Recycling Requirements: Sutter vs Yuba City
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Sutter, CA and Yuba City, CA?
Sutter has fewer restrictions than Yuba City.
Sutter, CA
Sutter County
Unincorporated Sutter County residents and businesses must keep recyclables out of the trash and use the recycling program under the RWMA's SB 1383 ordinance and California's commercial recycling laws (AB 341). Recology's blue cart takes paper, cardboard, glass, metal and plastics 1-7, no plastic bags.
View full Sutter rules →Yuba City, CA
Sutter County
Yuba City enforces California's mandatory recycling laws: AB 341 (commercial recycling), AB 1826 (organics recycling for businesses and multi-family), and SB 1383 (mandatory residential organics separation since Feb 19, 2022). Single-family blue/green carts are bundled with garbage at no extra charge.
View full Yuba City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Sutter | Yuba City |
|---|---|---|
| Local mandate | RWMA Ordinance 22-1 (SB 1383) - participate or self-haul | - |
| Commercial law | AB 341 - businesses ≥4 cu yd/week and 5+ unit multifamily must recycle | - |
| Accepted | Paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastics #1-7 (loose, no bags) | - |
| Prohibited | Batteries, bulbs, electronics, paint, fuels, chemicals in carts | - |
| Low-population waiver | Approved census-tract areas may self-haul/compost instead | - |
| Enforcement | RWMA administrative citations/fines from Jan 1, 2024 | - |
| SB 1383 effective | - | Jan 1, 2022 (local rollout Feb 19, 2022) |
| AB 341 threshold | - | Businesses 4+ cu yd/wk; multifamily 5+ units |
| Plastics accepted | - | #1-#7 |
| HHW | - | Not accepted in any cart |
| Max penalty (3rd+ violation) | - | $500/occurrence under 14 CCR §18997.2 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Sutter FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in unincorporated Sutter County?
Yes. Under the RWMA's SB 1383 ordinance (No. 22-1), single-family and commercial generators must participate in the recycling program or self-haul, and AB 341 requires recycling service for larger businesses and 5+ unit multifamily properties. Some low-population census tracts with approved waivers are exempt.
What goes in the blue recycling cart?
Paper, newspaper, magazines, flattened cardboard, glass and metal containers, and empty plastics numbered 1 through 7, placed loose with no plastic bags. Keep batteries, bulbs, electronics, paint and chemicals out of all carts.
Yuba City FAQ
Do I have to use the green cart?
Yes. Under SB 1383, separating food scraps and yard waste from landfill trash is mandatory statewide for all residents and businesses.
What if I run a business with 5+ employees?
AB 341 requires commercial recycling service if you generate 4+ cubic yards/week of solid waste; AB 1826 adds mandatory organics service. Contact Recology to arrange compliant service.
Can I put batteries in the blue cart?
No. Batteries, electronics, paint, and medicines are household hazardous waste and must go to the HHW facility — never in any cart.
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