Apple Valley, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Section 6.20.030 requires every person who owns or controls an occupied residential household or commercial location to participate in the Town's solid waste, recyclables and organics program; the only exceptions are a dwelling that sits vacant more than 60 consecutive days, or a generator holding an approved variation permit under §§ 6.20.210 and 6.20.240. Single-family generators must subscribe to the Town's three-container collection service under § 6.20.190(a), and the Town can review a household's container sizes and require it to adjust its service level if capacity looks inadequate for proper sorting.

Section 6.20.190(b) then sets the actual sorting rule: source-separated organic waste goes in the green container, all recyclable materials go in the blue container, and everything else goes in the black container. The contracted hauler must furnish these containers under § 6.20.120, and containers must stay watertight with a close-fitting lid to keep out insects and rodents. Recycling and trash fees are billed to the property owner of record under § 6.20.270 and become a civil debt if unpaid; an unpaid invoice draws a 10% penalty 60 days after mailing plus an additional 1.5% a month until paid in full, per § 6.20.280, and persistent delinquency can become a lien on the property under § 6.20.290.

Households facing financial hardship can apply annually for a reduced bi-monthly rate by submitting a Town Financial Hardship Application with a current utility bill, under § 6.20.300(a).