Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Fontana has fewer restrictions than San Bernardino.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino residents must sort recyclables into the blue cart and food and yard waste into the green cart under CA AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383. Contaminated carts can be tagged and draw administrative citations.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Organics mandate | SB 1383 | - |
| Commercial recycling | AB 341 | - |
| Required cart colors | Blue, green, gray | - |
| Contamination | May result in fees | - |
| State laws | - | AB 341, AB 1826, SB 1383 mandate recycling and organics |
| Blue cart accepts | - | Paper, cardboard, rigid plastics 1 and 2, aluminum, glass |
| Green cart accepts | - | All food scraps, yard waste, soiled paper |
| Prohibited in blue | - | Plastic bags, foam, food-soiled paper, electronics |
| Repeat contamination | - | Fines around 65 dollars plus possible cart removal |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I have to separate food waste in San Bernardino?
Yes. Under SB 1383 and Municipal Code Chapter 8.24, all food scraps must be placed in the green organics cart rather than the black trash cart, including meat, dairy, and cooked foods.
Can I put plastic bags in the recycling cart?
No. Plastic bags are a major contaminant that jam sorting equipment. Take clean plastic shopping bags back to grocery store collection bins and never place them in the blue cart.
Does my apartment complex have to recycle?
Yes. AB 341 and AB 1826 require multi-family properties of 5 or more units to provide recycling and organics service. Residents should ask the property manager for labeled bins.
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