Berkeley, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- SB 1383 organics mandate
- Local law
- BMC Chapter 11.28
- Streams
- Landfill, recycle, compost
- Food scraps
- Required in green cart
- Enforcement
- Contamination tags, fees
Summary
Berkeley requires separation of recyclables and organics from trash for all residents and businesses under BMC 11.28 and California SB 1383, with fines for contaminated or commingled loads.
California's Organic Waste Reduction — SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy. 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. Collections: All jurisdictions need to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses, and recycle organic waste. Food Recovery: Some food service businesses must donate unsold food to food recovery organizations.
Full Breakdown
Berkeley was an early adopter of mandatory source separation. Under BMC Chapter 11.28 and California SB 1383 (statewide organics mandate effective 2022), all single-family, multi-family, and commercial accounts must separate recyclables (blue split cart for paper and containers) and organics (green cart for food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings) from landfill trash (gray cart). Food scraps must go in the compost cart, not the trash. Plastic bags, film, styrofoam, and diapers belong in the landfill cart. Commercial generators must arrange edible food recovery if they meet SB 1383 tier thresholds. Contaminated carts may be tagged, and repeat offenses can result in fees or service upsizing. Berkeley's Zero Waste goal targets 75 percent diversion with ongoing outreach and audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to compost in Berkeley?
What goes in the blue cart?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
California rules heatmap·Compare Berkeley to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle recycling requirements.