Recycling Requirements: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara has fewer restrictions than Mountain View.
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 →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara mandates recycling and organics separation under California SB 1383. Residents must sort recyclables, organics (food scraps and yard waste), and landfill trash into color-coded carts.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Authority | - | California SB 1383 |
| Recyclables | - | Paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastics 1/2/5 |
| Organics | - | Food scraps + yard waste |
| Business mandate | - | 4+ unit buildings |
| Extra recycling | - | Free in clear bags |
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.
Santa Clara FAQ
Do I have to separate food scraps?
Yes. Food scraps go in the green organics cart under SB 1383, which is mandatory statewide.
Can I recycle plastic bags?
No. Plastic bags must be returned to grocery store collection bins, not placed in the curbside recycling cart.
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