Imperial County, CA Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Single-family generators, unincorporated county
- Required containers
- Green, blue, and black/gray
- First violation
- Written warning only
- Repeat violation fine
- $250 to $500 per violation
- Self-haul exemption
- Section 8.72A.090 self-haulers
Summary
Imperial County requires single-family households in the unincorporated area to subscribe to the county's organic waste collection service and sort food scraps and yard trimmings into the green container under the county's SB 1383 program.
Single-family organic waste generators shall comply with the following requirements except single-family generators that meet the self-hauler requirements in Section 8.72A.090... 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 black/gray container waste in the black/gray container.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 8.72A, every single-family organic waste generator in unincorporated Imperial County must subscribe to the county's collection service and place food scraps and green waste in the green container, recyclables in the blue container, and remaining trash in the black/gray container, unless the household qualifies as a self-hauler under Section 8.72A.090. The county can require a household to adjust its container size or service level if capacity looks inadequate. A first violation draws a written warning; a second draws a $100-$200 fine, and a third or later violation draws a $250-$500 fine under Section 8.72A.140.
Violations & Fines
First offense: written warning only. Second offense: $100-$200 fine. Third or later offense: $250-$500 fine per violation, issued as an administrative citation under Section 8.72A.140.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to subscribe to Imperial County's organics collection?
What happens if I put food waste in the wrong bin?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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