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Fairfield, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Authority
California SB 1383
Resident requirement
Subscribe + separate organics from trash
Business start date
January 1, 2022
Resident enforcement start
January 1, 2024
Cure period after notice
60 days

Summary

Under California SB 1383, all Fairfield residents and businesses must subscribe to organic-waste collection and separate food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste from the trash. Backyard composting remains permitted and counts as compliance for residents.

42652.5. (a) The department, in consultation with the State Air Resources Board, shall adopt regulations to achieve the organic waste reduction goals for 2020 and 2025 established in Section 39730.6 of the Health and Safety Code. The regulations shall comply with all of the following: (1) May require local jurisdictions to impose requirements on generators or other relevant entities within their jurisdiction and may authorize local jurisdictions to impose penalties on generators for noncompliance. (2) Shall include requirements intended to meet the goal that not less than 20 percent of edible food that is currently disposed of is recovered for human consumption by 2025. (3) Shall not establish a numeric organic waste disposal limit for individual landfills.

Full Breakdown

California Senate Bill 1383 requires statewide reduction of organic waste sent to landfill, and Fairfield implements it through its franchise hauler (Republic Services). All residents are required to subscribe to and participate in the city's recycling and organics curbside collection service, and to separate organic waste from trash. Organic waste includes food waste (fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bones, eggshells), food-soiled paper (napkins, paper towels, coffee filters, pizza boxes), and yard waste (grass, leaves, prunings). Collected organics go to the Napa Recycling and Composting Facility at 820 Levitin Way, where they become compost and mulch.

Businesses have been required to participate since January 1, 2022. City and hauler audits inspect carts for contamination; generators receive a notice if contamination is found, and active enforcement of resident requirements began January 1, 2024. After a notice of violation, compliance must be achieved within 60 days. 9), which counts as compliance as long as no putrescible food waste is generated above the composter's capacity and rodent risk is controlled.

Violations & Fines

Following a notice and the 60-day cure period, repeated contamination or non-participation can result in administrative fines escalating per the city's enforcement schedule. The hauler may also bill for contamination-removal fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I backyard-compost instead of using the green cart?
Yes. SB 1383 recognizes on-site composting as a valid diversion method. You still pay the standard waste service rate, but you can divert food scraps and yard waste to a properly maintained home composter rather than the cart.
What goes in the green organics cart?
Food scraps of all kinds (including meat, bones, and dairy), food-soiled paper such as napkins and coffee filters, and yard trimmings. Do not put plastic, including 'compostable' plastic, in the green cart unless your hauler specifically accepts it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fairfield

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