Recycling Requirements: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View residents and businesses must separate recyclables and organics from trash under California AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383. Recology provides three-cart service for compliance.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose mandates recycling and organics diversion under SJMC Chapter 9.10 and California's SB 1383 (organics recycling) and AB 341 (commercial recycling). All residents and businesses must separate recyclables and organic waste from garbage. The City's three-cart system makes source separation mandatory. Commercial generators producing 2+ cubic yards of waste per week must have recycling service. Multi-family properties with 5+ units must provide recycling and organics collection per SB 1383.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| State mandates | AB 341, AB 1826, SB 1383 | - |
| Blue cart | Paper, metals, glass, rigid plastic | - |
| Green cart | Food scraps, yard trimmings | - |
| Not accepted | Plastic bags, foam, batteries, e-waste | - |
| Commercial | Required for 5+ unit buildings | Recycling required for 2+ cubic yards/week |
| Code Section | - | SJMC Chapter 9.10; CA SB 1383, AB 341 |
| Residential | - | Mandatory 3-cart separation |
| Multi-Family | - | Recycling and organics required for 5+ units |
| Plastics | - | #1-7 accepted in blue cart |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I put food scraps in the green cart?
Yes. Since SB 1383 took effect in 2022, all food waste including meat and dairy must go in the green organics cart along with yard trimmings.
Where do I recycle plastic bags?
Return clean plastic bags and film to grocery store drop-off bins. They jam sorting equipment if placed in the blue curbside cart.
San Jose FAQ
What happens if I put the wrong items in my recycling cart?
Contaminated carts may be tagged and not collected. Repeated contamination can result in surcharges. Check the City's website for accepted materials lists.
Are apartment buildings required to provide recycling?
Yes. Under SB 1383 and city ordinance, multi-family properties with 5 or more units must provide recycling and organics collection services.
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