Recycling Requirements: El Cerrito vs Richmond
How do recycling requirements rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Richmond, CA?
Richmond has fewer restrictions than El Cerrito.
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 →Richmond, CA
Contra Costa County
Richmond uses single-stream recycling in the blue cart, collected weekly by Republic Services. California SB 1383 mandates organics recycling in the green cart, and AB 341/1826 require commercial recycling for most businesses. Contamination fees apply.
View full Richmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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.
Richmond FAQ
Compare other topics
See how El Cerrito and Richmond compare on other ordinance categories.
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