Riverside takeout food packaging must comply with California SB 54 producer responsibility rules and SB 1383 organics requirements, pushing operators toward recyclable or compostable containers and matching collection streams.
SB 54 sets statewide source-reduction, recyclability, and post-consumer-content targets on covered packaging including takeout containers, with phased compliance through 2032. SB 1383 separately requires every Riverside food generator to subscribe to organics collection or self-haul food scraps and food-soiled paper. Containers labeled compostable must meet ASTM standards and be accepted by Riverside's franchised hauler. Misleading green claims trigger violations of California's environmental marketing law. Operators should coordinate with their hauler to confirm which fiber, plastic, or compostable items are actually accepted in local recycling and organics carts.
Using non-compliant packaging, mislabeling containers as compostable, or contaminating organics carts with non-acceptable items results in fines from the city, county, or CalRecycle.
See how Riverside's takeout containers rules stack up against other locations.
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