Recycling Requirements: Courtland vs Elk Grove
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Courtland, CA and Elk Grove, CA?
Courtland has fewer restrictions than Elk Grove.
Courtland, CA
Sacramento County
Unincorporated Sacramento County provides every-other-week curbside recycling, included in mandatory service. Accepted items include clean paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles/jars, and rigid plastic bottles/jugs placed loose in the cart; bags, film plastic, and Styrofoam are excluded.
View full Courtland rules →Elk Grove, CA
Sacramento County
California SB 1383 mandates organic waste diversion. All Elk Grove residents and businesses must separate food scraps, yard waste, and food-soiled paper into the green organics cart. Mixing organics with trash is prohibited and subject to citation.
View full Elk Grove rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Courtland | Elk Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Every other week | - |
| Part of mandatory service | Yes (SCC 6.20.120) | - |
| Accepted | Paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass, plastic bottles/jugs | - |
| Preparation | Empty and dry; place loose (do not bag) | - |
| Not accepted | Bags, film plastic, Styrofoam, batteries, organics | - |
| Provider | DWMR (unincorporated areas) | - |
| State Law | - | SB 1383 organic diversion |
| Green Cart | - | Food + yard waste |
| Blue Cart | - | Paper, metal, glass, #1/2/5 plastic |
| Contamination Fines | - | $25-$100 |
| Business Rule | - | 2+ CY organics = mandatory service |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Courtland FAQ
Should I bag my recyclables?
No. Sacramento County instructs residents to bag their garbage but place recyclables loose in the cart. Recyclables must also be empty and dry; lids and labels are okay.
Can plastic bags or Styrofoam go in the recycling cart?
No. Plastic bags, plastic wrap, and Styrofoam are not accepted in the curbside recycling cart, along with items like batteries, paint, propane tanks, organics, and liquids.
Elk Grove FAQ
Can I put food scraps in my green yard waste cart?
Yes. Under SB 1383, all food waste (including meat, dairy, bones) must go in the green organics cart, not the trash.
What happens if I put the wrong items in a cart?
Republic will tag the cart with an oops sticker. Repeated contamination can lead to fines and service suspension.
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