Pacifica, CA Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing article
- PMC Chapter 6-5, Article 7
- Adopted by
- Ordinance No. 870-C.S., eff. Jan. 12, 2022
- Container system
- Blue, green, gray three-container service
- First violation fine
- $100
- Third+ violation fine
- $500
Summary
Pacifica Municipal Code Section 6-5.703 requires every single-family household to subscribe to the City's organic waste collection service and sort food waste and yard trimmings into a green container, recyclables into a blue container, and everything else into a gray container, with fines up to $500 per repeat violation under Section 6-5.712.
Single-family organic waste generators shall comply with the following requirements: A.Shall subscribe to city's organic waste collection services for all organic waste generated as described in subsection B below. ... B.Shall participate in the city's organic waste collection service(s) by placing designated materials in designated containers as described below, and shall not place prohibited container contaminants in collection containers.1.Three-container collection service (blue container, green container, and gray container).a.Generator shall place source separated green container organic waste, including food waste, in the green container; source separated recyclable materials in the blue container; and gray container waste in the gray container; in each case, solely to the extent such materials are acceptable materials in the applicable container under the franchise agreement between the city and the exclusive franchise hauler.
Full Breakdown
Article 7 of Chapter 6-5, Pacifica's Mandatory Organics Waste Disposal ordinance adopted by Ordinance No. effective January 12, 2022, implements the state's SB 1383 short-lived climate pollutant law. 703 requires every single-family organic waste generator to subscribe to the City's organic waste collection service for all organic waste generated, and lets the City and its designee review the number and size of a household's containers to confirm adequate capacity, with generators required to adjust their service level on request. Under the three-container system, source-separated green container organic waste, including food waste and yard trimmings, goes in the green container, recyclables go in the blue container, and everything else goes in the gray container, matching only what the franchise hauler's agreement accepts in each. 9(c) instead of full container participation. 709. 16 of the Pacifica Municipal Code, with civil penalties available starting January 1, 2023.
Violations & Fines
Failing to sort organic waste into the correct container, or placing prohibited contaminants in a green, blue, or gray container, triggers a notice of violation under Section 6-5.712. Penalty amounts are set at $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second, and $500 for a third or subsequent violation, each assessed per violation, with a 60-day compliance window before penalties are imposed and a right to appeal an administrative citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is separating food scraps and yard waste mandatory in Pacifica?
What happens if I put food waste in the wrong Pacifica trash cart?
Can Pacifica businesses opt out of the organics program?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pacifica
California rules heatmap·Compare Pacifica to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Mandatory Organics Recycling in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Mateo County handle mandatory organics recycling.