Recycling Requirements: Fontana vs Rialto
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana complies with California AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383. All residents and businesses must separate recyclables and organic waste using Burrtec-provided blue and green carts.
View full Fontana rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Residential customers receive a blue recycling cart serviced weekly. Under California AB 341, businesses generating ≥4 cubic yards/week of solid waste and multifamily complexes of 5+ units must subscribe to recycling service. Free waste audits are available from the City.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Organics mandate | SB 1383 | - |
| Commercial recycling | AB 341 | - |
| Required cart colors | Blue, green, gray | - |
| Contamination | May result in fees | - |
| State mandate | - | AB 341 — commercial recycling ≥4 cy/wk |
| Multifamily | - | 5+ unit complexes must recycle |
| Plastic bags | - | Banned statewide (SB 270) |
| Free audits | - | City Recycling Hotline 909-820-2602 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Do I have to separate food scraps?
Yes. SB 1383 requires all residents and businesses to place food scraps in the green organics cart. Mixing into trash is prohibited.
What can go in the blue cart?
Clean paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and tubs, metal cans, and glass bottles and jars. No plastic bags, food-soiled items, or electronics.
Rialto FAQ
Does my Rialto business have to recycle?
Yes if you generate 4+ cubic yards of solid waste per week, or if you are a multifamily complex of 5 or more units. AB 341 has required commercial recycling since July 1, 2012.
Can I grab cans from someone's blue cart?
No. Removing recyclables from a container set out for collection is scavenging — prohibited under Rialto Municipal Code §8.08.030 and punishable as theft under Cal. Pen. Code §496.
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