Rohnert Park, CA Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- RPMC Ch. 8.12, enacted by Ord. No. 956 (2021)
- First-violation fine
- $100 administrative citation (§ 8.12.170)
- Repeat-violation fines
- $200 second, $500 third+ within 12 months
- Misdemeanor trigger
- 3+ violations by same person in 12 months
- Tier one edible food generators
- compliant by January 1, 2022
- Waivers available
- de minimis / space waivers via city manager
Summary
Every household and business in Rohnert Park must source separate organic materials, including food waste, from garbage and recyclables under Municipal Code Section 8.12.040(B). Organics go into the authorized collector's organic materials cart. The rule implements the city's SB 1383 program adopted by Ordinance No. 956, and violations draw escalating administrative fines under Section 8.12.170.
B.Each generator on any premises shall source separate all recyclable material and organic materials from garbage generated on the premises in accordance with the designations of recyclables and organic materials made by the authorized collector. Each generator shall place source separated organic materials, including food waste, in the organic materials collection container; and shall place source separated recyclable materials in the recyclable material collection container; and shall place garbage in the designated garbage collection container. ... 1.A fine not exceeding one hundred dollars for a first violation;2.A fine not exceeding two hundred dollars for a second violation of the same provision of this code within any twelve consecutive month period;3.A fine not exceeding five hundred dollars for each additional violation of the same provision of this code within any twelve consecutive month period.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
12 (Solid Waste and Edible Food Recovery), was rewritten by Ordinance No. 956, adopted December 14, 2021, to implement the state's mandatory organics recycling law. 120. 010 to include food waste, green material, landscape and pruning waste, paper products and manure, from garbage and recyclables, and to place the separated organics in the authorized collector's organic materials container. 040(C) bars placing a 'prohibited container contaminant' in any collection container. 050: they must supply labeled containers for staff and customers, train employees annually, and give new tenants written sorting instructions within fourteen days of move-in.
140 by January 1, 2022; tier two generators, including smaller restaurants and hotels, followed by January 1, 2024. 110 for businesses generating little organic waste or lacking room for extra carts. 040(G) and (H) if kept sanitary.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Chapter 8.12 is a public nuisance enforceable as an infraction under Chapter 1.16, with administrative citations under Chapter 1.25: not more than $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation of the same provision within twelve months, and $500 for each further violation in that period. Three or more violations by the same person within twelve months can be charged as a misdemeanor, and noncompliant premises may be abated as a nuisance with costs liened against the property under Section 1.24.180.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rohnert Park require households to separate food scraps?
What happens if I do not separate my organics in Rohnert Park?
Can a small business skip organics separation in Rohnert Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rohnert Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Rohnert Park to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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