Recycling Requirements: Brentwood vs El Cerrito
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Brentwood, CA and El Cerrito, CA?
Brentwood has fewer restrictions than El Cerrito.
Brentwood, CA
Contra Costa County
Brentwood requires single-stream recycling via the blue cart and organics via the green cart under California SB 1383. Acceptable recyclables include paper, cardboard, rigid plastics, aluminum, and glass. Contaminated loads can be rejected or result in service charges to the property owner.
View full Brentwood rules →El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
SB 1383 mandates organics recycling for all residents and businesses. Contra Costa County requires separation of recyclables (blue cart) and organics including food scraps (green cart) with enforcement beginning 2024.
View full El Cerrito rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brentwood | El Cerrito |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| State law | - | SB 1383 (2016) |
| Organics cart | - | Green - required |
| Diversion goal | - | 75% by 2025 |
| Contamination fine | - | Up to $500 |
| Business threshold | - | 2 cubic yards/week |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brentwood FAQ
El Cerrito FAQ
Do I have to put food scraps in the green cart?
Yes. SB 1383 requires all residents to separate food waste, including meat and dairy, into the organics cart.
What plastics are recyclable?
Clean, rigid plastic containers marked #1, #2, and #5. Plastic bags, film, and Styrofoam are not recyclable curbside.
Compare other topics
See how Brentwood and El Cerrito compare on other ordinance categories.
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