Palo Alto vs San Jose
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and San Jose, CA?
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
No data available yet for Palo Alto.
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 | Palo Alto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | - | SJMC Chapter 9.10; CA SB 1383, AB 341 |
| Residential | - | Mandatory 3-cart separation |
| Commercial | - | Recycling required for 2+ cubic yards/week |
| Multi-Family | - | Recycling and organics required for 5+ units |
| Plastics | - | #1-7 accepted in blue cart |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
No FAQs available.
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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