Inyo County, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Recycling in unincorporated Inyo County is primarily a drop-off and state-mandate program rather than a county-mandated curbside service. The County accepts recyclables at facilities including the Bishop-Sunland Landfill, the Big Pine Transfer Station, and the Lone Pine and Independence Landfills, taking materials such as glass containers (all colors, CRV and non-CRV), metals and aluminum cans, cardboard, and plastics #1 and #2, plus e-waste, universal waste (batteries, fluorescent tubes), mattresses, carpet, and tires; availability varies by community. The binding 'requirement' comes from California state law: under AB 341 (Mandatory Commercial Recycling), businesses that generate four or more cubic yards of solid waste per week and multifamily residential dwellings of five or more units must arrange for recycling services. These are state obligations that apply within Inyo County even though the County's rural setting relies heavily on drop-off rather than a universal residential recycling cart. Because a load that is entirely recyclable can avoid the landfill gate fee, the County's fee structure also encourages source separation.