Yuba County, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Organic-waste handling in unincorporated Yuba County is driven by state law SB 1383, the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, effective January 1, 2022, and locally implemented through the Regional Waste Management Authority (RWMA) with hauler Recology Yuba-Sutter. Single-family residences must either subscribe to and participate in the curbside recycling and organics collection service or self-haul recyclables and organic waste to a recycling or composting facility. The green organics cart accepts plant materials such as grass clippings, flowers, leaves, weeds, garden and pruning waste, plus food scraps (fruit, vegetables, meat, bones, dairy, leftovers) and food-soiled paper. There is no extra charge for the recycling and organics carts beyond the basic garbage rate. SB 1383 allows low-population and high-elevation waivers, and RWMA has approved waivers for certain rural single-family census tracts (including 409.01, 409.02, 410.01, 410.02, 411.01 and 411.02); residents in those areas can instead grasscycle, home-compost, use recycling centers, or self-haul organics. Backyard composting of yard and food waste at home is allowed and actively encouraged statewide as a way to divert organics.