Mandatory Organics Recycling: Tulare vs Visalia
How do mandatory organics recycling rules compare between Tulare, CA and Visalia, CA?
Tulare and Visalia have similar restriction levels.
Tulare, CA
Tulare County
Unincorporated Tulare County mandates organic-waste recycling under County Code Chapter 4-3, Article 13, which implements California SB 1383. Single-family and commercial generators must subscribe to green-container organics service and put food scraps and yard waste in the green cart; food waste in the trash is prohibited.
View full Tulare rules →Visalia, CA
Tulare County
Unincorporated Tulare County mandates organic-waste recycling under County Code Chapter 4-3, Article 13, which implements California SB 1383. Single-family and commercial generators must subscribe to green-container organics service and put food scraps and yard waste in the green cart; food waste in the trash is prohibited.
View full Visalia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Tulare | Visalia |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | Tulare County Code Ch. 4-3, Article 13 (4-03-1620 et seq.) | Tulare County Code Ch. 4-3, Article 13 (4-03-1620 et seq.) |
| State mandate | California SB 1383 (14 CCR 18982 et seq.) | California SB 1383 (14 CCR 18982 et seq.) |
| Food scraps / yard waste | Green container (source-separated) | Green container (source-separated) |
| Who must subscribe | Single-family (4-03-1635) & commercial/multifamily 5+ (4-03-1640) | Single-family (4-03-1635) & commercial/multifamily 5+ (4-03-1640) |
| Edible food recovery | Tier One generators since Jan 1, 2022 | Tier One generators since Jan 1, 2022 |
| Enforcement | NOV + administrative fine (4-03-1675), 60-day cure | NOV + administrative fine (4-03-1675), 60-day cure |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Tulare FAQ
Do I have to compost or use a green cart in unincorporated Tulare County?
Yes. County Code Chapter 4-3, Article 13 implements California SB 1383 and requires single-family and commercial generators to subscribe to organics service and place source-separated organic waste, including food scraps, in the green container rather than the trash.
Is the green-cart rule a county law or a state law?
Both. SB 1383 is the California state mandate; Tulare County adopted Chapter 4-3, Article 13 to implement and locally enforce it, authorizing the Solid Waste Director to carry out the SB 1383 Regulations and assess fines for non-compliance.
Visalia FAQ
Do I have to compost or use a green cart in unincorporated Tulare County?
Yes. County Code Chapter 4-3, Article 13 implements California SB 1383 and requires single-family and commercial generators to subscribe to organics service and place source-separated organic waste, including food scraps, in the green container rather than the trash.
Is the green-cart rule a county law or a state law?
Both. SB 1383 is the California state mandate; Tulare County adopted Chapter 4-3, Article 13 to implement and locally enforce it, authorizing the Solid Waste Director to carry out the SB 1383 Regulations and assess fines for non-compliance.
Compare other topics
See how Tulare and Visalia compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool