Recycling Requirements: Simi Valley vs Thousand Oaks
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Simi Valley, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA?
Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks have similar restriction levels.
Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Ventura County implements mandatory recycling and organic waste diversion in unincorporated areas under California SB 1383 and AB 341. All residents and businesses must separate organic waste from trash, and commercial generators must participate in recycling programs.
View full Simi Valley rules →Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
Thousand Oaks implements mandatory recycling and organic waste separation under California SB 1383 and AB 341. All residents must use the three-bin system for trash, recycling, and organics.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Simi Valley | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Waste | Must be separated from trash (SB 1383) | Food scraps must go in green bin (SB 1383) |
| Three-Bin System | Trash, recycling, organics | - |
| Business Threshold | 4+ cubic yards/week must recycle (AB 341) | 4+ cubic yards/week must recycle |
| Diversion Goal | 75% waste diversion | 75% waste diversion |
| Waste Hauler | E.J. Harrison & Sons (805) 647-1414 | Waste Connections |
| Three Bins | - | Gray (trash), Blue (recycling), Green (organics) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Simi Valley FAQ
What must I recycle in unincorporated Ventura County?
You must separate recyclables (paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastics) into the blue bin and organic waste (food scraps, yard waste, food-soiled paper) into the green bin. This is required under California SB 1383 and AB 341.
Do I need to separate food scraps from trash?
Yes. Under SB 1383, all residents must separate organic waste including food scraps from regular trash. Place food scraps in your green organics container along with yard waste and food-soiled paper.
What happens if I don't recycle properly?
After an education and outreach period, fines of $50-$100 per violation may apply for residential properties. Contaminated recycling loads may be rejected and charged at higher trash rates. The county currently prioritizes education over penalties.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
What goes in each bin in Thousand Oaks?
Gray bin: non-recyclable trash. Blue bin: paper, cardboard, glass, metal, clean plastics. Green bin: food scraps, yard waste, food-soiled paper. Separating organics from trash is required under SB 1383.
Do I have to separate food scraps?
Yes. Under California SB 1383, all residents must place food scraps in the green organics bin, not the gray trash bin. This includes all food waste, coffee grounds, eggshells, and food-soiled paper products.
What happens if I put the wrong items in a bin?
Contaminated recycling or organics loads may be rejected by the processor and charged at higher trash rates. After an education period, fines of $50-$100 per residential violation may apply. The city provides educational materials to help with proper sorting.
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