Los Angeles County, CA Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcement start date
- January 1, 2024
- First violation fine
- $50–$100
- Second violation fine
- $100–$200
- Third+ violation fine
- $250–$500 per violation
- Civil penalty (if civil suit)
- Up to $1,000 per day
- Compliance deadline on notice
- Up to 60 days
Summary
Unincorporated LA County residents and businesses must divert organic waste from landfills by source-separating food scraps, green waste, and other organics using an authorized hauler or approved on-site management method.
Organic Waste Generators shall cause the Organic Waste that they generate, and that is generated on property that they own or manage, to be diverted from disposal, in one or more of the following ways: 1. Arrange for an Authorized Hauler other than a Micro-Hauler to collect the Organic Waste that they generate and comply with the Source Separation and Container placement requirements of the Organic Waste Collection Service provided by such Authorized Hauler; 2. Contract with a Micro-Hauler for collection of some or all of the Organic Waste that they generate and Source Separate such Organic Waste for collection by the Micro-Hauler; 3. Self-manage Organic Waste by Self-Hauling in accordance with Section 20.91.050 of this Chapter; and 4. Self-manage Organic Waste by Managing Organic Waste On-Site in accordance with Section 20.91.060 of this Chapter.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 20.91 (the Mandatory Organic Waste Disposal Reduction Ordinance), enacted to comply with state SB 1383, requires all organic waste generators in unincorporated LA County to keep organic material out of landfills. Compliance options include using an authorized hauler's three- or two-container service, contracting with a micro-hauler, self-hauling to an organic waste processing facility, or managing organics on-site (such as composting). Self-managers must register with the Director and file a Self-Management Plan. Commercial businesses must additionally educate employees and tenants annually on proper source separation and provide labeled receptacle stations. Enforcement began January 1, 2024.
Violations & Fines
The Director first issues a Notice of Violation with a compliance deadline of up to 60 days. If not corrected: first violation fine $50–$100; second violation $100–$200; third or subsequent violations $250–$500 each. The County may also bring a civil action for up to $1,000 per day of violation. Violations may be charged as a misdemeanor or infraction under Chapter 1.24 of the LA County Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to put food scraps in a separate bin from my regular trash?
Can I compost at home instead of using a hauler pickup?
What happens if my property does not have room for multiple bins?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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