Services | - |
| SB 1383 | - | Mandatory organic waste diversion |
| Ordinance | - | Adopted November 2021 |
| Requirement | - | Subscribe to organic collection |
| Streams | - | Trash, recycling, organic waste |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Do I have to compost in Altadena?
You must put food scraps and yard waste in the green organics bin — California SB 1383 and LA County Code Ch. 20.87 require it. You can also home compost as an alternative.
Castaic FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in LA County?
Yes. Residents must separate recyclables and organic waste from trash. SB 1383 mandates organic waste diversion statewide. Commercial businesses generating 4+ cubic yards weekly must also recycle under AB 341.
What can I recycle?
Paper, cardboard, plastic bottles/containers (1-5, 7), glass bottles/jars, metal cans, and aluminum. No plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items. Check your hauler's guidelines for specifics.
What happens if I don't separate organics?
Starting 2024, penalties apply for repeated non-compliance with SB 1383. Your hauler may tag contaminated bins and not collect them. Education and warnings come before fines for residential violators.
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