Yolo County, CA Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 6-17.301(a)
- Residential frequency
- Bi-weekly, Densely Populated Areas
- Commercial frequency
- Weekly, per AB 1826
- Organics cart size
- 96 gallons, § 6-17.303(a)
- Composting exemption
- § 6-17.301(c)(5), 1-year term
Summary
Single-family homes in a county-designated Densely Populated Area must subscribe to bi-weekly Organics Collection alongside recyclables, under Section 6-17.301(a). Commercial premises face a stricter weekly organics removal duty tied to state law AB 1826.
In addition, unless exempted pursuant to this Section, all Owners and Occupants of Single-Family Premises in a Densely Populated Area shall subscribe to bi-weekly Recyclables Collection and Organics Collection services provided by an authorized County Franchisee.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Supplement 2026 S-21 includes: Local legislation current through Ord. 1584, effective June 25, 2026).
Full Breakdown
301(a) requires that, unless exempted, all Owners and Occupants of Single-Family Premises located in a county-designated Densely Populated Area subscribe to bi-weekly Recyclables Collection and Organics Collection services from an authorized County Franchisee, on top of the weekly trash pickup that applies countywide. 201(cc) defines Organics as Food Waste, or Yard Trimmings commingled with Food Waste, and specifies that no discarded material counts as Organics unless separated from Solid Waste, Recyclable Materials, and C&D. 201(t) defines Food Waste broadly to include fruit, vegetable, pasta, bread, rice, meat, dairy, coffee grounds, tea bags, egg shells, and compostable paper products and cutlery.
303(c) imposes a tighter standard: businesses must arrange containers sufficient for weekly, not bi-weekly, removal of Organics, expressly citing Assembly Bill 1826, the state's mandatory commercial organics recycling law. 303(a). 301(c)(5) that it actively composts both yard trimmings and food waste onsite or otherwise diverts that waste, at which point the Department grants a Residential Organics services exemption lasting one year and subject to renewal.
Violations & Fines
Failing to subscribe to required bi-weekly (residential) or weekly (commercial) organics service without an approved exemption is a violation of Chapter 17 and constitutes an infraction under § 6-17.102, enforced by the Director of the Community Services Department through Title 1, Chapter 5 administrative citations. An organics exemption granted under § 6-17.301(c)(5) can be revoked under § 6-17.301(f) if the Department finds a violation of the exemption's conditions or that the lack of service creates an unsanitary condition, public health threat, or nuisance, restoring the mandatory organics-collection obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is organics separation mandatory for homes in unincorporated Yolo County?
How often must businesses have organics picked up?
Can I skip organics service if I compost at home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yolo County
California rules heatmap·Compare Yolo County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.