Bellflower, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Single-family, commercial, multi-family 5+ units
- Blue container
- Source-separated recyclables
- Green container
- Organic waste, incl. food waste
- Basis
- State SB 1383, City Ord. 1411
Summary
Bellflower's SB 1383 ordinance requires every household and business to subscribe to three-cart service and sort recyclables into the blue container.
Subscribe to organic waste collection services for all generated organic waste. City may review the number and size of a generator's containers to evaluate adequacy of capacity provided for each type of collection service for proper separation of materials and containment of materials. Single-family generators must adjust their collection service level as directed by the City to maintain a level of service that is consistent with the purpose of this Chapter. Generators must manage their organic waste by preventing or reducing their organic waste, managing organic waste on site, and/or using a community composting site pursuant to Section 18984.9(c).
B. Participate in the organic waste collection service by placing designated materials in designated containers as described below. It is unlawful to place prohibited container contaminants in collection containers.
C. Generators must:
1. Place source separated green container organic waste, including food waste, in the green container;
2. Place source separated recyclable materials in the blue container; and 3. Place gray container waste in the gray container.
D. It is unlawful for generators to place materials designated for the gray container into the green container or blue container. (Ord. 1411 § 1, 11/22/21)
Full Breakdown
Bellflower Municipal Code Chapter 13.36, adopted to implement state SB 1383 organic-waste rules, requires single-family generators to subscribe to organic waste collection service for all organic waste they generate and to sort materials into the correct cart: source-separated recyclables go in the blue container, source-separated organic waste (including food waste) in the green container, and everything else in the gray container. It is unlawful to put gray-container waste in the blue or green cart. Commercial businesses and multi-family properties of 5+ units face the same three-container mandate under § 13.36.040, with City authority to require larger or more frequent service.
Violations & Fines
The City enforces Chapter 13.36 under §§ 1.08, 1.12, and 1.14, following a 60-day compliance period after a notice of violation as required by state regulation Section 18995.4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recycling mandatory in Bellflower?
Can I mix recyclables with regular trash in Bellflower?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellflower
California rules heatmap·Compare Bellflower to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle recycling requirements.