LA County Code Title 12.84 and California SB-1383 require all residents and businesses to separate organic waste from trash, either through curbside green-bin service or backyard composting. LA County Public Works runs the Smart Gardening Program teaching home composting techniques.
California SB-1383, effective January 2022, requires every California jurisdiction to provide organic-waste collection service and divert organics from landfill. LA County Code Title 12.84 implements SB-1383 in unincorporated areas through franchise haulers operating green-bin curbside service for food scraps and yard waste. Residents may also self-haul to county facilities or backyard-compost as long as they keep food waste out of black trash bins. The LA County Department of Public Works Smart Gardening Program offers free workshops, discounted compost bins, worm-bin starter kits, and grasscycling guidance. Multi-family properties of five or more units must provide separate organics containers, and food-generating businesses face additional edible-food recovery rules through county Public Health.
First-tier enforcement is educational. After warnings, jurisdictions may assess SB-1383 contamination fines of $50 to $500 per violation. Multi-family and commercial generators face larger CalRecycle penalties for missing service or repeated contamination.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Altadena, CA
California SB 1383 requires all residents and businesses in Altadena to separate organic waste (food scraps + yard trimmings) from trash. LA County Code Chap...
Altadena, CA
In Altadena's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, grass and weeds must be kept under 3 inches under LA County Fire Code Title 32 defensible-space rules.
Altadena, CA
LA County Fire's Brush Clearance program also functions as the weed-abatement ordinance — vacant and improved lots must keep weeds and grasses cut to under 3...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how Altadena's composting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.