Altadena, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- SB 1383 (organics) + AB 341/1826 (recycling)
- LA County Code
- Ch. 20.87
- Bins
- Black/Blue/Green 3-bin system
- Hauler
- Athens Services
Summary
California SB 1383 requires all residents and businesses in Altadena to separate organic waste (food scraps + yard trimmings) from trash. LA County Code Chapter 20.87 implements at the county level via Athens Services' three-bin program.
Fight Climate Change by Recycling Organic Waste To reduce methane pollution and other short-lived climate pollutants, California passed SB 1383 (Lara, 2016). The law set targets for 2025: 75% less organic waste sent to landfills. 20% of unsold, still-edible food sent to food recovery organizations. SB 1383 Regulations The Office of Administrative Law approved SB 1383 regulations.
Final Regulations Text (Accessible Version) Final Statement of Reasons Final Statement of Purpose and Necessity Final Comments and Responses January 18, 2019 – March 4, 2019 June 21, 2019 – July 17, 2019 October 3, 2019 – October 18, 2019 November 26, 2019 – December 13, 2019 April 20, 2020 – May 20, 2020 Final Environmental Impact Report Draft Environmental Impact Report Mitigation Monitoring or Reporting Program Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations Landfills Are Third Largest Source of Methane in California
Organic waste in landfills emits: 20% of the state's methane, a climate super pollutant that heats 84 times more than carbon dioxide. Air pollutants like PM 2.5, which contributes to health conditions like asthma. Organics like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard make up half of what Californians dump in landfills. Cutting short-lived climate pollutants can have the fastest impact on the climate.
Full Breakdown
California SB 1383 (Lara, 2016), implemented via 14 CCR Div. 7 Ch. 12, requires statewide diversion of 75% of organic waste from landfills by 2025. LA County Code Ch. 20.87 implements locally, requiring residents to subscribe to organics collection service and place food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper into the green organics bin. AB 341 mandates commercial recycling (4+ cy/week); AB 1826 mandates organics recycling at all businesses. Athens Services provides three-bin service in Altadena: black (trash), blue (recyclables), green (organics).
Violations & Fines
Local jurisdictions began enforcement in 2024. Fines start at $50–$100 per violation per day under CalRecycle's tiered enforcement framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to compost in Altadena?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Altadena
California rules heatmap·Compare Altadena to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle recycling requirements.