Dublin, CA Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)

Mandatory organics recycling in Dublin implements California Senate Bill 1383 (2016), the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, which took effect statewide on January 1, 2022 and aims to keep food and other compostable materials out of landfills to reduce methane. Locally, the law is carried out through Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 5.32 (Discarded Materials Management) and Alameda County's Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance (ORRO), effective January 1, 2022, with regulations subsequently revised. Every residential and commercial premises must subscribe to curbside composting collection and sort compostable materials into the correct container; commercial premises must have source-separated organic-waste collection unless granted a waiver. Residents receive a green compost cart, serviced weekly by Amador Valley Industries (AVI), and a kitchen pail; accepted materials include food scraps, food-soiled paper, paper towels and napkins, uncoated paper plates, greasy pizza boxes, yard trimmings and plant debris, natural corks and small untreated wood pieces. Compost should be placed loose, wrapped in newspaper, or in a paper bag; no plastic bags, including BPI compostable bags, are accepted. Businesses and multi-family properties must place color-coded labeled organics bins next to indoor garbage, ensure sorting, and educate occupants. Noncompliance, or excessive contamination of the organics cart, can result in a fine.