Recycling Requirements: El Cerrito vs Walnut Creek
How do recycling requirements rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Walnut Creek, CA?
Walnut Creek 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 →Walnut Creek, CA
Contra Costa County
Walnut Creek mandates curbside recycling under CA AB 341 (commercial) and AB 1826/SB 1383 (organics). Blue carts accept paper, cardboard, metals, glass, and rigid plastics #1-#7. Green carts handle food scraps and yard waste per SB 1383 organics diversion requirements.
View full Walnut Creek rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Walnut Creek |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Walnut Creek FAQ
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