Santa Barbara, CA Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)

California's SB-1383 requires organic waste diversion statewide, and because the City of Santa Barbara's population exceeds 70,000 it is not eligible for the rural exemption that applies to small low-population jurisdictions. The City complies in a way that differs from many cities: rather than requiring single-family residents to separate food scraps into a green cart, 'food waste and other non-yard waste organics are allowed in the trash and are recovered at the Santa Barbara County ReSource Center to comply with SB 1383.' In other words, City single-family households put food waste in the gray trash cart, and the mixed material is processed at the County's high-diversion ReSource Center, while yard waste still goes in the green cart. Commercial and multi-family handling is stricter: under SB-1383 and AB-1826, commercial customers must subscribe to organics (foodscraps) recycling service, and a free staff training (offered in English and Spanish) is required before enrollment. Waivers are available only for low-organics generators, for example a business generating 2+ cubic yards of total waste weekly but less than 20 gallons of organic waste, subject to City verification. SB-1383 edible food recovery rules also apply: mandated donors such as supermarkets, grocery stores of 10,000+ square feet, restaurants of 5,000+ square feet or 250+ seats, and hotels with food facilities and 200+ rooms must have a written agreement with a food recovery organization and document donations. These provisions combine the City franchise program with California state mandates the City administers.